Frigidaire Dishwasher PF Error Code: Causes and Reset
Quick Answer
A PF code means the dishwasher lost power during a cycle. To fix it, press the Cancel button to clear the display and then start a new cycle. If the code persists, you likely have a loose wire in the junction box or a tripped circuit breaker.
Most of the time when I show up for a PF code, the homeowner already cleared it by hitting cancel. But if it keeps coming back, that's when it gets interesting. I've seen this be a totally free fix and I've seen it turn into a $180 control board. Ignore it long enough and a loose wire connection can actually arc and scorch inside your cabinet. Don't let it get there.
FrigidaireDishwasherSeverity: low95% DIY Success
Time to Fix
5–45 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flathead screwdriver
What Does the PF Code Mean?
OK so nine times out of ten this is just the machine tattling on itself after a power blip. Could've been a storm, a utility hiccup, your kid flipping the wrong breaker. The board is basically saying 'hey, my cycle got cut short and I don't know why.' Usually clears in 30 seconds. But if it keeps happening? That's when you actually need to look at the wiring.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
External Power Surge or Outage75%
Loose Junction Box Wiring15%
Failing Control Board10%
Symptoms You May Notice
Display goes dark mid-cycle and then shows PF when power comes back, with dirty dishes still inside and standing water in the bottom of the tub.
Control panel is completely unresponsive, buttons don't beep or do anything, even though other appliances in the kitchen are running fine.
You walk into the kitchen and the dishwasher is just sitting there. Quiet. No humming, no water sounds, stopped dead mid-cycle.
PF code shows up first thing in the morning even though nobody ran it overnight, meaning it lost power at some point while sitting idle.
Can you reset a Frigidaire dishwasher to clear the PF code?
Press Cancel (or Cancel/Drain) and hold it for 3 seconds. You should hear a beep and the display will clear. Wait 30 seconds before starting a new cycle. If the buttons don't respond at all, go flip the dishwasher breaker off at the panel, leave it off for 60 seconds, then flip it back on. After power is restored, wait another 30 seconds before trying to start anything.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriverFlathead screwdriverDigital multimeter (AC voltage, 200V range)Wire nuts (standard orange or red size)Work glovesFlashlight or headlamp
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range115–125 VAC
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a PF error mean my dishwasher is broken?
Nope, not automatically. Honestly, most of the time it just means there was a power hiccup somewhere in the house or the utility company had a brief event. If you hit cancel, run a new cycle, and it finishes fine, you don't need to buy anything. I'd only start worrying if it comes back more than twice in the same week without any storms or outages to explain it. One or two random PF codes over a few months is totally normal on these boards.
Can a loose power cord cause a PF error?
Yeah, absolutely. Not every Frigidaire dishwasher is hardwired. Some of them plug into an outlet under the sink. If yours does, pull the plug out and look at the prongs. If they're discolored or the outlet feels loose when you plug it back in, that's your problem right there. A worn outlet can't handle the load spike when the motor kicks on and the connection momentarily drops. Swap the outlet or call an electrician. It's a $15 part at the hardware store.
Why does the PF code keep coming back every day?
If it's happening daily, something's physically wrong and it won't fix itself. The two most likely culprits are loose wire nuts in the junction box and a failing control board. Start with the junction box because it's free to fix. Open it up, tighten or replace those wire nuts, and see if the code stops. If the wiring looks perfect and tight, you're probably looking at a control board replacement. Parts usually run $100-$180 depending on the model.
Will my dishes be clean if the PF code is showing?
No. When PF hits, the cycle stops dead wherever it was. If it happened before the detergent dissolved, there might be an undissolved pod just sitting in the dispenser tray. Clear the code, check that the dispenser is empty (if not, rinse it out before restarting), and run a full fresh wash cycle. Don't try to resume from where it left off. Just start over.
Is it safe to ignore the PF code and just restart it?
Once or twice, sure. But if it keeps happening, stop ignoring it. A loose wire connection that's causing these micro-dropouts generates heat every time it arcs. Over time that heat can scorch the wire insulation or melt the wire nut, and now you've got a potential fire hazard hiding inside your cabinet. I've seen junction boxes that looked like they went through a campfire because somebody kept restarting the dishwasher instead of spending 10 minutes checking the wiring.
How much does it cost to fix a recurring PF error?
Depends on the cause. Loose wire nut in the junction box? Basically free, $3 for new wire nuts. Bad outlet? An electrician visit runs $75-$150 depending on where you live. Failed control board? Figure $100-$180 for the part plus labor if you hire someone. Most people can swap the control board themselves though, it's really not that hard on these Frigidaire models. Pull four screws, unplug some connectors, done.
Models Known to Experience PF Errors
This repair applies to most Frigidaire dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include: