Kenmore Refrigerator PO — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as P.O., PF (power flag) on some models.
PO on Whirlpool-built Kenmore 106/596 refrigerators is simply the power-outage flag - the board noticed the power dropped and is telling you about it.
What this code means
On Whirlpool-built Kenmore 106/596 family refrigerators, PO is the power-failure indicator: the control board lost supply during an outage or blip and recorded it. It's informational - the unit resumes normal operation once power is restored.
Verify against the model number printed inside the fresh-food section: this is the Whirlpool-built Kenmore 106/596 platform, and PO is its power-outage flag per Whirlpool-family error-code references.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Household power outage or breaker trip | Very common | Yes - restoring power clears it. |
| Loose plug or bad outlet connection | Occasional | Yes - check the plug and outlet after the outage. |
What you can try yourself
- Check that power is back on for the house and that the refrigerator's plug is seated fully in the outlet.
- Confirm the outlet is live, reset a tripped breaker if needed, and let the unit run normally.
- Press or tap through the display options if the code persists - on many models the flag clears on its own after a full cool-down cycle.
- If PO keeps reappearing with no outages, use a lamp or tester on the outlet and call an electrician for a flaky circuit.
When to call a technician
- Stop if the outlet feels warm or the plug is charred - that's a wiring problem, call an electrician.
- Stop after repeated unexpected flags: frequent power blips deserve a surge protector or an electrician's look.
Typical professional repair cost: $0-$100
Frequently asked questions
Does PO mean my food spoiled?
No - it just records that power was interrupted. How long the outage lasted determines whether food is affected.
How do I get rid of the PO display?
Usually it clears by itself once the fridge's control board runs its normal cycle. On some models you cycle through the display to acknowledge it.
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 Kenmore codes
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er FF Er FF is the LG-built Kenmore 795/796 family's way of saying the freezer fan has stalled, is blocked by ice, or its motor is failing.
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er rF Er rF says the fan in the fresh-food (refrigerator) section of an LG-built Kenmore isn't spinning as it should.
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er dS Er dS flags a problem in the defrost system's temperature sensing on LG-built Kenmore 795/796 refrigerators.
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er dH Er dH is the LG-built Kenmore 795/796 defrost-heater fault - the heating circuit that melts frost off the evaporator isn't working.
More: all Kenmore refrigerator codes · all Kenmore codes · search by symptom