On the covered LG dishwasher platform, PF means power was cut off — LG is explicit that PF is NOT an error. LG states the dishwasher recalls the last operation before the power cut and continues from there. First, confirm whether household power was interrupted or the unit was unplugged.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG dishwasher code PF”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Power was cut off while the dishwasher was running (PF)
What separates it PF shows after an outage or after the machine was unplugged
How to confirm Confirm whether household power was interrupted
- 2
A breaker or a GFCI outlet that tripped
What separates it The machine lost power for a moment
How to confirm Look at the breaker panel and any GFCI outlet
- 3
The plug was knocked loose
What separates it The dishwasher was moved or pulled out
How to confirm Push the plug in fully
- 4
A surge that reset the control
What separates it The lights flickered
How to confirm Wait a minute and start again
- 5
A circuit that drops out repeatedly
What separates it PF returns often
How to confirm An electrician checks the circuit
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- When PF appeared and whether power was out
- Whether the breaker tripped
- Whether the dishwasher was moved
- The model number
Try in this order
0 of 11 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleConfirm whether household power was interrupted or the unit was unplugged.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleSimply start the dishwasher again.
Confirm the cause
ReversibleLG says PF is not an error: it indicates power was cut off and the unit will continue from the last point of operation.
Restart the cycle
ReversibleSimply start the dishwasher again by pressing Start/Pause.
Check the supply if it repeats
ReversibleIf PF repeats with no outage, check the outlet, the plug and the breaker.
Confirm the power cut
ReversibleThink about whether the lights flickered, a breaker tripped or someone unplugged the machine, since PF means that power was lost.
Simply start the dishwasher again
ReversibleLG states that the dishwasher recalls the last operation before the power cut and continues from there, so press Start to resume.
Check the breaker and the outlet
ReversibleReset a tripped breaker or a GFCI outlet, and make sure that the plug is seated fully in the outlet.
Let the cycle finish
ReversibleThe machine carries on from where it stopped, so allow it to complete and check the dishes at the end.
Watch for a repeat
ReversibleIf PF returns several times without any power cut, note when it happens and what else is running.
Have the circuit checked
ReversibleIf PF keeps returning, an electrician should test the circuit and the outlet.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The code on this page
- PF, a power failure notice, not a fault.
- Parts involved
- The household supply, the plug and the circuit.
- LG's guidance
- Simply start the dishwasher again.
- PF is a message, not a fault
- LG is explicit that PF is not an error, so there is nothing to repair. The dishwasher is only reporting that its power was cut, and it is built to resume from where it stopped.
- What if the dishes are dirty
- A cycle that was cut short may leave dishes unfinished. If you are unsure how far it got, run a short rinse or a full cycle again, since a second wash does no harm.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Unplug the dishwasher before you check the cord
- !Have an electrician check the circuit if PF repeats without any outage
- !LG says PF is not an error, so only call if it returns without any power interruption
- !Have an electrician check a circuit that keeps dropping out
- !Do not run a dishwasher on a circuit that trips
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. LG's guide is the only source for PF.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does PF mean on a LG dishwasher?+
power was cut off — LG is explicit that PF is NOT an error. LG states the dishwasher recalls the last operation before the power cut and continues from there.
Will it lose the cycle?+
No; it recalls the last operation.
Does PF mean the dishwasher is faulty?+
No; it records that power was cut, so check the supply before you suspect the machine.
Does the dishwasher remember the cycle?+
Yes, LG states it recalls the last operation before the power cut and continues from there.
Why does it keep coming back?+
A loose plug, a weak circuit or repeated trips can cause it.
Do I need to reload the dishwasher after PF?+
No, leave the dishes where they are and press Start to resume.
Why does PF appear when nothing was wrong with the power?+
A brief flicker you did not notice can be enough, so a single PF is nothing to worry about.