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Error code reference

Kenmore Range Error Code PF

Power failure indicator displayed on the electronic surface element control panel when there has been an…

Kenmore codesKenmore range codes

Power failure indicator displayed on the electronic surface element control panel when there has been an interruption in electrical power supply.

First step from the service manual

Press any ON/OFF button on the electronic surface element control panel to clear the PF message, then reset the clock if necessary. If PF reappears, repeat these steps.

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 range

The PF code on a Kenmore range signals a power failure event detected by the electronic control board. This is not a fault with the range itself but a notification that the board lost its clock data due to an interruption in the electrical supply. The control board monitors its internal power continuously and displays PF any time it powers up without a valid time stored in memory, including the initial installation or after any supply-side interruption.

For homeowners, PF simply means the range lost power at some point and forgot what time it is. This happens when the unit is first plugged in, after a tripped breaker, during a brownout, or after a brief power flicker in the home. The range is not broken and no components have failed. The display is prompting you to reprogram the clock so the oven timer and delayed-start functions can operate correctly.

Once power is restored and the clock is set, the PF code clears on its own. If PF returns repeatedly without an obvious power interruption, the issue may point to an unstable household electrical supply, a loose connection at the outlet or terminal block, or a failing control board that is dropping power internally.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of PF

  1. 01

    Normal power interruption or initial plug-in

    Wiring / connection

    The range was unplugged, experienced a power outage, or was just installed for the first time. The control board displays PF every time it powers up without a stored clock value, which is expected behavior.

  2. 02

    Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse

    Wiring / connection

    A tripped breaker in the home electrical panel cut power to the range circuit momentarily. Resetting the breaker restores power and leaves the range displaying PF until the clock is reprogrammed.

  3. 03

    Loose or intermittent connection at the wall outlet or terminal block

    Part replacement

    A loose wire at the range's terminal block or a worn wall outlet can cause brief, repeated power interruptions that repeatedly trigger PF. This connection should be inspected and tightened or the outlet replaced if the code keeps returning without obvious outages.

  4. 04

    Failing electronic control board

    Part replacement

    If PF appears repeatedly under stable power conditions with no loose wiring found, the control board itself may be losing its internal power supply or failing to retain clock data. Replacing the control board is required to resolve this.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about PF

What does PF mean on a Kenmore range?
PF stands for Power Failure. The code appears on the Kenmore range display whenever the electronic control board detects that power was interrupted, including during a power outage, after a tripped breaker, or when the range is first plugged in. It is not a malfunction code. The range is prompting you to reset the clock.
How do I fix the PF code on my Kenmore range?
Press the CLOCK key on the control panel and enter the correct time of day. Once the clock is set and confirmed, the PF code will clear. If the code returns without any known power interruption, check your home's circuit breaker panel and inspect the connection at the range's wall outlet or terminal block for looseness.
Can I still use my Kenmore range while it shows PF?
Yes, you can use the cooktop burners while PF is displayed. However, timed bake, delayed start, and any other clock-dependent oven functions will not work until the clock is programmed. Setting the clock takes less than a minute and restores full oven functionality immediately.
Why does my Kenmore range keep showing PF even when there is no power outage?
Repeated PF codes under stable power conditions usually point to a loose wire connection at the wall outlet, the range's terminal block, or the control board harness. Check that the range's power cord is fully seated and the outlet is secure. If wiring checks out and the code persists, the electronic control board may be failing and will need to be replaced.
How much does it cost to fix the PF error code on a Kenmore range?
In most cases the fix costs nothing. Pressing the CLOCK key and entering the correct time clears PF after any normal power interruption. If a loose outlet connection is the cause, outlet replacement typically runs $10 to $25 in parts for a DIY repair. If the electronic control board has failed and needs replacement, parts typically range from $150 to $350 depending on the model, with professional labor adding another $100 to $200.

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