Brand:whirlpool
**Model Number:**WFW5090GW Main Symptom:won’t spin What happens & when: washer cycle starts fine but drum never spins
Error Code (if any): f21
Parts or tests already tried:
Photos / video link:
I just bought this whirlpool front loader used - it’s only 3 years old and was in a guest cabin and hardly ever used. It looks brand new. I brought it home and started the washer and it fills with water fine but the drum doesn’t spin at all. It drains fine even though it’s throwing the error code F21. I removed the filter and inspected the drain and everything seems fine. Does anyone know what I could troubleshoot? Based on my research it is could be the control board or possibly the motor. This model doesn’t have a belt but rather a stator - could that be bad? Thanks in advance!
If the washer is draining but still showing an F21 error, that usually means it’s draining too slowly. The washer expects the water to drain within a certain amount of time (usually around 8 minutes), and if it takes longer than expected, it will display the code.
A few things to check:
Inspect the drain hose for any kinks or partial clogs.
Verify the household drain isn’t restricted.
If everything is clear, the drain pump may be getting weak and not moving water as efficiently as it should.
A couple quick questions:
Is there any water left in the tub when the error appears?
Do you hear the drain pump running normally, or is it louder than usual?
With that information, I can help narrow down the cause
Thank you for the info and response. From what I can see, it is draining just fine, the drum just never spins. I inspected the filter and it’s completely clear of any obstructions. I can hear the drain pump work and I can physically watch water get pumped out of the drain tube just fine. When I run a cycle, it fills with water and drains completely. There is no water left in the drum. It simply just never spins. You mentioned 8 minutes, well you’d expect the drum to spin at least once in 8 minutes before it starts trying to drain.
Any ideas what would cause it to not spin at all? This model doesn’t have a belt but instead has a stator. By process of elimination I’m thinking it’s either the stator or the control board. I’m confused why F21 code is appearing - it doesn’t make sense to me when the drain works just fine. Also, this washer is only 3 years old but hadn’t been used in the last year. And it was living in a small, rarely used guest cabin so it’s hardly been used at all in the last 3 years so I wouldn’t expect a drain pump to be failing with that minimal use.
At this point I think running a system diagnostics would help point us in the right direction. I will attach the tech sheet and there is also a paper copy of it located under the top cover of the washer
Entering Service Diagnostic Mode (Service Test Cycle “CS”)
Important: Run diagnostics with the washer empty.
Make sure the washer is in Standby Mode:
Washer is plugged in.
All indicators and display are OFF.
Open and close the washer door.
Press and hold POWER until the display turns on and the indicators scroll from left to right.
When the time display appears, you have 60 seconds to do the following:
Press and hold OPTIONS.
While holding OPTIONS, press DELAY WASH4 times within 5 seconds.
The display will show:
CS = Service Test Cycle
CF = Factory Test Cycle
If necessary, rotate the cycle knob until CS is displayed.
Press the flashing START button.
All indicators will illuminate.
If stored fault codes exist, they will be displayed.
If no fault codes are stored, the display will show F–.
Do NOT select CF (Factory Test Cycle). It is intended for factory use only and may create false fault codes.
Running the Service Test Cycle
After entering diagnostics and viewing any stored fault codes, press and hold START.
The washer will automatically perform a series of component tests:
Step 1 – Door Lock Test
Door locks.
Control verifies lock and unlock circuits.
Step 2 – Water Valve Tests
Cold water valve energizes.
Hot water valve energizes.
Dispenser valves (detergent, bleach, softener, etc.) energize as equipped.
Step 3 – Wash Motor Test
Basket tumbles in both directions.
Motor and motor control operation are checked.
Step 4 – Drain Pump Test
Drain pump runs.
Water is pumped from the tub.
Step 5 – Spin Test
Basket accelerates into spin.
Control monitors motor feedback and speed.
Step 6 – Completion
Cycle ends.
Door unlocks.
Washer returns to diagnostic mode.
Viewing Stored Fault Codes
When diagnostics is entered:
F– = No stored fault codes.
F#E# = Stored fault code(s).
Common examples:
F0E2 – Oversuds condition
F5E2 – Door lock error
F8E1 – Long fill / no water detected
F9E1 – Long drain
F6E3 – Communication error
Exiting Diagnostic Mode
Press and hold POWER, or
Turn the cycle selector knob.
Note: Service Diagnostic Mode automatically times out after approximately 1 minute of inactivity.
If you provide the washer’s model number and any F#E# code displayed, I can provide the specific troubleshooting procedure and component tests for that fault.