Frigidaire Dishwasher PF — What It Means & How to Fix It
Power to the dishwasher was cut mid-cycle and it's flagging the interruption — a one-off after an outage clears with a button press, while a PF that keeps returning points at the supply.
What this code means
PF stands for power failure: the control lost mains power partway through a cycle and is letting you know the run didn't finish. After a single blip — an outage, a tripped breaker, someone pulling the plug — it's harmless and clears with Start/Cancel. A PF that keeps coming back is telling you the power feeding the machine is unstable.
On models without a numeric display, the same power-failure state shows as the Hi-Temp Wash and Heat Dry lights flashing together. A repeating PF shifts the question away from the dishwasher and onto its outlet, breaker, and house wiring.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| A one-time outage or tripped breaker during the cycle | Very common | Yes — press Start/Cancel |
| An overloaded or GFCI-protected circuit tripping under load | Common | Yes — reset and watch |
| Loose or failing outlet feeding the unit | Occasional | No — electrician/technician |
| Control board power-input fault | Less common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- Press START/CANCEL to clear the code, then start a fresh cycle — for a single power blip, that's the whole fix.
- Check the breaker panel for a tripped breaker and reset it once; if it trips straight back, stop and treat it as an electrical fault.
- If the dishwasher is on a GFCI outlet, see whether it has tripped, reset it once, and note whether it holds.
- Watch whether PF coincides with other appliances starting on the same circuit — a borderline-overloaded circuit sags in voltage under load.
- If PF returns with no outage to explain it, leave the outlet and wiring to a professional rather than opening anything yourself.
When to call a technician
- PF reappears repeatedly with no outage or breaker trip to account for it.
- The breaker or GFCI trips every time the dishwasher runs.
- A warm outlet, a burning smell, or scorch marks at the connection — cut power and call a professional.
Typical professional repair cost: Nothing for a one-off reset; outlet or wiring repairs by an electrician typically run $100–$250, and a control board $250–$400.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clear a PF code on a Frigidaire dishwasher?
Press the START/CANCEL button and start a new cycle. PF only records that power was interrupted, so once steady power is back the code clears and the machine runs as normal. If it returns without any power cut, look at the circuit feeding it.
Does a PF code mean my dishwasher is broken?
Usually not. After an outage or a bump to the breaker it's purely informational and clears with a button. It only hints at a real problem when it keeps reappearing, which points at the outlet, breaker, or wiring rather than the dishwasher itself.
Why does my Frigidaire dishwasher keep showing PF?
Something is repeatedly interrupting its power — an overloaded or GFCI circuit tripping under load, a loose outlet connection, or unstable house wiring. Each PF marks another interruption, so a recurring one is worth having an electrician or technician check the supply.
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 Frigidaire codes
- Frigidaire Dishwasher i20 The unit didn't drain properly — Frigidaire's filters and glass trap clog like any brand's, and the drain hose and disposal connection make up the rest of the usual story.
- Frigidaire Dishwasher i40 Food soil has built up in the sump and filter to the point water can't circulate freely, and Frigidaire's own remedy is to pull the glass trap and filter and rinse them clean.
- Frigidaire Dishwasher CL The control hasn't sensed the door fully shut and latched, so it won't start the cycle — usually a door left a touch ajar, an item poking past the tub, or a strike knocked out of line.
- Frigidaire Dishwasher Hd Hd and HO aren't errors at all — they show the dishwasher is pausing to bring the wash or rinse water up to temperature, a normal wait that runs longer the colder your incoming water is.
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