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Error code reference

Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code PF

Appears when dishwasher is first installed or when power has been interrupted; HI TEMP WASH and NO HEAT DRY…

Kenmore codesKenmore dishwasher codes

Appears when dishwasher is first installed or when power has been interrupted; HI TEMP WASH and NO HEAT DRY indicator lights will also flash.

First step from the service manual

Touch START/CANCEL pad to clear.

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 Kenmore dishwasher

The PF error code on a Kenmore dishwasher stands for Power Failure. It is not an indication of a mechanical or electrical component malfunction within the dishwasher itself. Instead, it is a notification code that the control board has detected an interruption in the incoming power supply. When power is lost and then restored, the control board resets and displays this code to inform the user that the previous cycle was interrupted and did not complete normally.

When PF appears, the HI TEMP WASH and NO HEAT DRY indicator lights will also flash simultaneously. This combination of flashing lights is part of the control board's standard power-loss alert sequence and does not indicate a problem with the heating element, wash system, or drying system. The control board simply needs to be acknowledged before it will accept new input and allow a fresh cycle to begin.

This code can appear during initial installation because the dishwasher experiences its first connection to household power at that point, which the control board interprets similarly to a power restoration event. It can also appear after any disruption to power, such as a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse on the home's electrical panel, a brief utility outage, or simply unplugging and replugging the unit during servicing. The fix in nearly all cases is straightforward: pressing the START/CANCEL pad will clear the code and reset the display so normal operation can resume.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of PF

  1. 01

    Power outage or utility interruption

    Wiring / connection

    A brief or extended loss of household power will trigger the PF code when electricity is restored. Check if other appliances or lights in the home were also affected.

  2. 02

    Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse

    Wiring / connection

    If the dishwasher's dedicated circuit breaker tripped, power to the unit was interrupted. Inspect the home's electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers before clearing the code.

  3. 03

    Initial installation power connection

    Wiring / connection

    When a Kenmore dishwasher is connected to power for the first time, the control board registers this as a power restoration event and displays PF automatically.

  4. 04

    Dishwasher unplugged during servicing

    Wiring / connection

    If the unit was disconnected from power during a repair or move and then reconnected, the control board will display PF upon the next power-up.

  5. 05

    Loose or intermittent power connection

    Wiring / connection

    A loose connection at the wall outlet, junction box, or power cord can cause intermittent power drops that repeatedly trigger the PF code. Inspect the connection points for secure contact.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about PF

What does PF mean on a Kenmore dishwasher?
PF stands for Power Failure on a Kenmore dishwasher. It appears when the control board detects that power to the unit was interrupted and then restored. The HI TEMP WASH and NO HEAT DRY lights will also flash when this code is active. It is a notification code, not a fault indicating a broken component.
How do I fix the PF code on my Kenmore dishwasher?
Press the START/CANCEL pad to clear the PF code. The control board will reset and the flashing indicator lights will stop. Once cleared, you can select a new wash cycle and start the dishwasher normally. No repairs or part replacements are needed in most cases.
Will resetting the dishwasher clear the PF code?
Yes, pressing the START/CANCEL pad is the recommended reset step and will clear the PF code in virtually all cases. If the code returns immediately after clearing it, check your home's electrical panel for a tripped breaker or investigate whether there is an intermittent power supply issue at the dishwasher's connection point.
Is the PF code on a Kenmore dishwasher a safety concern?
The PF code itself is not a safety issue. It only indicates a past power interruption and does not mean the dishwasher has an electrical fault or poses any hazard. However, if the code is appearing repeatedly due to a tripped breaker or a loose wiring connection, those underlying electrical issues should be inspected and corrected by a qualified electrician.
How much does it cost to repair a Kenmore dishwasher showing a PF code?
In the vast majority of cases, the PF code requires no repair and costs nothing beyond pressing the START/CANCEL button. If the code is caused by a recurring electrical issue such as a faulty outlet or wiring problem, electrician service fees typically range from $75 to $200 or more depending on the scope of the work. No dishwasher parts are typically required to resolve this code.

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