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Error code reference

GE Range Error Code PF

Power failure indication

GE codesGE range codes

Power failure indication - display flashes until clock is set or a heating function is selected.

First step from the service manual

Press the clock pad and set the time of day.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What PF means on a GE range

PF on a GE range equipped with Quick Set 2 or Quick Set 3 controls is a power failure notification, not a fault code in the traditional sense. When utility power is interrupted and then restored, the control board detects that its internal clock and active settings have been lost. The board signals this state by flashing PF on the display until the operator acknowledges the interruption by either setting the clock or selecting a heating function. No component failure is involved in the vast majority of PF occurrences.

For homeowners, this simply means your range lost power at some point. This could be due to a brief utility outage, a tripped breaker, a momentarily loose power cord, or even a surge that caused the breaker to cycle. The range is telling you it needs to be reoriented before resuming normal operation. It is not broken, and the display will clear once you interact with the controls.

If PF appears repeatedly without any known power outages, the range may be experiencing intermittent power supply issues, such as a loose terminal connection at the outlet or junction box, a failing outlet, or a weak breaker that trips under load. Recurring PF codes without a clear external cause warrant a closer look at the power supply circuit.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of PF

  1. 01

    Utility power outage or interruption

    Wiring / connection

    A brief or extended loss of household power causes the Quick Set 2 or 3 control board to lose its clock and settings. PF flashes automatically when power is restored to alert the user.

  2. 02

    Tripped circuit breaker

    Wiring / connection

    A tripped double-pole breaker supplying the range cuts power entirely. When the breaker is reset or resets on its own, the control board displays PF on startup.

  3. 03

    Loose or degraded power cord connection

    Part replacement

    A loose terminal at the range's power cord block or at the wall outlet can cause intermittent power loss. Each interruption triggers the PF display upon reconnection, leading to repeated occurrences without an obvious outage.

  4. 04

    Failing wall outlet or weak breaker

    Part replacement

    An outlet that cannot maintain proper contact under load, or a breaker that trips at lower-than-rated current, causes repeated power interruptions that the control board records as successive power failures.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about PF

What does PF mean on a GE range?
PF stands for Power Failure. GE ranges with Quick Set 2 and Quick Set 3 controls display PF whenever the unit detects that power was interrupted and then restored. It is a notification, not a component fault. The display will keep flashing until you set the clock or select a cooking function.
How do I clear the PF code on my GE range?
Press the Clock pad and set the current time, or simply select a burner or oven function. Either action tells the Quick Set 2 or 3 control board that you have acknowledged the power interruption, and the PF display will stop flashing. No reset button or service procedure is needed.
Can I still use my GE range when PF is displayed?
Yes. PF does not disable any cooking functions. The range is fully operational. The flashing display is only prompting you to reset the clock or confirm a function selection. Once you do, the range returns to normal operation immediately.
Why does the PF code keep coming back on my GE range even when there is no outage?
Recurring PF codes without a known power outage typically point to an intermittent power supply problem. Check that the range's power cord terminals are seated firmly at both the range block and the wall outlet. Inspect the outlet for signs of heat damage or loose contacts. If the circuit breaker serving the range is old or undersized, it may be tripping briefly under load. A licensed electrician can test the outlet and breaker if the issue persists.
How much does it cost to fix a PF error on a GE range?
If PF is caused by a simple power outage, there is no repair cost at all. Clearing it yourself by resetting the clock takes about ten seconds. If the cause is a loose power cord terminal, a replacement 3-wire or 4-wire range cord costs roughly 20 to 40 dollars and is a DIY-friendly repair. If the wall outlet or breaker is the problem, an electrician typically charges 100 to 250 dollars depending on the repair needed. Control board replacement, which is rarely the cause of PF, can run 200 to 400 dollars in parts alone.

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