Kenmore Elite 45986 Front Load Washer Logo
Posted on Apr 16, 2017
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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Kenmore Elite HE3t which F21 code

We have a 14 month old Kenmore Elite HE3t which is run approx. 20 times per week. It is failing with an F21 error code about 10 minutes prior to the end of the cycle. We disconnected the hose to find it full of a brown/gray gunk with a consistency of almost pudding. It has been very difficult to remove. Checked the filter....clean. Using proper detergent at about 1/2 to 2/3 recommended amount. Also have well water so using water softener. Able to get the machine to drain when restarting it and using the spin cycle however next load same problems occur. Any help? Four kids under 8 with dirty clothes!

1 Answer

Chop Dopeybloke

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  • Expert 124 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 17, 2017
Chop Dopeybloke
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I'm guessing the HOSE is the drain hose.
The goop is causing the drain motor to overheat causing it to report error. (luckily or it'd burn out).
Give it a empty load with nothing in it to see if it flushes it all out.
Just water.
See if it completes full cycle and check pump filter again to see if clean.
TIP. Make sure you check ALL pockets before you wash clothes.
;)

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Feb 05, 2008

SOURCE: Water Softner Dispense wont empty - Kenmore Elite Quiet Pak 4 HE3t

I'm sure you heard a small motor running from time to time during a cycle. That moves an "arm" which sends water to the different chambers during a cycle. Fabric softener is dispensed when water goes to that chamber and dilutes the fabric softener. That chamber then empties by a siphoning action.
If you want to narrow down the problem a little to help trouble shoot -- put some wet rags in and run the Rinse and Spin cycle with some fabric softener. If the softener is not dispensed, then you know that the water isn't being sent to that chamber properly.
If you are intrepid enough to take the top off your washer, do that and see if the arm appears to be moving during a normal cycle. Maybe the arm got dislodged or broken during the move.
If water isn't being diverted properly, I think this calls for a real repair person.

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Anonymous

  • 44 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 10, 2009

SOURCE: F35 & SuD error codes on Kenmore Elite Washer

F35 has to do with the pressure switch which is located under the top panel on the back right. It will have a little black hose hooked to it. This happens when SUDS or detergent somehow gets up into it and usually locks unit out. Only solution is to replace pressure switch. You can find the tech sheet behind the bottom front panel usually tape to the back side of that panel or taped to the bottom right side inside unit. Hope this helps

Anonymous

  • 13 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 22, 2010

SOURCE: Random brown stains in random loads of laundry

Hi from Australia

Ok the problem with your washing machine is that there is grease and oil stuck in the machine and the oil will dribble out when you run the machine on a different cycle if you rince with cold water then the oil stays in there and the hot water lets a little bit out as it is stuck in the pipes of your machine ok the first thing is run an empty load on full hot water even the rince cycle with 1 cup of bleach nothing else let that go through the long cycle then do the same again with 1 cup of white vinger and 1/2 cup citric acid which you should be able to get over there or baking soda try that it will clean your machine and your pipes it is great way to keep it all clean by the time you have done this you should not have any brown stains
Have a great weekend

Anonymous

  • 15935 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 11, 2010

SOURCE: Is there an easy way to remove the panel above the

You could have a clog in the housing underneath the dispenser where the water flows through a hose into the tub.
Pull the dispenser drawer completely out.
There is a tab that needs to be depressed to release the drawer and remove it.
Check the opening at the bottom of the housing just inside the dispenser housing opening to see if a small sock or garment is clogging this opening.
Reach down into this opening to see if an item is inside the hose.
This is the normal issue that will cause water to leak out of the dispenser housing.

Wash the dispenser drawer thoroughly with warm water. Make sure that you pull off the siphon covers and wash all siphon holes. This process is described in your owner's manual. Replace the dispenser drawer and try the washer again.

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Anonymous

  • 15935 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 12, 2010

SOURCE: My Kenmore HE3T Washer keeps doing F21 - drain

“F21” is a Long Drain error. If the drain time exceeds 8 minutes this error code will be displayed. In addition, a “SUDS” error may also be displayed. This may be an indication of a drain pump problem and/or clog in the drain line. You will need to check the following:


1.First, attempt to unplug the washer for at LEAST 30 minutes to reset the Central Control Unit (CCU). Sometimes this is all that is required to correct momentary glitches with the unit. If the error code returns, proceed to step 2.
2.Check the drain hose to make sure it is not kinked or clogged.
3.Check the electrical connections to the pump and ensure the pump is running.
4.Remove the drain pump filter and check for foreign objects and/or debris.
To check the drain pump, click on the following link for step-by-step instructions

http://www.fixya.com/support/r385844-checking_drain_pump_kenmore_elite_front

If the above procedures do not correct the problem, it is recommended by the manufacturer to replace the drain pump.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question

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F21 Error Code on Whirlpool Duet & Kenmore Elite Front Loader Washers

This advice is for Kenmore Elite and Whirlpool Duet model FRONT LOADERS displaying the “F21” error code.

