On the covered GE microwave oven, 888, 8888, PF means GE states this display can appear at first installation or after power is restored following a power failure. It is not a fault. First, confirm household power was interrupted or the unit was newly installed.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE microwave oven code 888, 8888, PF”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The display is showing 888, 8888 or PF after a power interruption
What separates it The microwave was just installed, or the house lost power and came back
How to confirm Check whether the power flickered or the microwave was just plugged in
- 2
A breaker or a GFCI outlet that tripped
What separates it The microwave went dark and then showed the display after the breaker was reset
How to confirm Look at the breaker panel and any GFCI outlet on the circuit
- 3
A power outage while the microwave was running
What separates it The microwave stopped mid-cycle
How to confirm Clear the display and set the clock again
- 4
A plug that was knocked loose
What separates it The microwave was moved or cleaned behind
How to confirm Push the plug fully into the outlet
- 5
A circuit that keeps dropping out
What separates it The display returns repeatedly
How to confirm Have an electrician check the circuit
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the display shows 888, 8888 or PF
- Whether there was a power cut or the microwave was just installed
- Whether a breaker or GFCI had tripped
- The model number
Try in this order
0 of 12 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleConfirm household power was interrupted or the unit was newly installed.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleTouch Cancel/Off or Clear/Off to clear the display, then reset the clock on models that have one.
Cancel it
ReversibleTouch the Cancel/Off or Clear/Off pad to clear the display.
Reset the clock
ReversibleReset the clock on models that have one.
Resume
ReversibleNormal operation resumes.
Reset the clock
ReversiblePress Clear or Off, then set the clock again; the microwave will not run timed cooking reliably until it has a valid time.
Look for a power event
ReversibleThink whether the lights flickered, a breaker tripped or the microwave was only just plugged in.
Touch Cancel/Off or Clear/Off
ReversibleGE says this clears the display on its models, whichever key your panel carries.
Set the clock
ReversibleOn models that have a clock, reset the time so the display shows normally.
Check the plug
ReversiblePush it fully into the outlet and make sure the cord is not strained.
Run a short test
ReversibleHeat a cup of water for thirty seconds to check that the microwave works.
Watch for a repeat
ReversibleIf the display comes back without a power cut, note when it happens.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Parts involved
- None; the display is a notice, not a fault.
- Source
- GE's microwave code table.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Nothing here is a fault; have the circuit checked if it repeats without an outage
- !GE says this is not a fault, so only call for service if the display keeps returning without a power cut
- !Have an electrician check the circuit if the breaker trips repeatedly
- !Do not use a microwave that has a damaged plug or cord
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The Cancel/Off clear is GE's own.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does 888, 8888, PF mean on a GE microwave oven?+
GE states this display can appear at first installation or after power is restored following a power failure. It is not a fault.
Is the microwave damaged by the power cut?+
No, the display is only telling you that power was lost.
Why does it keep coming back?+
A circuit that drops out or a loose plug can cause it to repeat.