Whirlpool Washing Machine 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 washing machine 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 Washing Machine error code PF on the display panel — How the PF code appears on a Whirlpool washing machine display

What Does Error Code PF Mean on a Whirlpool Washing Machine?

Power failure — a power interruption stopped the cycle.

PF is logged when the control board detects that main power was interrupted mid-cycle rather than a normal shutdown. On the next power-up the board recognizes the cycle did not complete and flags PF so the load can be resumed. It reflects loss of input voltage, not a defective motor, valve, or sensor, which distinguishes it from component-specific fault codes. A momentary brown-out, an unseated cord, or a weak breaker are enough to trigger it.

Models affected: Whirlpool top-load and front-load washers with digital control displays, including models such as WTW5000DW, WFW5620HW, WTW8127LC, WFW9620HC, WTW5057LW, and WFW6620HW

What owners report: Owners commonly report PF appearing after a storm, brief outage, or when several appliances share a circuit, and it usually clears with a simple restart. If it keeps returning while house power seems steady, checking that the cord is fully seated in the outlet is a frequent quick win.

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

Control board power input fault 10% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool Washing Machine 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

Press START to resume, or press POWER/PAUSE-CANCEL to clear the display.
2

Check the outlet and cord

Confirm the cord is fully seated and the outlet is sound.

⚠️ Unplug before inspecting the cord.
3

Reset and monitor the breaker

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

How to Reset Error Code PF

Press START to resume, or 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 washer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Washer won't start →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

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 Washing Machine:

🔩

Search PartSelect

Whirlpool Washing Machine repair parts

🔧

Search RepairClinic

Step-by-step video guides

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

More Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes

F8E1 Low water fill detected — water inlet problem F9E1 Drain failure — cycle paused, water not draining F5E2 Door lock failure — latch cannot engage F1E1 Main control board failure SUD Excessive suds detected — too much detergent F0E2 Dispenser cannot dispense detergent or additive

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

What most commonly causes PF on a Whirlpool Washing Machine? +

Across reported Whirlpool washing machine 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 Washing Machine 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 Washing Machine models show error PF? +

PF is documented on Whirlpool top-load and front-load washers with digital control displays, including models such as WTW5000DW, WFW5620HW, WTW8127LC, WFW9620HC, WTW5057LW, and WFW6620HW. 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.

← All Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes ← All Whirlpool Error Codes