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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code PF

A power failure occurred during an active or paused cycle.

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

A power failure occurred during an active or paused cycle.

First step from the service manual

Consumer may push Start/Pause to resume the interrupted cycle or push Off to cancel and start a new cycle.

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 Maytag dryer

The PF code on a Maytag dryer indicates the control board detected an interruption in electrical power while a cycle was in progress. The board logs this event and displays PF when power is restored, pausing the cycle rather than continuing or discarding it. This is a status notification, not a fault with a dryer component, and it requires no diagnostic work on the machine itself unless power interruptions are frequent or unexplained.

For homeowners, PF simply means the dryer lost power mid-cycle, most commonly due to a tripped circuit breaker, a brief utility outage, or a loose power cord connection. When power came back, the dryer stopped and showed PF instead of resuming automatically, which protects your cycle settings and laundry. The dryer itself is functioning normally.

If PF appears repeatedly without an obvious power outage, check the dryer's 240-volt circuit breaker for signs of intermittent tripping, inspect the power cord connection at the wall outlet and the terminal block on the dryer, and verify the outlet is supplying consistent voltage. Recurring PF codes with no known outage point toward an electrical supply problem rather than a dryer defect.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of PF

  1. 01

    Power outage or utility interruption

    Wiring / connection

    A brief or extended loss of power from the utility supply will trigger PF when power is restored. This is the most common cause and requires no repair to the dryer.

  2. 02

    Tripped circuit breaker

    Wiring / connection

    The dryer's dedicated 240-volt breaker may have tripped during the cycle, cutting power. Resetting the breaker and pressing START will resume the cycle, but a breaker that trips repeatedly should be inspected by an electrician.

  3. 03

    Loose or damaged power cord connection

    Wiring / connection

    A power cord that is not fully seated at the wall outlet or is loosely connected at the dryer's terminal block can cause momentary power loss during operation, logging a PF code. Inspecting and securing the cord connections resolves this.

  4. 04

    Faulty or degraded wall outlet

    Part replacement

    A 240-volt dryer outlet with worn contacts or damaged wiring can intermittently drop voltage to the dryer, triggering repeated PF codes even when no outage occurred. Testing the outlet voltage and replacing a faulty outlet or its wiring corrects this.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about PF

What does PF mean on a Maytag dryer?
PF stands for Power Failure. The control board detected that electrical power was interrupted while the dryer was running. When power returned, the dryer paused the cycle and displayed PF to let you know what happened. It is a status notification, not a component fault.
How do I fix PF on a Maytag dryer?
Press START to resume the cycle from where it stopped, or press POWER to clear the code and cancel the cycle. If PF appears only once and coincides with a known outage or tripped breaker, no further action is needed. If PF appears repeatedly with no known power interruption, check the circuit breaker, inspect the power cord connections, and test the wall outlet voltage.
Is it safe to use my Maytag dryer when it shows a PF code?
Yes. PF does not indicate a problem with the dryer itself, so the appliance is safe to use. Pressing START will resume your cycle normally. If the code keeps returning without explanation, address the electrical supply issue before continued use to avoid repeated interruptions or potential stress on the control board.
Why does my Maytag dryer keep showing PF when there is no power outage?
Recurring PF codes without a visible outage usually point to an intermittent electrical supply problem. Common causes include a circuit breaker that is tripping and resetting quickly, a loose power cord at the outlet or terminal block, or a worn 240-volt wall outlet with inconsistent contact. An electrician can test the circuit and outlet voltage to identify the source.
How much does it cost to fix a PF error on a Maytag dryer?
In most cases the fix costs nothing because PF results from a power interruption rather than a broken dryer part. If the cause is a loose power cord connection, tightening it is free. Replacing a faulty 240-volt wall outlet typically costs $75 to $150 with an electrician's labor. If a circuit breaker is failing and needs replacement, expect $100 to $200 for that work.

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