Whirlpool Dryer Error Code PF

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: July 19, 2026

✓ Low Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Power failure — a power interruption stopped the cycle

The most common cause of the PF error on a Whirlpool dryer is brief power interruption / brown-out (~55% of cases); start with: restart the cycle.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$0 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $80–$180 Save $80+ by doing it yourself

Whirlpool Dryer error code PF on the display panel — How the PF code appears on a Whirlpool dryer display

What Does Error Code PF Mean on a Whirlpool Dryer?

Power failure — a power interruption stopped the cycle.

PF is a logged event, not a fault: the control board detected that supply voltage dropped or was interrupted mid-cycle, so it stored the state and displayed PF on the next power-up. It fires on brief brown-outs, a loose cord or outlet, or a weak breaker, and can also appear if a button is pressed during the roughly 10-second power-up delay. Unlike component codes, it points to the incoming power, not a heater, motor, or sensor.

Models affected: Whirlpool electronic-control dryers with a digital display, including models such as WED4815EW, WED5620HW, WED6620HW, and WGD4815EW

What owners report: Owners commonly report PF after a storm, a flickered outlet, or bumping a button right after switching the dryer on, and it usually clears once START is held again. If it keeps returning with steady house power, people often trace it to a partly unseated cord or a tired outlet.

What Causes Error Code PF?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

1

Brief power interruption / brown-out 55% of cases
2

Loose power cord or outlet connection 20% of cases
3

Tripped or weak breaker 15% of cases
4

Key pressed during power-up delay 10% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool Dryer Error Code PF

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min

⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.

1

Restart the cycle

Touch and hold START to resume, or press POWER to clear the display.
2

Check the outlet and cord

Confirm the cord is fully seated and the outlet is sound; for electric dryers verify both legs of 240V.

⚠️ Unplug before inspecting the cord.
3

Reset and monitor the breaker

Reset the circuit breaker and watch the dryer for one minute to confirm PF does not return.

How to Reset Error Code PF

Touch and hold START to restart, or press POWER to clear. Reset the breaker if power was lost.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Whirlpool dryer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Dryer won't start →

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When to Call a Professional

If PF returns repeatedly with stable house power, the cord, outlet, or control board power input needs inspection.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $80–$180

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code PF appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows PF →

LG Dryer PF

Power failure — cycle interrupted

LG Oven PF

Power failure — unit lost power during operation (not a fault)

GE Appliances Dishwasher PF

Power failure — cycle interrupted by power outage

GE Appliances Refrigerator PF

Power failure — power to the refrigerator was interrupted

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Whirlpool Dryer:

🔩

Search PartSelect

Whirlpool Dryer repair parts

🔧

Search RepairClinic

Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes

F01 Main control board failure F22 Outlet thermistor failure F30 Restricted airflow — vent blockage F26 Drive motor failure F28 Moisture sensor bar failure — primary sensor F29 Moisture sensor bar failure — secondary sensor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Whirlpool Dryer when error PF appears? +

Usually yes — PF is a low-severity power notice that rarely stops the dryer from working, but clearing the underlying cause prevents it from escalating.

What most commonly causes PF on a Whirlpool Dryer? +

Across reported Whirlpool dryer repairs, the most frequent is brief power interruption / brown-out (55% of cases), loose power cord or outlet connection (20%), then tripped or weak breaker (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.

PF keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +

A reset only clears the stored PF fault; if it returns, the power problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — restart the cycle, then check the outlet and cord — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.

How much does it cost to fix Whirlpool Dryer error PF? +

A DIY repair typically runs $0–$0 in parts, versus $80–$180 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $80. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.

Which Whirlpool Dryer models show error PF? +

PF is documented on Whirlpool electronic-control dryers with a digital display, including models such as WED4815EW, WED5620HW, WED6620HW, and WGD4815EW. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

• Whirlpool Product Help — official manufacturer documentation
• Our editorial & verification policy

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: July 19, 2026.

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