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

What Does This Error Mean?

The PW error on a Whirlpool refrigerator stands for 'Power' — specifically a power interruption was detected. The refrigerator lost power at some point (from a power outage, tripped breaker, or accidentally unplugged) and is alerting you. This is not a fault — it's an information code letting you know the temperature may have been affected. You should check that food is still safe, clear the error, and verify the fridge is cooling normally.

Affected Models

Whirlpool WRF535SWHZ
Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ
Whirlpool WRF767SDHZ
Whirlpool WRT518SZFM
Whirlpool WRB322DMBM

Common Causes

A power outage interrupted power to the refrigerator
The refrigerator was unplugged and plugged back in
A tripped circuit breaker cut power and was later reset
A power surge or brownout caused a momentary power loss
Loose power cord connection briefly interrupted the power supply

How to Fix It

Acknowledge the PW error by pressing the appropriate button on your control panel. On most Whirlpool models, pressing OK, Accept, or any temperature button dismisses the power loss notification. The exact button depends on your model — check your owner's manual.

If you can't find the dismiss button, unplugging the refrigerator for 30 seconds and plugging it back in resets the display on most models.
Check your food safety. The PW code tells you power was interrupted but doesn't tell you how long it was off. If the outage was less than 4 hours and the fridge stayed closed, food is generally safe. If it was longer or the doors were opened, use a thermometer to check temperatures.

The FDA guideline is: refrigerator food is safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage if the door stays closed. Freezer food is safe for 24-48 hours if the freezer is kept closed.
Verify the refrigerator is cooling normally. Check the temperature display — it should be reading around 37°F (3°C) for the fridge section and 0°F (-18°C) for the freezer. If temperatures are higher than normal, the compressor may need 30-60 minutes to cool down fully after a power restoration.

After a power outage, refrigerators typically take 1-4 hours to fully return to target temperatures, especially if the freezer contents partially thawed.
Inspect the power cord and outlet. Make sure the cord is firmly plugged into the wall outlet and hasn't worked loose. Also check the outlet by plugging in another device like a lamp. If the outlet has no power, check your home's circuit breaker panel for a tripped breaker.

Refrigerators should be on a dedicated circuit. If the fridge shares a circuit with other appliances, overloads can trip the breaker repeatedly.
If the PW error reappears frequently without obvious power outages, the power cord or outlet connection may be intermittently loose. Try plugging the refrigerator into a different outlet or inspect the cord for any damage. An intermittently loose connection can also prevent a compressor start relay from working correctly.

Never use an extension cord with a refrigerator — refrigerators draw too much current on startup and extension cords can cause voltage drops and connection issues.

When to Call a Professional

The PW error itself does not require a technician — it's an informational alert. If the refrigerator is not cooling properly after the power was restored, that is a separate issue worth investigating. If the compressor doesn't restart after a power event, a technician can check the start relay and compressor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my food safe after the power went out?

As a general rule: if the power was off for less than 4 hours and you kept the refrigerator door closed, the food is safe. For the freezer, food stays safe for 24 hours (half-full freezer) to 48 hours (full freezer) if the door stays closed. When in doubt, use a food thermometer — refrigerator food should be 40°F (4°C) or below to be safe. If anything has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours, discard it.

Why does my Whirlpool refrigerator show PW after a storm?

Power flickers and brownouts during storms are detected by the refrigerator's control board even if they're brief. A fraction-of-a-second power dip is enough to trigger the PW notification. This is normal and expected behavior — it's the refrigerator informing you there was a power event so you can check food safety. Simply dismiss the code and verify the fridge is cooling normally.

How do I prevent the PW error from affecting my refrigerator?

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for your refrigerator can provide short-term battery backup during brief outages. However, most home UPS units don't have enough capacity for the compressor's startup current draw. For storm protection, a whole-house surge protector helps protect against surges. Keeping the freezer full (with water bottles if needed) helps maintain cold temperatures longer during extended outages.