Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Code PF — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

PF on a Whirlpool refrigerator is not an error — it means the refrigerator recorded a power failure or outage. The code appears when power is restored so you know cooling was interrupted. It is simply an informational alert that lets you decide whether to check your food for spoilage. Press any button on the control panel to dismiss PF and return to normal operation.

Affected Models

Whirlpool WRF535SWHZ
Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ
Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ
Whirlpool WRT518SZFM
Whirlpool WRS571CIHZ

Common Causes

A power outage occurred in your home while the refrigerator was running
Someone unplugged the refrigerator and plugged it back in
A tripped circuit breaker briefly cut power to the refrigerator
A voltage surge or dip from the utility caused a momentary power interruption
A loose power cord or outlet contact briefly broke the electrical connection

How to Fix It

Press any button on the refrigerator's control panel to acknowledge the PF alert. The display will return to normal temperature readings.

On some models you may need to press and hold the alarm button for 3 seconds to clear PF.
Check the current temperature readings on the display. After a power outage the refrigerator needs time to return to safe temperatures — allow 4 to 6 hours for the interior to stabilize.

A full refrigerator holds temperature longer than an empty one. A closed door during an outage keeps food safe for approximately 4 hours.
Inspect your food for spoilage. If the power was out for more than 4 hours, check meat, dairy, and leftovers carefully. When in doubt, throw it out.

Freezer food remains safe for 24–48 hours during an outage if the door stays closed and the freezer is full.
If PF appears but you had no obvious power outage, check the power cord where it plugs into the wall. A loose plug can cause brief interruptions that the refrigerator logs as a power failure.

Ensure the refrigerator is plugged directly into a grounded wall outlet — not an extension cord or power strip.
Check your home's circuit breaker panel for any tripped breakers. A refrigerator drawing too much current, or sharing a circuit with high-draw appliances, can cause intermittent breaker trips.

Refrigerators should ideally be on a dedicated 15 or 20-amp circuit.

When to Call a Professional

PF is an informational code that requires no repair — it resolves by pressing any button. If PF appears repeatedly without any obvious power outages, check the refrigerator's outlet and power cord for loose connections. Contact an electrician if your circuit breaker is tripping frequently. Call a Whirlpool technician only if the display shows PF constantly and will not clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything after PF clears?

Just press any button to dismiss PF and then check your food. Make sure the refrigerator temperature returns to 37°F (3°C) in the fridge section and 0°F (-18°C) in the freezer within a few hours. If temperatures do not recover within 6 hours, something else may be wrong with the cooling system.

Is PF the same as a real error code?

No — PF is purely informational, not a fault code. Your refrigerator is working correctly and simply telling you that power was interrupted. There is nothing wrong with the appliance. Real fault codes on Whirlpool refrigerators start with E followed by a number (E1, E2, E3, etc.).

Why does PF keep coming back even without obvious outages?

Repeated PF codes without a known outage usually mean a loose power connection. Check the plug at the wall outlet — it should be fully inserted with no wobble. Also check your circuit breaker; a breaker that trips and resets can cause repeated PF codes. If the outlet or cord is fine, an electrician should inspect your home wiring.