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Whirlpool Dryer Error Code PF (Power Failure Memory)

PF just means the dryer lost power mid-cycle and remembers it, it’s not a sign of a broken part.

Risk: Low

Meaning

PF shows up after the dryer’s power was interrupted mid-cycle, usually a blackout or a tripped breaker. It’s a memory flag, not a diagnosis: the control board is telling you the cycle didn’t finish, nothing more.

The information provided here is a diagnostic aid and does not replace the intervention of a qualified professional.

Possible causes

No cause is certain until it has been checked on the appliance.

Very likely Recent power outage or breaker trip
Likely Dryer unplugged or moved while running
Possible Loose power cord connection at the outlet
Rare Recurring internal electrical fault on the control board

Tools needed

Flashlight
Non-contact voltage tester (optional)

First checks

Press Start once to clear the code and resume or restart the cycle.
Check the breaker panel for the dryer circuit and reset it if tripped.
Push the power cord fully into the outlet and confirm the outlet isn't loose.
Note whether PF keeps returning on every cycle, not just after a known outage.

Step-by-step diagnosis

Press Start once. On most Whirlpool models that clears PF and resumes the cycle that was interrupted.
If the display stays on PF, unplug the dryer for a full minute and plug it back in. On a hardwired unit, cut the breaker instead.
Open the breaker panel and look at the dryer circuit. A 240 V dryer runs on a double breaker, and a half-tripped breaker can look closed while only one leg is still live.
Pull the dryer forward and push the cord fully into the outlet. A plug that has backed out a few millimetres is enough to drop power once the motor loads up.
Run a short timed-dry cycle and watch for PF. Once is a power event. Every cycle is something else.
If it returns every time, note when: at start, when the motor kicks in, or at the heat stage. That timing is the first thing a technician will ask you.

What not to do

Assuming PF means a part failed and ordering replacement parts before checking for a simple power interruption.
Repeatedly restarting the cycle without checking the breaker if PF returns every time.

When to stop

PF comes back on every cycle with a healthy breaker and a firmly seated cord. The fault is then internal, on the control board or its supply.
The outlet is warm, discoloured, or smells of hot plastic. Stop there. That is a wiring problem, not a dryer problem, and it belongs to an electrician.

An error code varies by brand

The same code can have a different meaning depending on the brand and model. Always check your appliance's manual before acting.

Related guides

When to call a professional

If the simple checks turned up nothing, if the repair involves electricity, gas, or the sealed refrigerant system, or if you have any doubt at all: stop there and hand the appliance over to a qualified technician.