Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.

LG Washer PF Code: Power Failure During a Cycle (What Now?)

Quick Answer

PF is a notification, not a malfunction. Your power flickered, the washer lost power mid-cycle, and now it is telling you about it. Press Start to resume the cycle from where it left off, or press Power then Start to restart fresh.

PF is a notification, not a malfunction. Your power flickered, the washer lost power mid-cycle, and now it is telling you about it. Press Start to resume the cycle from where it left off, or press Power then Start to restart fresh. If PF shows up repeatedly without any obvious power outage, then check your outlet, power cord, and shared circuit load.

LgWasherSeverity: low90% DIY Success
Time to Fix
1–30 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
Tools Needed
Multimeter (for outlet voltage check)
Wrong code?

Not seeing PF on your display?

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What Does the PF Code Mean?

LG washers store the current cycle state in memory. When power is cut unexpectedly, the board detects the loss and writes a PF flag. On the next power-up, PF displays to let you know the previous cycle did not complete normally. This is a courtesy notification — the washer is completely functional.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Momentary utility power interruption (most common)40%
Shared circuit with high-draw appliances (dryer, HVAC) causing voltage sag24%
Loose power cord connection at outlet or washer inlet14%
Main control board power supply section failing12%
Faulty wall outlet with intermittent contact10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • PF displayed on power-up after a power outage
  • PF appears randomly mid-cycle without obvious power loss
  • Washer stopped mid-cycle, PF showing when power returned

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Multimeter (for outlet voltage check)

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Clear PF and resume the cycle

Press the Start/Pause button. The washer should resume the cycle from where it was interrupted. If you prefer to restart fresh, press Power to turn off, wait 10 seconds, then power on and start a new cycle. No repair is needed for a one-time PF caused by a power outage.

2

Check the power cord and outlet connection

3

Check for shared circuit overloading

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just press start to clear PF?
Yes. Press Start/Pause to resume the interrupted cycle, or press Power off and back on to start a new cycle. PF is a notification, not a locked error state. No reset procedure is needed.
Should I use a surge protector with my LG washer?
LG does not recommend surge protectors or extension cords for washers. They can restrict current flow and cause voltage drops. Use the washer plugged directly into a properly grounded wall outlet. For surge protection, consider a whole-home surge protector at the electrical panel instead.
Why does PF show up when the power seems fine?
Brief voltage dips below 90V AC can trigger PF even without a full outage — the lights may not even flicker. Shared circuits with high-draw appliances are the usual cause. If PF happens frequently, use a plug-in outlet tester with voltage display to monitor your outlet during a wash cycle.

Related Lg Washer Error Codes

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Lg shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Models Known to Experience PF Errors

This repair applies to most Lg washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WM3700HWA, WM4000HWA, WM5000HVA, WM3900HBA, WT7300CW, WT7800CW, WM6998HBA, WM8100HVA

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 13, 2026