What to do now
Check that the washer has stable power before restarting or clearing the display.
Error code
Whirlpool Top Load HE Washer Error PF: Meaning, Safe Checks and Official Source
The wash cycle was interrupted by a power failure. Check that the washer has stable power before restarting or clearing the display. Do not keep running the appliance if the code returns or a safety sign appears.
Applies to: Whirlpool top-load HE washer support article scope.Confidence HIGHLast verified 2026-07-25
Applies to
- Whirlpool top-load HE washers covered by the cited Product Help article
- Displayed PF code in that top-load scope
Region: United States. This page does not generalize the code to every Whirlpool washer.
What the code means
The washer recorded that the cycle was interrupted by a power failure. Whirlpool lists START held to restart the cycle, or POWER pressed to clear the display.
Confirmed: Whirlpool documents PF for top-load HE washers as a power-failure interruption during the wash cycle. This page does not treat PF as proof of a failed control board or electrical part.
Can you keep using it?
Only after safe supply checks and only if the code clears.
When to stop
Stop using the washer if power trips again, the outlet is wet, there is a hot smell, lights flicker severely, or PF repeats without a known outage.
When to call a professional
Contact service or an electrician if PF repeats with stable household power or any electrical safety concern is present.
Safe checks
- Confirm the home power is stable.
- Check that the washer plug and outlet area are dry and undamaged.
- Use the documented restart or clear action only if there is no burning smell, water near power, or repeated power loss.
Confirmed by the manufacturer
- The wash cycle was interrupted by a power failure.
- The display may be restarted with START or cleared with POWER according to Whirlpool.
Commonly associated with this fault
- A recent outage, tripped circuit or interrupted power event is compatible with PF when the washer otherwise behaves normally.
Not confirmed for this exact model
- A failed control board, outlet, harness or line-voltage issue is not confirmed by the cited PF row and needs qualified diagnosis if PF repeats.
Reset instructions
Whirlpool says to touch and hold START to restart the washer cycle, or press POWER to clear the display.
Use the documented action once after confirming the power area is safe. If PF returns without an obvious outage, stop repeating cycles.
Information to collect before calling service
Record the model label, whether there was a known outage, breaker behavior, outlet condition, and whether PF appears at startup or mid-cycle.