Kenmore Elite 45986 Front Load Washer Logo
Posted on Sep 30, 2008

Kenmore Elite HE3T - F21 Error and SUD error

Washer will run through almost entire cycle then go into SUD error. Will eventually then go to F21 error. I can get the unit to drain after I push stop. Pump seems to work, no clogs that are apparent, using correct soap.

  • 6 more comments 
  • cooltower Sep 30, 2008

    I found from a different post that it could be the pump strainer. That is exactly what it was. There are 3 screws on the bottom panel you need to remove. Take off panel. Facing you is the pump strainer. Big white piece of plastic. It is the only thing you can unscrew by hand. Opened this and found 4 socks, sticks, and fishing lure. Can't imagine how things this big made it through to this point. Removed junk and now it works. Hope that helps.

  • kylemrichie Oct 02, 2008

    stuck on  the sud cycle and won't continue to wash

  • Anonymous Feb 22, 2009

    Ok, I sound ignorant, but, I am reading your blog on the F21 error, you say remove the panel and ck to see if there is trash in the drain, which it isn't draining. I don't see the panel with 3 screws you can remove. Can you tell me exactly where it is. My washer has been down 2 days, kids in school and repair man can not be out here for two weeks. Thanks

  • ladycat12 Mar 07, 2009

    ok, so mine is doing the samething, dumb question, but are the screws on the very bottom? do you lift the washer up? as mine are stacked....

  • realnay
    realnay May 29, 2012

    Unplug the washer, remove the drain hose from the drain in the wall, use a shop vac to drain the water from the washer through the drain hose, you should end up with almost all of the water out of the machine.

  • jasontminus
    jasontminus Jun 25, 2012

    Same problem.. perfect solution. the 3 screws are on the bottom of the lower front
    panel. pulled the filter, removed the sludge, rinsed the filter.
    shop vac' the waste water in the pump. screw the filter back in.
    replace panel and screws... Runs like new!!!
    took all of 8 minutes. to service..... saved $150

  • Nellie Penunuri
    Nellie Penunuri Jun 19, 2014

    THANK YOU SO MUCH.....OMG! i got this washer in 2007 this is the first time error code F21 came on ,i just cleaned out 7 yrs of black crud ,bobby pins ,nails and 2 dimes & 2 pennies .....im Rich $$ Best of all i paid $0.00 to fix it. I did it all my self and all of your help Thanks, Nellie from riverside ca

  • Nellie Penunuri
    Nellie Penunuri Jun 19, 2014

    yes this works !!!!!! THANK YOU

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  • Posted on Feb 27, 2009
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I don't just got done checking and sure enough it was filled with socks, rocks, and small debris. I don't know yet if it fixed it but will know in a few hours. In any case, these items could not have been good. First, try to make sure all water is out. Run on spin cycle for 10 minutes, be prepared for about 4 to 6 cups of water coming out.

the fix: You should always unplug for safety!
There are three screws at the very bottom of washer. You will need and extension and a star tip. They are on good and tight so I used a cordless drill and extension. I'm sorry I can't tell you which star tip I used. I bought a little security kit from harbor freight that has all these tips and one worked. Their is a white canister that has one hose in and another hose out. Just unscrew slowley and clean if dirty. You might be as surprised as I was if you find any junk.

Good Luck

  • 5 more comments 
  • jieddo May 06, 2011

    Same problem, F21 and Sud errors. I followed Sgt Ski's instructions and recovered two small socks and some other etc junk from the strainer, then re-assembled. Works fine now. Many thanx for saving me a $60+ visit from a repair guy!

  • lustful101 Jul 22, 2011

    Same problem. Came to this post and found the solution. Saved me $300. Thank you very much.

  • spady Aug 17, 2011

    Same problem, same fix....thank you so much!!

  • Snwbrdfntc Sep 25, 2011

    This is what fixed mine last time when I received F21 error. I am currently receiving the Sud error and I am trying to spin/drain to see if this will fix it again. Let's hope!

