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Error code reference

Whirlpool Microwave Error Code Flashing colon ":"

Power failure indication.

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What the Flashing colon ":" error code actually means

A flashing colon on your Whirlpool microwave simply means the appliance lost power at some point, like during a brief power outage or after being unplugged, and the clock has been reset. There is nothing wrong with the microwave. Just press any button to stop the flashing, then set the clock again as needed.

Diagnostic procedure

The full Flashing colon ":" procedure

Step 1 is visible so you can confirm you are on the right page. The remaining steps, the ones that tell you whether to actually replace a part, unlock with any pass.

MyPros+ · DiagnosticsStep 1 preview
1
First diagnostic step
Press any key to end the flashing colon indication; the colon will then be steady when in standby.
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Most common causes of Flashing colon ":"

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Brief power outage
  2. 2Microwave unplugged or outlet switched off
  3. 3Tripped circuit breaker
  4. 4Loose or intermittent outlet connection

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Questions people ask about Flashing colon ":"

What does Flashing colon ":" mean on a Whirlpool microwave?
A flashing colon on a Whirlpool microwave is a power failure indication. It means the unit lost power at some point and the clock has been cleared. The microwave is functioning normally and is simply alerting you to reset the time. Press any key to stop the flashing and return the display to steady standby mode.
Is a flashing colon on a Whirlpool microwave a safety concern?
No, a flashing colon is not a safety concern. It is only a notification that the clock lost power and needs to be reset. All cooking and safety functions of the microwave remain fully operational. You can continue using the microwave normally after pressing any key to clear the indication.
How much does it cost to fix a flashing colon error on a Whirlpool microwave?
There is no cost involved in resolving a flashing colon indication, as it is not caused by a component failure. It requires only pressing a key on the control panel to clear it, followed by resetting the clock. If the flashing colon appears repeatedly and frequently, investigating the wall outlet or household circuit for power instability may be worthwhile, but no parts or service calls are needed for the indication itself.
How do I fix the flashing colon on my Whirlpool microwave?
Press any key on the control panel to clear the flashing colon indication. The display will then show a steady colon, indicating the microwave is in standby mode. From there, you can use the clock set function to re-enter the correct time. No repair or part replacement is needed.
Will resetting the microwave clear the flashing colon?
Yes, pressing any key on the control panel will immediately end the flashing colon and return the display to a steady standby state. You do not need to unplug the unit or perform a hard reset. Simply pressing a single button is the complete resolution for this indication.

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