Maytag Refrigerator Error Code PO — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

PO on a Maytag refrigerator stands for Power Outage. The fridge lost power while you were away and is letting you know. The code itself is just a notification — not a malfunction.

Affected Models

Maytag French Door Refrigerator
Maytag Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Maytag Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Maytag Top Freezer Refrigerator

Common Causes

A power outage occurred while the refrigerator was unattended
Someone accidentally unplugged the refrigerator
A tripped circuit breaker cut power to the fridge
A brief power fluctuation caused the control board to log a power loss event

How to Fix It

Press any button on the control panel to clear the PO alert. The display should return to normal temperature readings.

PO is just a notification. Dismissing it does not affect how the refrigerator operates.
Check the current temperature on the display. The fridge should be at or below 40°F and the freezer at or below 0°F.

If the power was out for less than 4 hours, food in the fridge is generally safe. If more than 4 hours, check food carefully.
Check the circuit breaker panel. Make sure the breaker for the refrigerator circuit is fully in the ON position.

A breaker that is partially tripped (in the middle position) looks on but is actually off. Flip it fully off, then back on.
Make sure the refrigerator is plugged directly into a wall outlet — not an extension cord.

Extension cords can cause intermittent power loss that registers as a PO event.
Give the refrigerator 4 hours to return to normal operating temperatures after power is restored. Avoid opening the doors frequently during this time.

Every time you open the door, warm air enters and slows the cooling recovery.

When to Call a Professional

PO itself does not require a technician — it is just an alert. However, if the fridge does not cool back to normal temperature within 4 hours after power is restored, something else may be wrong. Call Maytag support at 1-800-344-1274 if cooling doesn't recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my food safe after a power outage?

If the power was out for less than 4 hours and you kept the doors closed, food in the fridge is generally safe. The freezer stays safe for up to 48 hours if full and 24 hours if half full — as long as the door stays closed. When in doubt, throw it out — food poisoning is not worth the risk.

Why does my Maytag fridge show PO every time there is a brief flicker?

Modern Maytag refrigerators log any power interruption, even fractions of a second. This is a feature, not a flaw — it lets you know the fridge lost power even briefly. If it happens frequently, you may have an unstable power supply or a loose outlet connection.

Do I need to reset anything after clearing PO?

No — just press a button to clear the alert. The refrigerator resumes normal operation automatically. You do not need to adjust any temperature settings.