Modern models of washing machines are distinguished by their high efficiency in the use of resources. They save water and electricity, and also have an alert system that warns if a failure occurs. But sometimes these alerts are confusing and annoying.
The display of the Maytag washing machine may show error F21. This means that for various reasons, the draining of water takes too long. The machine finishes the washing phase and stops working. The water does not drain and the door remains locked.
The problem can be serious, but not so serious as to immediately call the master. In this article, you will learn how to determine the root cause of the problem and fix it yourself. Even if you fail to fix the breakdown, self-diagnosis still makes sense. When the master comes, you will tell him what you did and what the results were. This information will help the specialist to quickly understand the situation and carry out repairs.
Why Maytag has problems draining
There are several common reasons why the appliance drains water for a long time:
- the hose is bent or incorrectly installed initially;
- the hose or filter is clogged with debris;
- the pump is broken;
- the water level sensor (pressure switch) is intermittent or broken;
- there are problems with electrical wiring;
- an error has occurred in the control panel.
The Maytag washing machine drains water for 8 minutes – this duration is set by the program. If the process takes longer, the water supply valves are automatically turned off. When this happens, the first thing you need to do is to find out why the duration of the drain is increasing.
Locking the lid lock is often the result of problems with draining water. The locking mechanism will not open until there is at least some liquid in the drum. As soon as normal draining is restored, the door lock will work correctly.
Ways to solve problems
The first tip is to make sure you are using the right powder. You want one that is designed for high efficiency washing machines. Detergents for hand washing or older washing machines produce too much foam, which blocks the drain.
Then go through the following steps.
Checking the drain hose
Make sure that it is not kinked or crushed, there are no mechanical blockages in it. To clean the hose, disconnect it from the washer using spring clip pliers or a screwdriver for screw-on zip ties. But before this action, make sure that all the water has left the drum.
To remove the plug from the debris, take a special cable for cleaning pipes and drains. Next, wash off the plaque from the walls of the hose by attaching it to the gander of the mixer. After cleaning, attach the drain hose to the washing machine and make sure it lies flat.
Pump test
The pump may stop working for one of the following reasons:
- a mechanical blockage has formed, which does not allow the blades to rotate;
- at the time of draining, power is not supplied to the electric motor;
- windings burnt out;
- tore off the gear (snail).
In Maytag washing machines, the filter is always located near the floor. In some models, it is located at the front left of the machine, in others – at the rear. To access the pump on front-loading appliances, the lower front panel must be removed. Top-loading machines will require the rear panel to be removed.
Use a voltmeter to check the electrical supply to the drain pump. It will show if the machine is getting enough voltage. The windings are checked with an ohmmeter. Indication of a short circuit or open circuit indicates a burnt out motor.
If the machine sometimes drains, sometimes does not drain water, and the engine runs intermittently, you need to check if the wire contact on the pump or pressure switch may be broken. Check the terminals and clean the surface from acidification.
The most difficult situation is when the noise of the pump is heard, and the hose performs its functions normally, but the drain does not flow. This may be a sign that the gears have broken. In this case, the pump will need to be replaced. This work is best left to a professional.
Filter check
Its function is to delay large debris: pieces of fabric, thread, coins, torn off buttons. Over time, dirt and foreign objects accumulate on the grid, due to which the fluid path to the pump is blocked, and the drain slows down. The filter needs to be cleaned periodically. It is a round piece on the drain pump.
Turn the filter counterclockwise and remove it. Clean the mesh, if necessary using detergents. Rinse the filter in running water and reinsert.
Sometimes the cover that closes the filter sticks to the body due to the accumulation of dirt, and if it is forcibly opened, the part may break. When this happens, do not continue to be zealous, but rather contact the master.
Checking the pressure switch
When the sensor breaks, the water flow simply stops. In some situations, the part works intermittently, and periodically sends a signal to turn on the motor. The pump pumps intermittently, and the duration of the drain is lengthened.
Another reason for the incorrect operation of the pressure switch may be its incorrect setting, which leads to premature shutdown of the pump. Because of this, the washing machine does not drain the water completely. You can fix the problem yourself only if you have specialized knowledge and skills.
Checking the control unit
The problem with draining water occurs when the control panel does not regulate the voltage level on the engine, but only gives the command to turn on. You can try rebooting the system. To do this, disconnect the appliance from the mains, and after 10-15 minutes, restart the spin and drain mode. If the problem is not solved by rebooting, you need to call the wizard.
Frequently asked Questions
Do I need to periodically clean the drain filter for prevention?
Yes, most experts advise cleaning the drain filter at least once a month if you use your washing machine a lot. A clogged mesh causes many problems.
What should I do if I have used the wrong detergent?
It is necessary to remove the foam manually by scooping it out with a bucket or ladle. After that, turn on the rinse mode on the washing machine to wash off the remaining foam.
How to reset the Maytag washing machine?
To reset the settings, follow three steps:
- press the power/cancel button;
- select the desired washing mode;
- Press the start/pause button again.
The settings have now been reset and you will be able to continue with the wash cycle set in point 2.
How to enter the diagnostic mode of the Maytag washing machine?
Most home appliance experts advise against entering diagnostic mode unless you have professional knowledge. But sometimes this is a good way to determine what problems have occurred with the device.Perform the diagnostic test with caution. First, make sure the washing machine has continuous power and all lights are on. The device must be in standby mode.
Select any button on the control panel other than the start, power, or pause button. Hold it down for three seconds. Release the button and then hold it for another three seconds. And for the last time, repeat the same action.
Now you are in the diagnostic mode, as indicated by the illuminated indicator and the number 88 on the display. If this does not happen, repeat the above steps again using a different button.
If various errors occurred earlier during the operation of the device, their list will be displayed again on the display. If there were no errors, the indicators will turn off. After 5 seconds, status diagnostics will begin. To exit test mode, press the power or stop button.
Can I drain the Maytag washing machine manually?
Yes it is possible. Disconnect the appliance from the mains and move it away from the wall. Shut off the water supply. Open the door, take out the laundry and scoop out as much water as possible with a jug. Then disconnect the drain hose from the sewer and lower it into a bucket so that the remaining water flows out of the drum.