“F21” is a Long Drain error. If the drain time exceeds 8 minutes this error code will be displayed. In addition, a “SUDS” error may also be displayed. This may be an indication of a drain pump problem and/or clog in the drain line. You will need to check the following:

  1. First, attempt to unplug the washer for at LEAST 30 minutes to reset the Central Control Unit (CCU). Sometimes this is all that is required to correct momentary glitches with the unit. If the error code returns, proceed to step 2.
  2. Check the drain hose to make sure it is not kinked or clogged.
  3. Check the electrical connections to the pump and ensure the pump is running.
  4. Remove the drain pump filter and check for foreign objects and/or debris.
To check the drain pump, click on the following link for step-by-step instructions.


http://www.fixya.com/support/r385844-checking_drain_pump_kenmore_elite_front

If the above procedures do not correct the problem, it is recommended by the manufacturer to replace the drain pump.
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F21 Error Code on Whirlpool Duet & Kenmore Elite Front Loader Washers

This advice is for Kenmore Elite and Whirlpool Duet model FRONT LOADERS displaying the “F21” error code.

“F21” is a Long Drain error. If the drain time exceeds 8 minutes this error code will be displayed. In addition, a “SUDS” error may also be displayed. This may be an indication of a drain pump problem and/or clog in the drain line. You will need to check the following:

  1. First, attempt to unplug the washer for at LEAST 30 minutes to reset the Central Control Unit (CCU). Sometimes this is all that is required to correct momentary glitches with the unit. If the error code returns, proceed to step 2.
  2. Check the drain hose to make sure it is not kinked or clogged.
  3. Check the electrical connections to the pump and ensure the pump is running.
  4. Remove the drain pump filter and check for foreign objects and/or debris.
To check the drain pump, click on the following link for step-by-step instructions.


http://www.fixya.com/support/r385844-checking_drain_pump_kenmore_elite_front

If the above procedures do not correct the problem, it is recommended by the manufacturer to replace the drain pump.
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I have a Kenmore HE2Plus - it is 6 years old. All of a sudden two days ago I got up to a load of laundry not done, full of water and the code F21. We have gone through most all of your suggestions. At...

The Sd code appears when sud is detected but it may also indicate draining problem such as blocked drain filter or broken drain pump as signified by the long drain error code F21. The drain pump impeller may be broken or restricted resulting in poor draining or no draining at all or the drain pump motor is faulty. Since the drain hose and filter have been cleaned but the error code still persists, the drain pump likely needs to be replaced. Click on the link below for the detailed troubleshooting instructions.

Troubleshooting Error Code F02/F21 on Kenmore Elite and Whirlpool Duet Front Load Washing
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My Kenmore HE3T Washer keeps doing F21 - drain

“F21” is a Long Drain error. If the drain time exceeds 8 minutes this error code will be displayed. In addition, a “SUDS” error may also be displayed. This may be an indication of a drain pump problem and/or clog in the drain line. You will need to check the following:


1.First, attempt to unplug the washer for at LEAST 30 minutes to reset the Central Control Unit (CCU). Sometimes this is all that is required to correct momentary glitches with the unit. If the error code returns, proceed to step 2.
2.Check the drain hose to make sure it is not kinked or clogged.
3.Check the electrical connections to the pump and ensure the pump is running.
4.Remove the drain pump filter and check for foreign objects and/or debris.
To check the drain pump, click on the following link for step-by-step instructions

http://www.fixya.com/support/r385844-checking_drain_pump_kenmore_elite_front

If the above procedures do not correct the problem, it is recommended by the manufacturer to replace the drain pump.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question
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I keep getting the F21 code on my kenmore HE3t washing machine. What does it mean other than call for service?

The f21 code means that you need to clean the filter.

EXPLANATION AND RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE
F21 LONG DRAIN

If the drain time exceeds 8 minutes the water valves turn off.
NOTES:After 4 minutes the “Sd” error will be displayed, then
4 minutes later the “F/21” error code will be displayed. Press
PAUSE/CANCEL two times to clear the display.

Possible Causes/Procedure
1. Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or
kinked.
2. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
3. Check the electrical connections at the pump and make sure
the pump is running.
4. Check the drain pump filter for foreign objects.
5. Plug in washer or reconnect power.
6. If the above does not correct the problem, go to step 7.
7. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
8. Replace the pump.
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My Kenmore Elite HE3t is giving me the error masage F21. What can I do to fix it

"F21" is a Long Drain error. If the drain time exceeds 8 minutes this error code will be displayed. In addition, a "SUDS" error may also be displayed. This may be an indication of a drain pump problem and/or clog in the drain line. You will need to check the following:


1.First, attempt to unplug the washer for at LEAST 30 minutes to reset the Central Control Unit (CCU). Sometimes this is all that is required to correct momentary glitches with the unit. If the error code returns, proceed to step 2.
2.Check the drain hose to make sure it is not kinked or clogged.
3.Check the electrical connections to the pump and ensure the pump is running.
4.Remove the drain pump filter and check for foreign objects and/or debris.
To check the drain pump, click on the following link for step-by-step instructions

http://www.fixya.com/support/r385844-checking_drain_pump_kenmore_elite_front

If the above procedures do not correct the problem, it is recommended by the manufacturer to replace the drain pump.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question
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Kenmore elite error code

possible electronics failure. my HE4t has completly gone dead at the control panel after displaying error codes. A class action law suite is in the works on the HE3t HE4t machines.
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