Whirlpool Microwave PF — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as :, 0:00, Flashing Colon on some models.
A flashing colon, PF or 0:00 means there has been a power failure or the clock has been turned off — press Cancel to stop the blinking and reset the clock.
What this code means
Whirlpool says a flashing ":" or PF means there has been a power failure or the clock time has been turned off; a colon also blinks when power is first supplied. On countertop models a flashing 0:00 means the same. Note that on those models the colon between the digits flashes normally once the time is set.
Over-the-range models show ":" or PF; countertop models show 0:00.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Power cut or flicker | Very common | Yes — no tools |
| Microwave just plugged in | Common | Yes — no tools |
| Supply problem if it keeps happening | Less common | No — electrician |
What you can try yourself
- Touch Cancel or Cancel/Off to stop the blinking.
- Set the clock: on countertop models hold Timer/Clock for 3 seconds, set hours and minutes with +/- and confirm each with Start.
- On other models follow the clock steps in the owner's manual.
When to call a technician
- PF or the colon keeps flashing after Cancel — Whirlpool says contact a qualified electrician.
- Clock resets repeatedly.
- Breaker trips.
Typical professional repair cost: Nothing for a one-off outage.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Whirlpool microwave flashing a colon?
A power failure occurred, or power has just been supplied. Touch Cancel and reset the clock.
What does 0:00 flashing mean?
On countertop models, a power failure. Reset the clock.
The colon flashes with the time set — is that a fault?
No. Whirlpool says that is normal on countertop models.
Sources checked
- Whirlpool Product Help: Flashing ":" or PF in display - Over-the-Range Microwave
- Whirlpool Product Help: Flashing 0:00 - Countertop Microwave
- Whirlpool Product Help: Colon Flashing - Countertop Microwave
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 Whirlpool codes
- Whirlpool Microwave E03 E03 — or a plain F2 — means the keypad reported a problem to the control board; reset power for one minute and call for service if it comes back.
- Whirlpool Microwave SE SE means there is a problem with the keypad (user interface) or its wiring — clean and dry the panel, reset power for a minute, and call service if SE remains.
- Whirlpool Microwave E11 E11 and E12 point to the microwave's gas sensor — the sensor used for automatic cooking — or its wiring; reset power for a minute, and expect to need a technician if it returns.
- Whirlpool Microwave E13 E13 means the oven did not pre-heat correctly, with a possible problem in the appliance control board or its wiring; reset power for a minute and call service if it repeats.
More: all Whirlpool microwave codes · all Whirlpool codes · search by symptom