Whirlpool · Dryer
Whirlpool Dryer PF Error Code
Power interrupted during a cycle
What this error means
PF is an informational power-failure code, not a component fault. The dryer detected a loss of line voltage mid-cycle—from a tripped breaker, brief outage, or unplugging—and paused with PF on the display.
How PF is detected
When PF appears on a Whirlpool dryer, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Whirlpool WED5620HW, Whirlpool WED6600MW, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most PF calls are resolved without parts: press and hold start to resume the cycle from where it stopped. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If PF returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Household power outage or brownout during drying
- Tripped 30-amp breaker on one leg of the dryer circuit
- Loose power cord at the terminal block causing intermittent contact
- User unplugging the dryer before the cycle finished
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Press and hold Start to resume the cycle from where it stopped
- 2Press Power to clear PF from the display if you do not want to continue
- 3Check both dryer breakers in the panel and reset any that tripped
- 4Tighten the power cord screws at the rear terminal block if PF appears frequently
When to call a technician
Call an electrician if PF shows on every heated cycle—intermittent voltage loss at the outlet may be the root cause.
Affected models
- Whirlpool WED5620HW
- Whirlpool WED6600MW
- Whirlpool WGD5620HW
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dryers to prevent PF from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when PF appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Whirlpool dryer—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for PF; Whirlpool uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting PF; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.