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Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Code PO

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
✓ Low Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Power outage indicator — power was interrupted

The most common cause of the PO error on a Whirlpool refrigerator is household power outage (~70% of cases); start with: acknowledge the alert.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$0 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $0–$150
Whirlpool Refrigerator error code PO on the display panel
How the PO code appears on a Whirlpool refrigerator display

What Does Error Code PO Mean on a Whirlpool Refrigerator?

Power outage indicator — power was interrupted.

PO is a status notification rather than a fault. When the control board detects that power was interrupted long enough to matter, it flags the event and, on many models, logs the warmest temperature the interior reached during the outage. It stays on the display until acknowledged. Unlike a CF communication fault, PO reflects an external power event, not an internal component failure, so no repair is implied unless it recurs without any actual outage.

Models affected: Whirlpool refrigerators with a digital temperature display and alarm functions, primarily French-door and side-by-side models such as the WRS325SDHZ and WRX735SDHZ; basic top-freezer units without a full display generally do not show this indicator
What owners report: Owners commonly report seeing PO after a storm, a tripped breaker, or when the unit was briefly unplugged during cleaning. It can be falsely triggered by a loose outlet connection or a shared circuit that dips under load, and most people clear it simply by pressing the confirm button once power is stable.

What Causes Error Code PO?

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

  1. 1
    Household power outage 70% of cases
  2. 2
    Breaker tripped or unit unplugged 20% of cases
  3. 3
    Loose power connection at the outlet 10% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Code PO

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Acknowledge the alert

    Press Confirm/OK (or the Measured Fill / Options button per your model) to clear the PO display.

  2. 2

    Check food temperatures

    If the displayed max temperature exceeded 40°F for over 2 hours, inspect perishables before keeping them.

  3. 3

    Verify the power source

    If no outage occurred, check the breaker and outlet — repeated PO with no outage suggests a supply problem.

    ⚠️ Don't use an extension cord for a refrigerator.

How to Reset Error Code PO

Press the confirm button on the display to acknowledge and clear PO.

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

Full Whirlpool refrigerator reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If PO appears repeatedly with no household outages, have an electrician check the circuit.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $0–$150

Related Error Codes

CF
Communication failure between control boards
⚠ Medium Severity

Find Replacement Parts

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

🔩
Search PartSelect
Whirlpool Refrigerator repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

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

More Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Codes

SY EF Evaporator fan motor failure SY CF Condenser fan motor failure E0 Freezer thermistor failure 18 C Ice maker fault — ice maker not cycling correctly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Whirlpool Refrigerator when error PO appears? +
Usually yes — PO is a low-severity power notice that rarely stops the refrigerator from working, but clearing the underlying cause prevents it from escalating.
What most commonly causes PO on a Whirlpool Refrigerator? +
Across reported Whirlpool refrigerator repairs, the most frequent is household power outage (70% of cases), breaker tripped or unit unplugged (20%), then loose power connection at the outlet (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
PO keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored PO fault; if it returns, the power problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — acknowledge the alert, then check food temperatures — 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 Refrigerator error PO? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$0 in parts, versus $0–$150 for a professional service call. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which Whirlpool Refrigerator models show error PO? +
PO is documented on Whirlpool refrigerators with a digital temperature display and alarm functions, primarily French-door and side-by-side models such as the WRS325SDHZ and WRX735SDHZ; basic top-freezer units without a full display generally do not show this indicator. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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