On the covered Whirlpool dryer, PF means power was interrupted during the cycle First, confirm household power was actually lost. Then: touch and hold Start to continue, or Power to clear the display. Confirm household power was actually lost at that moment.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool dryer code PF”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A power outage during the cycle
What separates it PF shows after the lights flickered or went out
How to confirm Confirm household power was actually lost at that moment
- 2
Line noise during an outage that the control read as a wrong voltage
What separates it PF appeared but there was no lasting power outage at home
How to confirm Whirlpool says unexpected power supply line noise during an outage can make the control display PF
- 3
A key pressed before the 10 second power-up delay ended
What separates it PF appeared right after the dryer was plugged in
How to confirm Whirlpool says pressing any key before the 10-second delay on power-up can cause PF
- 4
A damaged or loose power cord
What separates it PF repeats even though there was no household power outage
How to confirm The tables say to check the outlet cord and replace it if damaged
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the lights flickered or the power went out
- Whether a key was pressed right at power-up
- Whether the power cord or plug looks damaged
Try in this order
0 of 13 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleConfirm household power was actually lost.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleTouch and hold Start to continue, or Power to clear the display. Whirlpool documents one check for this code — has the Cycle Been Interrupted by a Power Failure — so confirm that before treating anything else as the cause.
Restart or clear
ReversibleWhirlpool says to touch and hold Start to restart the dryer cycle, or press Power to clear the display.
Reset after an outage
ReversibleIf a recent power outage has occurred, turn off the household circuit breaker for the dryer for one minute, reset it and monitor the dryer for one minute to make sure PF does not return.
Check the cord if it repeats
ReversibleThe Duet and Cabrio tables say that if power failures occur frequently, check the outlet cord and replace it if it is damaged.
Watch the next cycle
ReversibleAfter the reset, run a timed dry cycle and watch it through the first minute; a dryer that finishes normally with no repeat of PF was reacting to an outage or to line noise, not to a failed part.
Restart or clear the display
ReversibleWhirlpool's product help says to touch and hold START to restart the cycle, or press POWER to clear the display.
Avoid pressing keys on power-up
ReversibleA key pressed in the 10 seconds after power returns, or line noise during an outage, can make the control show PF even though nothing is wrong with the dryer.
Check the date and the weather
ReversibleThink about whether there was a storm or a brief outage when PF appeared. A one-time PF after a known interruption needs nothing but a restart, and noting that stops you chasing a fault that is not there.
Touch and hold Start
ReversibleWhirlpool says to touch and hold Start to continue the cycle, or Power to clear the display. Choose Start if the load is still damp, and Power if you want to begin again.
Think about how you start a cycle after an outage
ReversibleWhirlpool says to touch and hold Start to continue, or to press Power to clear the display. Holding Start for a couple of seconds is the part that people miss, and a quick tap does nothing.
Check the dryer's cord and outlet
ReversibleA cord that is loose in the outlet, or that has been bent sharply behind the dryer, can interrupt the power by itself. Push the plug in firmly and make sure that the cord is not pinched.
Verify once, then respect the service boundary
ReversibleWhirlpool specifies a 1 minute power interruption for this code, not an arbitrary one.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- PF.
- Parts named by the service tables
- Power cord.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Unplug the dryer before you inspect the power cord
- !Call an electrician if the outlet is warm, scorched or arcing
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The 10-second power-up delay is Whirlpool's own wording.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does PF mean on a Whirlpool dryer?+
power was interrupted during the cycle
How do I restart?+
Touch and hold Start, or press Power to clear the display.
Can PF show with no outage?+
Yes; Whirlpool says line noise or a key pressed early on power-up can cause it.
Does PF mean the dryer is broken?+
No. Whirlpool describes PF as a power failure that interrupted the cycle, not as a failed component.
Why did PF appear right after I plugged the dryer in?+
Whirlpool says any key pressed before the 10-second delay on power-up can make the control display PF, so wait for the delay to end before touching the panel.
How long an interruption sets PF?+
Whirlpool specifies a one-minute power interruption for this code, so even a brief outage can set it.
Is the load ruined?+
No, the clothes are simply partly dry, and the cycle can be restarted.
Why does my dryer show PF every storm?+
A weak circuit or a loose plug makes the dryer more sensitive, so check the plug and the breaker.
Should I use a surge protector?+
A whole-house surge protector can help, though a dryer's high current needs a protector rated for it.
What does Whirlpool say to do?+
Touch and hold Start to continue the cycle, or press Power to clear the display.
Why hold the button?+
A brief tap is read as a bump, and holding it confirms that you want to continue.
Can I ignore PF?+
Yes, once you have restarted the cycle, unless it keeps returning.