Frigidaire Washer · Code E21 / E20

Frigidaire Washer E21 code: Slow drain (front-load)

On Frigidaire and Electrolux front-load washers, E21 means the water is pumping out too slowly and the drain step took too long. E20 is a related drain code on some models.

Most common causes

  1. Clogged drain pump filter (coin trap)
  2. Kinked or clogged drain hose
  3. Clogged house drain or standpipe
  4. Failed drain pump
  5. Control board fault

What you can safely check yourself

  1. Unplug the washer, put towels down, and clean the drain pump filter behind the small door at the bottom front.
  2. Check the drain hose for kinks and clogs.
  3. Make sure the drain hose isn't pushed too far down the standpipe.
  4. Unplug the washer for a minute, then plug it back in and run a Drain & Spin.

Unplug the appliance before moving or cleaning anything. Do not open panels, touch gas connections or bypass safety switches.

Checked against: searspartsdirect.com · partselect.com. Meanings can vary by model; check your owner’s manual.

Quick answers

What does E21 mean on a Frigidaire Washer?

On Frigidaire and Electrolux front-load washers, E21 means the water is pumping out too slowly and the drain step took too long. E20 is a related drain code on some models.

Can I clear the E21 code myself?

Try these first: Unplug the washer, put towels down, and clean the drain pump filter behind the small door at the bottom front. Check the drain hose for kinks and clogs. Make sure the drain hose isn't pushed too far down the standpipe. Unplug the washer for a minute, then plug it back in and run a Drain & Spin. If the filter and hose are clear and E21 returns, the drain pump probably needs replacing. Call a technician.

How much does it cost to fix a E21 code?

It depends on the cause. At FixPro the diagnostic visit is $79.00 and is credited in full to the repair; you get a flat-rate quote before any work starts.

Other Frigidaire Washer codes

E1 · Slow fill or no water (top-load)E2 · Slow drain (top-load)E41 · Door open (front-load)E3 · Lid open or lid lock failed (top-load)E4 · Out of balance (top-load)E5 · Washer not level (top-load)E11 · Fill time too long (front-load)E35 · Overfill (front-load)

Still showing the code?

A FixPro technician will find the cause and give you a flat price. $79.00 diagnostic, credited toward the repair.

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