  • Anonymous Jul 20, 2012

    same problem this was very good advice I can't believe that I fixed this myself Thank You Very much!

  • Lisa
    Lisa Feb 22, 2015

    Six years later and I tried this quick fix and it worked! Thank you so much!!! This saved waiting for a technician to come look at the washer AND who knows how much $$$$. Oh, and I cannot believe the junk (and smell) that can actually get clogged down there….battery casing, and entire inside to a pen!, bra pads!!! YIKES! Thank you again!!

  • Anonymous Feb 24, 2015

    I'm still amazed and very glad my post still helps, sorry about the grammar errors.

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This worked! took the front off and cleaned out the trash drain and viola....a sock along with legos and other junk! Thanks for this site...saved $$ on a repair man!

  • jmtynan Mar 31, 2011

    Worked like a charm!! Be prepared though...lots of water!!! Am a stay at home mom and I must say, after repairing the washer, I feel quite accomplished today!!

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Thanks for the tip, this worked perfect and was pretty straightforward. I just tilted the washer back and propped it up with some wood blocks. 3 screws are right on the front at the very bottom. I used a 9/32 socket to remove them. The front cover slides right off. The drain trap cleanout is right in the middle. Turn the large white knob counter-clockwise to remove it and clean.

Thanks again for all the tips!! Very easy to DIY and saves $$ on a repairman.

  • Diane Fischer
    Diane Fischer Aug 26, 2015

    you are awesome! every detail saved me from back and forth for this and that... I am grateful for your input!!!
    sounds crazy but this housewife is happy I can do laundry again :) LOL

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This is pretty good! We just did ours as we have been getting the same codes... The screws are on the front of the machine at the bottom. If you have the under drawers that lift the machine they are just above that. We should have tried the spin and drain cycle first as A LOT of water came out. Flooded the floor but now the floor is clean and the washer works.... Lots of debris was in the canister thing. Thanks everyone for great posts!!!

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I had the same SUD error, and your solution fixed it perfectly! The only difference was the cause: we had started using those "all-in-one" washer-to-dryer sheets a month or so ago, and hadn't noticed that every so often, one would go missing...guess where four of them ended up?
Thanks for the fix!

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Thank you, thank you, thank you. Found a clothespin, a paintbrush, lip gloss, various sticks and straws and candy wrappers. Glad I didn't call the repairperson. Like others have said, it was easy.

  • tingstad9 Jun 15, 2011

    Thank you for this advice! Worked like a charm. I would like to add that those of you who are pet owners out there may want to clean this trap regardless. I found a handful of dog/cat hair in mine along with pens, clothes pins, etc. Also, if your kids enjoy playing with air soft guns, take a look at your trap. Half of the drain holes in mine were plugged by those little balls the guns shoot.

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Before you go to open up the filter, get out the shop vac and vaccum out the water through the drain hose. It will empty out 99% of the water that would otherwise wind up on the floor. Once done and closed up, pour about a quart of water into the machine so as not to run the drain pump dry once the machine starts up next time. If cleaning junk out of the filter does not solve the problem, it might be that your water pressure switch is malfunctioning. You can replace it yourself pretty easily.

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I have done that twice already drained the washing machine, and it had not worked, everytime I run my washer either the Sud or f35 pop up within the first min... Please help

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Perfect instructions. I tilted the washer back, popped off the screws, then cleaned the canister. It took more time cleaning the floor from the water that drained than the actual fix but washer is up and running smooth. Thanks!

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Oh my gosh! I have never seen so much lint and stinky stagnant water. Kinda gross but amazing! So glad I was able to fix it by myself. Everyone should know how to do this!

  • sunnyjen76
    sunnyjen76 Sep 28, 2013

    Although cleaning out the drain was a temporary fix, the error came back a few months later. After clearing the drain filter again we ultimately needed to replace the drain pump. This was also a very easy repair and just cost us the parts. The washer is workining better than ever.

