PO shows up on Whirlpool refrigerators when the power was cut long enough for the freezer to warm past 18°F (-8°C), whether from a storm, a tripped breaker, or the fridge getting unplugged during a move. It isn’t a fault code. The display beeps three times and "Confirm" flashes until you acknowledge it, at which point PO clears and the screen returns to normal. The real question isn’t how to fix the code, it’s whether anything in the freezer thawed and refroze while the power was out.
Brand: Whirlpool
Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Code PO (Power Outage)
PO just means the refrigerator lost power for a while and the freezer warmed above 18°F. It’s not a broken part, just a safety alert to acknowledge.
Meaning
Possible causes
No cause is certain until it has been checked on the appliance.
- Very likely A power outage or breaker trip long enough for the freezer to warm past 18°F
- Likely The refrigerator was unplugged and moved, then plugged back in
- Possible A brief power flicker that still triggered the freezer temperature threshold
First checks
- Press and hold the button under "Confirm" (labeled Measured Fill on French door models) to acknowledge the alert and clear PO from the display.
- Check food in the freezer for signs of thawing or refreezing if the outage lasted more than a few hours.
- Confirm the refrigerator is fully plugged in and the outlet has power, especially after a move or a breaker trip.
What not to do
- Ignoring the food safety question because the code cleared. PO clearing just means you acknowledged it, not that the food inside is still good.
- Assuming PO means a broken control board. Whirlpool documents it purely as a power-loss indicator, not a fault code.
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.
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When to call a professional
If the simple checks didn’t solve it, if the fix involves electrical wiring, gas, or the refrigerant circuit, or if you have any doubt at all: stop there and hand the appliance to a qualified repair professional.