Frigidaire Dishwasher PF Error Code: Power Failure
Quick Answer
A PF code on a Frigidaire dishwasher indicates a power failure occurred during a cycle. To fix it, simply press the Cancel button to clear the display and restart your wash.
While a PF code often appears after a storm or local outage, it can also signal a loose wire nut in the junction box. This guide explains how to distinguish between a simple notification and a physical connection issue that requires a screwdriver to resolve. Most users can clear this error in seconds without calling a technician.
FrigidaireDishwasherSeverity: low99% DIY Success
Time to Fix
1–5 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flathead screwdriver
What Does the PF Code Mean?
Think of PF as a status update rather than a repair bill. Frigidaire units are sensitive to voltage fluctuations, so even a split-second flicker from the utility company can trigger this. If you see it once, clear it and move on. If it happens every single time you run a load, we need to look at the junction box behind the kickplate for loose wire nuts.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Power outage or voltage drop during cycle40%
Dishwasher circuit breaker tripped24%
Power strip or GFCI outlet tripped22%
Someone unplugged the unit mid-cycle14%
Symptoms You May Notice
PF is sitting on the display and the whole machine has stopped cold, no water moving, no sounds, nothing running.
You came back to grab a plate and found the inside still full of soapy water from a wash that never finished.
Dishes are still dirty and greasy because the cycle ran maybe 10 minutes and then just quit without any warning.
The machine won't let you start a new cycle at all until you clear the code, even though everything else seems totally fine.
Can you reset a Frigidaire dishwasher to clear the PF code?
To get back to washing, simply press the Cancel or Drain button on the control pad. This clears the memory of the interrupted power event. In some older models, you might need to hold the button for three seconds until the display changes. Once the PF disappears, you can select a new cycle and start the machine as usual.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriverFlathead screwdriverMultimeter (optional, for checking outlet voltage)
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Frigidaire PF mean something is broken?
Nope, not at all. In the appliance world we call this a nuisance code. It's just a notification that the control board lost its 120-volt feed while it was running a cycle. Your motor, pump, and heater are almost certainly fine. The only thing that broke was the flow of electricity, either to the whole house or to that specific circuit. Clear the code and try again before you even think about calling for service. Nine times out of ten that's literally the end of it.
Why does my Frigidaire keep showing PF with no power outage?
This is where it gets a little technical. If your lights aren't flickering but the dishwasher keeps throwing PF, you've probably got a dirty electrical connection somewhere. I usually find loose wire nuts in the dishwasher's own junction box, or a weak circuit breaker that's tripping and self-resetting so fast you don't notice. Another culprit is a heavy appliance on the same circuit, like a fridge or microwave, drawing a big current spike when it kicks on and causing a momentary voltage dip that the dishwasher's control board flags as a power loss.
Will the PF code delete my cycle settings or saved programs?
Nope. PF just flags the power interruption, it doesn't wipe your saved settings. Your cycle preferences are stored in non-volatile memory on the control board, so they survive power losses just fine. The only thing that gets wiped is whatever cycle was actively running when the power cut out. You'll just need to select and start a fresh cycle once you clear the code. Everything else stays exactly where you left it.
Is it safe to leave the dishwasher sitting mid-cycle after a PF code?
Yeah, totally fine for a few hours. The water will drain back into the sump or just sit there and it won't hurt anything short term. If you're going to leave it overnight though, I'd cancel the cycle and let it drain first. Stagnant soapy water sitting in there all night can get funky, and keeping the door seal wet for hours isn't great long term either. Just hit Cancel, let it drain out, and run a fresh cycle when you're ready. Don't stress about it.
Could a bad control board cause repeated PF codes?
Honestly yes, but it's the last thing to check and it's pretty rare. A failing control board can misread its own power supply and throw PF codes even when the electricity is rock solid. But before you spend $150-200 on a replacement board, rule out every electrical cause first. Check the junction box wiring, test the outlet voltage with a multimeter (should read 118-122 volts), and see if the machine behaves differently on another circuit. A dying board usually shows other weird symptoms too, like random beeping or cycles that won't advance properly.
How do I know if my Frigidaire dishwasher is hardwired or plugged in?
Pull the kickplate off and look. If you see a regular 3-prong plug going into an outlet under the sink, it's plugged in. If you see wires going directly into the junction box with no plug anywhere in sight, it's hardwired. This actually matters a lot for diagnosing repeated PF codes because a plugged-in unit you can test by temporarily moving it to a different outlet to rule out a bad receptacle. Hardwired units need an electrician if you suspect the outlet or wiring is the problem. Most newer Frigidaires I work on are hardwired, but plenty of older models use a plug.