Whirlpool refrigerator — Error Code PO
Power Outage alert; internal temperatures rose above safe limits.
What it means
The 'PO' error code on a Whirlpool refrigerator stands for 'Power Outage.' This is not a hardware failure code, but rather a safety alert generated by the main control board. It triggers when the unit detects that AC power was interrupted and the internal temperature of the freezer compartment subsequently rose above 18°F (-8°C), or the fresh food compartment exceeded safe limits. The control board uses the NTC thermistors to monitor these temperatures during and after the outage. The flashing 'PO' warns you that the unit lost power long enough for the internal temperature to compromise food safety. The code will persist on the user interface until manually acknowledged and cleared, even if the power has been restored and the unit has resumed normal cooling operations.
Likely Causes
- 1 Grid Power FailureA temporary blackout or brownout from the utility company interrupted the 120V AC supply voltage to the appliance.
- 2 Tripped Circuit BreakerA power surge or overloaded circuit caused the dedicated refrigerator breaker in your electrical panel to trip.
- 3 Loose Power CordThe main power cord was accidentally bumped or is not seated securely in the wall receptacle, causing a temporary loss of continuity.
- 4 Main Control Board GlitchRarely, a failing main control board may falsely register a voltage drop and trigger the PO code without an actual power loss.
How to clear / reset
To clear the 'PO' error code, you must acknowledge the power outage alert on the user interface. Press any key on the dispenser control panel to stop the flashing PO display. Once pressed, the display will typically show the highest temperature reached in both compartments during the outage. Press any key a second time to clear the high-temperature readout and return the display to the normal home screen. If the control panel is unresponsive or the PO code immediately returns, perform a hard reset by unplugging the refrigerator for 5 minutes to bleed off residual capacitor charge, then restore power.
Common replacement parts
When to call a pro
While the PO code is usually cleared by simply pressing a button on the display, you should call a professional if the code persists, the display becomes unresponsive, or the refrigerator fails to resume cooling after power is restored. Power surges associated with outages can damage the main control board, inverter board, or compressor. Axis Appliance Repair offers a $90 diagnostic (waived with authorized repair) to test the electrical components and verify if a power surge caused permanent board-level damage. All repairs include a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fix the PO error code?
Usually, it costs nothing as it just requires a manual reset on the display. If a power surge damaged the main control board, replacement typically ranges from $250 to $450 including parts and labor.
Can I DIY a PO error code fix?
Yes. In 95% of cases, you simply press any button on the control panel to acknowledge the outage and clear the code. No tools or teardowns are required.
Will the PO code clear itself once the fridge cools down?
No. The PO code is a mandatory safety acknowledgment. It will continue flashing until you manually clear it, even if the refrigerator has already returned to its normal set temperature.
Is my food safe to eat if the PO code is displayed?
It depends on how long the power was out. The display will show the highest temperature reached. If the freezer exceeded 18°F or the fridge exceeded 40°F for more than two hours, perishable food may need to be discarded.
Will it damage the refrigerator to keep running with the PO code?
No. The refrigerator will continue its normal cooling cycle even while the PO code flashes. However, you cannot use the water dispenser or adjust temperature settings until the code is cleared.
Need help with PO?
Our certified techs diagnose Whirlpool error codes daily. $90 diagnostic · 1-yr warranty.