Kenmore Washer PF — What It Means & How to Fix It
PF means the washer lost power in the middle of a cycle — restart it and you're usually done.
What this code means
The control logged a power interruption and reminded you the previous cycle didn't finish. On most Kenmore washers it clears by starting a new cycle.
Kenmore 796-series front-load washers, where PF appears on LG-built models (confirmed by Sears Parts Direct's Kenmore 796 chart and Guifix's LG washer code list). The same convention appears across Whirlpool-built Kenmore laundry.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Brief power outage or surge during the cycle | Very common | Restart the cycle |
| Tripped circuit breaker or loose plug | Common | Reset breaker/plug |
| Overloaded circuit sharing the washer's line | Occasional | Free the circuit |
What you can try yourself
- Press Power to turn the washer on, or press Pause/Cancel to clear the PF message.
- Check the plug at the wall and make sure the washer is on a dedicated breaker that hasn't tripped.
- Restart the cycle from the beginning so the control states are consistent.
- If power failures repeat, note whether other appliances on the same circuit are also affected.
- Consult an electrician if breakers trip regularly — that's a wiring-load question, not an appliance one.
When to call a technician
- PF appears the instant you plug the washer in, before any cycle.
- The breaker trips every time the washer starts.
- The plug, outlet, or cord end is warm or discolored.
Typical professional repair cost: $0 DIY — PF is an event log, not a mechanical failure
Frequently asked questions
Did PF break my washer?
No — PF simply tells you a power hiccup interrupted the previous cycle. Starting a fresh cycle is the entire fix.
Why does PF keep happening?
Repeated PF points to a real power-supply issue: a loose plug, an overloaded circuit, or in some homes, utility voltage dips.
Do I need to call someone for PF?
Once. If it's an isolated event, no. If it repeats weekly, have the circuit and outlet checked — that's an electrician's job, not the washer's.
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 Washer OE OE means the washer isn't draining fast enough — the front drain pump filter is the usual hero of this story.
- Kenmore Washer UE UE means the washer couldn't balance the load well enough to spin — untangle it and try again.
- Kenmore Washer IE IE means the washer didn't fill with water quickly enough — faucets, hoses, and screens are the first places to look.
- Kenmore Washer LE LE means the motor couldn't spin the drum — sometimes an overload, sometimes a sensor or motor problem.
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