Whirlpool Dryers error code
Power failure interrupted the cycle
Whirlpool says PF appears when a power failure interrupts the drying cycle. Clear or restart it once, then investigate if it returns without a known outage.
Also shown as: Power Failure, PF error
Direct answer
PF at a glance
- Meaning
- Power failure interrupted the cycle
- Urgency
- Check now
- First safe check
- Confirm there is no electrical odor, damaged cord, hot plug, or repeatedly tripped breaker.
- Model note
- PF is a power-failure message on applicable Whirlpool dryers. Button labels, restart behavior, and whether a stored PF appears at power-up vary by model, so confirm the model manual.
Confirm the symptom
What usually appears with PF
- PF appears after an outage or flicker
- A drying cycle stopped before completion
- The display powers up but reports PF
- PF returns even though no household outage occurred
Likely causes
Why PF appears
- 01A utility outage or brief power interruption
- 02The dryer circuit was switched off during a cycle
- 03An unstable supply or repeated breaker interruption
Observation-led diagnosis
Start with what you can actually see
An error code identifies a system, not a replacement part. Match the observable condition before deciding what to check next.
| What you observe | What it suggests | Safest next move |
|---|---|---|
| PF followed a confirmed utility outage | The dryer recorded the interrupted cycle as designed | Owner checkClear PF with POWER or hold START to resume, then observe one cycle. |
| PF appeared when power was restored | The control is reporting the earlier interruption | Owner checkUse the normal clear or restart control; do not open the dryer. |
| PF returns with no known outage | The branch circuit, connection, supply, or appliance may be interrupting power | Stop and serviceStop repeating cycles and have the supply and dryer evaluated by qualified professionals. |
| A breaker trips, or the plug, cord, or receptacle is hot or discolored | A hazardous electrical fault or connection may be present | Stop and serviceLeave power off and call a qualified electrician before the dryer is used again. |
Safe diagnostic path
What to check, in order
- 01
Confirm there is no electrical odor, damaged cord, hot plug, or repeatedly tripped breaker.
- 02
Press POWER to clear PF, or hold START to restart the interrupted cycle as Whirlpool directs.
- 03
After a known outage, switch the correctly identified dryer breaker off for one minute, then restore it once.
- 04
Observe one cycle and arrange electrical or appliance service if PF returns without another outage.
Know when to stop
Don’t push past this point
Leave the dryer off for repeated breaker trips, sparks, electrical odor, a hot or discolored plug, a damaged cord, or PF that returns without a known interruption.
- Do not repeatedly reset a breaker that trips again.
- Do not remove the receptacle, power-cord, or terminal cover.
- Do not assume PF identifies a failed control board; it only confirms that power was interrupted.
Primary source
How this page was checked
The code meaning and manufacturer-specific guidance were checked against the linked support material on August 31, 2026. Confirm details against the manual for your exact model before removing panels or parts.
Read Whirlpool Product Help: PF dryer power-failure guidance ↗Common follow-up questions
About Whirlpool code PF
What does PF mean on a Whirlpool dryers?
PF means “Power failure interrupted the cycle.” Whirlpool says PF appears when a power failure interrupts the drying cycle. Clear or restart it once, then investigate if it returns without a known outage.
Can I clear PF by resetting the appliance?
Whirlpool says POWER clears PF and holding START restarts the cycle. After an outage, Whirlpool also describes a one-minute breaker reset. Use either response once; a returning PF needs diagnosis, not repeated resets.
Does PF mean the same thing on every Whirlpool model?
PF is a power-failure message on applicable Whirlpool dryers. Button labels, restart behavior, and whether a stored PF appears at power-up vary by model, so confirm the model manual.
When should I stop troubleshooting PF?
Leave the dryer off for repeated breaker trips, sparks, electrical odor, a hot or discolored plug, a damaged cord, or PF that returns without a known interruption.