Electrolux Refrigerator PF — What It Means & How to Fix It
PF is Electrolux's power-failure marker — an outage or surge interrupted the unit. Acknowledge it with the alarm-reset key; after a long outage it may show alongside the high-temp alarm until the box cools.
What this code means
PF on an Electrolux refrigerator signals a power outage or surge: the unit lost supply at some point and is telling you so. Electrolux's alarm guide says the display shows PF or Power Failure after a power event, and that a long outage can also trip the high-temp alarm; acknowledging the alarm lets normal operation resume once the unit recovers.
PF appears on Electrolux refrigerators with display controls — French-door, side-by-side, and top-freezer builds alike per the US support docs. Some models show the words 'Power Failure' instead of PF; the reset works the same.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Power outage or surge | Very common | Yes — no tools |
| Breaker tripped or power cord pulled | Common | Yes — reset it |
| Surge protector or GFCI tripped | Occasional | Yes — reset it |
What you can try yourself
- Once power is back, press Alarm Reset (or the clear-alerts key on your model) to acknowledge the PF.
- Confirm both doors are fully closed and the gaskets seat against the cabinet.
- If a long outage also lit the high-temp alarm, give the refrigerator a few hours to cool — the high-temp alarm holds until the temperature is back in range.
- If the display is dark, check the breaker and the outlet before assuming the unit is dead.
When to call a technician
- PF doesn't clear after a reset with power restored.
- A high-temp alarm persists for many hours while both compartments read reasonable temperatures.
- The display stays completely dark after the breaker and outlet check out.
Typical professional repair cost: $0 — resetting at the panel clears it; recurring outages worth an electrician's look run $100–$200.
Frequently asked questions
My fridge shows PF but the lights are on — what happened?
PF stands for power failure: the unit is telling you the power went out — even briefly — and the operating cycle was interrupted. Acknowledge the alarm and it moves on.
Will the food be okay?
If the outage was short and the doors stayed shut, most freezers hold temperature for quite a while. If the unit also shows a high-temp alarm, let it pull back down and check contents once it's clearly cold again.
Do I need to unplug it?
Not for PF alone — the official move is to acknowledge the alarm with the reset key. Reach for an unplug-and-replug reset only if the display won't respond at all.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Electrolux codes
- Electrolux Refrigerator H or HI H or HI is Electrolux's high-temperature alarm — a compartment stayed too warm for too long. Close the doors, check the gaskets, and clear the alarm; a return visit means the cooling system needs a look.
- Electrolux Refrigerator DI SP DI SP is the ice-jam alarm — cubes stuck in the chute, or melted and refrozen around the auger. Clear the chute, thaw the bin, and dismiss the alarm; the dispenser picks up where it left off.
- Electrolux Washer E11 E11 appears when the wash phase tries to fill but can't reach the right water level in time — water is arriving, just too slowly, or not at all.
- Electrolux Washer E13 E13 is the washer's leak alarm — it senses water where it shouldn't be, usually in or under the tub area, and stops the cycle to protect the electronics.
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