What to check first
Use should be limited to documented owner-level checks or retry steps, not normal operation as a workaround.
Basic checks
- Confirm whether household lights or clocks show a recent outage; if power is still unstable, leave the dishwasher off.
- Look at the dishwasher breaker from the electrical panel; if it is tripped or trips again, leave the breaker off and avoid repeated resets.
- Press START/CANCEL once only after power is stable and there is no leak or electrical odor; if PF clears, a new cycle may be started.
- Observe the new cycle from outside the appliance; if PF returns without another outage, cancel use and arrange service.
Applicability
Broad appliance guidance · Frigidaire dishwashers
Frigidaire presents PF for dishwashers generally; confirm the exact model guide because power connections and START/CANCEL behavior can vary.
Reset or retry steps
- Frigidaire says START/CANCEL can clear PF so a new cycle can start after stable power is confirmed.
When to call a technician
- Call service if PF repeats without a known household power interruption.
- Consult a qualified electrician if the breaker trips again, lights dim, or heat, discoloration, or an electrical odor appears near the supply.
Before approving a paid visit, check warranty status and reviewquestions to ask before repair.
Can I keep using it?
Do not keep using the appliance if the code points to voltage, wiring, control power, burning smell, smoke, or a possible miswired supply.
- Safe next step
- Use only safe owner-level power checks, then involve a qualified technician or electrician when the source points to wiring or supply voltage.
- Stop when
- Breakers trip, lights dim, the appliance smells hot, wiring may be miswired, or the warning returns after a safe reset.
Stop normal use when water is visible or a leak warning is active. Stay clear if water could reach wiring or controls.
- Safe next step
- Follow the code-specific shutdown or protective-drain instructions, turn off water when appropriate, and avoid repeated resets. Do not interrupt a documented protective-drain sequence just to clear the display.
- Stop when
- Water is near wiring, cabinetry is getting wet, the leak returns, or the source is not safely visible.
Safety boundaries
Safe first
- Match the exact brand, appliance type, and displayed code first.
- Use the model manual as the final authority for access steps.
- Stop and address visible water before retrying the appliance.
- Disconnect power before any service-access step.
Do not do this
- Do not use other cycles as a workaround unless the manual allows it.
- Do not bypass locks, float switches, leak sensors, or other safety systems.
Common causes include
- Household power outage during a dishwasher cycle
- Brief interruption at the dishwasher power supply
FAQ
What does Frigidaire Dishwasher code PF usually mean?
Commonly logged when the dishwasher loses power during a cycle. Model context matters: Frigidaire documents PF as a power-loss display for dishwashers; the supported START/CANCEL control can vary by model.
Can I keep using the dishwasher with code PF?
Limit use to the owner-level checks described here and in the model manual. Stop using the appliance if the code returns, the appliance behaves abnormally, or a safety warning applies. Avoid repeatedly resetting a tripping breaker or inspecting live dishwasher wiring.
When should I call a technician for Frigidaire PF?
Call service if PF repeats without a known household power interruption. A qualified technician may check Household power supply, Dishwasher power connection, and Control electronics against the model's service information before treating any part as failed.