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I keep getting the f21 error. Check the large object filter and drain hose. Removed some socks and quarters. Washer worked for 4 loads then received error again. I check and nothing in the filter or drain hose. The pump also checks out to be working. Any thoughts?

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Thank you sooo much for posting about this washer. I'm a 60 year old grandma and I fixed it myself too. I found a mini treasure in that strainer .. lots of coins, my grandson's guitar pick, pins and needles and a piece of paper that was covering lots of area which was probably why I got the SUD and another error. HL F or FHL? Can't remember now .. anyway .. woohoo for me! I did it all by myself!

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Wow, how did all that **** get in there. Found a pocketknife, quarter, inkpen, tie strap, lots of lint, and two all purpose washer sheets. Easy fix. Thanks for the help.

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"ERROR F21" I also took the front panel off of the front at the bottom. Very easy anyone can do it. Just make sure you have a bucket or towel to catch all the water. I found a sock, a nail, money, a Nerf bullet even an army man. I was shocked with every thing I found in there. Fixed my problem and took less than 5 min to unscrew the screws, clean it out and then put it back together.

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THANK YOU, THANK YOU....SAVED ME NOT ONLY $$$ BUT GRIEF...2 PENNIES, A BUTTON, PEARLS...AND LINT..LINT...DOGGIE HAIR..ETC
WHO EVER YOU ARE YOUR A SAINT! NOW I CAN CANCEL MY SEARS REPAIR APPOINTMENT

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I have a kenmore elite HE3 washer. I was getting the sud error and then eventually F02. I cleaned out all the drain lines and pump filter trap and this did not help. I've now replaced the pump

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My Kenmore Elite Front Load Washer -HE3t keeps stopping the cycle and the error F35 displays

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Included is a follow-on link that explains how to check the drain pump to clean. You may also have to remove the inlet hose that runs from the bottom of the wash tub to the inlet side of the drain pump. Debris and small articles of clothing such as socks or under garments can commonly clog in this area as well causing the drain cycle to fail.

NOTE: A "SUD" error code can often occur in conjunction with the "F21" error code. This is due to air being detected in the drainage system, which can occur if the pump is not running, or if you have an obstruction BEFORE the pump. You need to remove the inlet hose from the pump to ensure it is also not blocked. Correct your drainage system fault, and the SUD error (if displayed) should go away.

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http://www.fixya.com/support/r3574350-replacing_the_drain_pump_in_a_front_load

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My washer keeps saying f21? i have checked the hose and unplugged it to restart it. It is still not working

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http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608588-f21_error_code

Included is a follow-on link that explains how to check the drain pump to clean. You may also have to remove the inlet hose that runs from the bottom of the wash tub to the inlet side of the drain pump. Debris and small articles of clothing such as socks or under garments can commonly clog in this area as well causing the drain cycle to fail.

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http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608588-f21_error_code

Included is a follow-on link that explains how to check the drain pump to clean. You may also have to remove the inlet hose that runs from the bottom of the wash tub to the inlet side of the drain pump. Debris and small articles of clothing such as socks or under garments can commonly clog in this area as well causing the drain cycle to fail.

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Hello there"
Sud SUDS LOCK (Overdose of Detergent detected during the Wash Cycle)
The motor control unit senses a suds lock condition by analyzing the current draw on the drive motor. If "Sud" is displayed a potential suds lock is detected. This may signify a bad pump, an extra heavy load, excessive detergent, or excessive suds.
  • If too much detergent was used, run the unit through a Rinse/Spin cycle, then a Normal cycle, without adding any detergent. This should clear the unit of the excess detergent.
  • Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked.
  • Check Wire Harness connectors to the Drain Pump, Pressure Switch, and Central Control Unit (CCU)
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Kenmore Elite HE3t which F21 code

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.
;)
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Persistent F02 / SUD error. Tried all the tricks!

how about the line from pump to bottom of tank?not excess suds?might be bad control bd..f code is generated when control bd senses incorrect current draw by drain motor ..could be glitch in readings or a misread
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