Error E21 in a Weissgauff washing machine
The E21 error message displayed on a Weissgauff washing machine indicates a drainage problem. The machine either drains too slowly or doesn't drain at all. What should you do in this situation? Where should you begin troubleshooting your washing machine? Let's explore the details.
It might be a blockage
It's very difficult to immediately determine the cause of a malfunctioning drain, especially if there's no information about the washing machine's behavior immediately before the failure. It's important to understand at what point in the cycle the washing machine "stuck," whether the pump was activated, and what sounds the machine made while trying to get the pump going. With this information, you can identify the problem based on its symptoms.
If there is no data on the "behavior" of the washing machine immediately before the breakdown, it will be necessary to sequentially check all elements of the Weissgauff drainage system.
Typically, the machine cannot drain water into the sewer due to problems with the drain filter or pump. The filter element becomes clogged with debris that gets into the washing machine, the pump burns out or gets blocked by hair that gets wrapped around the impeller. The inspection is carried out from simple to complex, so the "trash bin" is inspected first.
If there are drainage issues, the washing machine will freeze with a full tank. Therefore, the first step is to empty the machine. The waste water will drain through the waste filter. The procedure is as follows:
- de-energize the Weissgauff SMA;
- disconnect the washing machine from the water supply;
- move the device away from the wall or remove it from the niche;
- remove anything from the machine that could be damaged by contact with water (powders, carpets);
- cover the floor near the washing machine with rags;
- open the technical hatch (it is located in the lower right corner of the case);
- find the trash filter;
- tilt the machine body back so that the legs are 5-7 cm off the floor;
- Place a container to collect water under the appliance, in the area where the waste filter is located.
Next, carefully unscrew the waste container. First, turn the plug half a turn clockwise. Wait until some of the water drains and the pressure eases, then remove the filter completely. Don't rush, otherwise a stream of waste liquid will gush out of the machine.
After this, you need to clean the drain filter. If there's only minor dirt, rinsing the coil under the tap will suffice. Avoid contact with hot water, as this may cause deformation of the waste container.
Sometimes a thick layer of limescale and scale may be found on the debris filter. In this case, the part will need to be soaked in warm water with citric acid. The dirt can then be removed with a toothbrush.
Also, be sure to clean the drain hole that appears after removing the debris filter. Besides dirt, you might find a sock or other foreign objects inside. If there's limescale buildup, remove it with a toothbrush or a sponge with an abrasive surface.
What should you do if the debris filter is clean and it's definitely not the cause? Next, inspect the Weissgauff washing machine's drain hose for a blockage. If you feel a blockage, rinse the hose under warm running water.
It's possible that the problem isn't with the machine at all, but with a clogged drain pipe or trap. So, check how the water drains from your bathtub or sink. If the drain is blocked, call a plumber.
Let's pay attention to the pump
If no blockages are found, you'll need to check the Weissgauff washing machine's drain pump. It's responsible for pumping waste water from the tank to the sewer. If the pump is clogged or broken, draining water becomes impossible. During diagnostics, you will have to dismantle and inspect the element and, if necessary, test it with a multimeter.
Owners of Weissgauff washing machines are in luck. Accessing the pump on these machines is very easy—just look underneath the bottom of the appliance. To remove the pump yourself, you'll need:
- de-energize the washing machine, close the shut-off valve, disconnect the machine from utilities;
- drain the water from the tank by unscrewing the debris filter;
- lay the machine on its side (it is important to lay the washing machine on the side where the powder compartment is located – this will prevent moisture from getting on the control module);
- detach the bottom of the case (some Weissgauff models are equipped with an “Aquastop” protection, which also needs to be reset);
- find the drain pump;
- loosen the bolts securing the pump;
- disconnect the wiring and pipes from the pump;
- turn the pump from right to left, then lightly press the device into the housing;
- remove the pump from the grooves and pull it out of the machine.
Before disassembling the washing machine, be sure to de-energize the equipment and wear protective gloves.
After disassembling, inspect the pump. It's often very difficult to visually determine the nature of the fault. You'll need to disassemble the pump, clean it, and test it with a multimeter. We'll explain the diagnostic procedure.
We unscrew and clean the pump
The E21 error code often appears on a Weissgauff washing machine display due to a malfunctioning drain pump. However, a malfunction isn't always the cause. Sometimes the pump becomes clogged with debris and therefore doesn't function properly. Repairing the machine involves cleaning it.
The pump body is virtually impervious to contamination. Hair and threads tangled around the screw are common causes of system obstruction. To restore pump operation, you'll need:
- unscrew the bolts located on the drain pump body;
- split the body in half;
- find the shaft with the impeller;
- remove threads, lint and other debris from the blades.
The impeller is also checked. It should rotate freely, with slight tension, and not fall off the shaft. If the part becomes loose and falls off, it must be secured or replaced entirely.
It's also worth cleaning the pump housing immediately. After that, you can reassemble the pump and secure it to the washing machine body. Next, return the machine to its upright position, connect it to the power supply, and run it in test mode. If water drains smoothly from the tank, the problem has been resolved.
The pump coil is malfunctioning
It is better to immediately test the pump with a multimeter after cleaning it. The tester is switched to resistance measurement mode, its probes are applied to the pump contacts. Next, the readings on the device screen are evaluated:
- resistance from 150 to 260 Ohm – everything is fine, the pump is working properly;
- 0 – failure due to short circuit;
- less than 150 Ohm – failure due to winding breakage.
A burnt-out pump cannot be repaired; you will have to buy and install a new pump.
Don't even try to repair a broken winding or repair a short circuit. It's easier and more reliable to buy a new pump—it's inexpensive. When purchasing, be sure to check the model and serial number of your Weissgauff washing machine. You can also take the pump to the store and find a replacement.
After installing the new pump, reassemble the machine in reverse order and run a test cycle. Observe the washing machine. Drainage should be restored.
If even replacing the pump doesn't clear the error code, the problem lies with the Weissgauff washing machine's control module. You'll need to call a service center specialist to diagnose the electronic unit. Repairing the circuit board yourself is impossible without sufficient knowledge and experience.
Interesting:
2 reader comments
Add a comment
Headings
Washing machine repair
For buyers
For users
Dishwasher
Thank you very much. Everything was described step by step. I got the car up and running in 10 minutes.
Thank you very much for the instructions! Everything worked!