E21
What code E21 means on a Frigidaire washing machines, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: LOW
Frigidaire E21 means: Drains slowly. The documented cause is: Check your house's washer drain and the washer's drain hose for clogs and clear any clogs found. Unplug the washer and check the drain pump for a clog.
What E21 means
Drains slowly
The display shows E21 and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.
What the technical documentation says
Causes documented in the technical source published by applianceaid.com
| DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK |
|---|
| Check your house's washer drain and the washer's drain hose for clogs and clear any clogs found |
| Unplug the washer and check the drain pump for a clog |
| If the drain path is clear, the drain pump usually needs replacing |
Replacement parts
Tools you'll need
Before you open anything
Unplug the machine and close the water tap before removing any panel. Water and mains electricity sit centimetres apart inside a washing machine. If the drum still holds water, drain it from the filter first — it can be scalding.
What to check, in order
From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.

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Frequently asked questions
What does E21 mean on a Frigidaire?
Drains slowly The documented cause is: Check your house's washer drain and the washer's drain hose for clogs and clear any clogs found. Unplug the washer and check the drain pump for a clog. If the drain path is clear, the drain pump usually needs replacing
Can I fix E21 myself?
It depends on the part involved: Check your house's washer drain and the washer's drain hose for clogs and clear any clogs found. Unplug the washer and check the drain pump for a clog. If the drain path is clear, the drain pump usually needs replacing Clearing a filter or straightening a hose is within reach of anyone; anything behind a panel means mains electricity and water together — that is a job for a technician.
Does Frigidaire use other codes on this appliance?
Yes: we document 39 other codes for Frigidaire on this washing machines. They are listed at the bottom of this page, each with its own meaning.
Does the same code mean the same thing on other brands?
Often not. The same two characters can point to completely different faults depending on the manufacturer — always check the page for your own brand.

