LG Washing Machine Error Code PF — Power Failure During Cycle
The LG washing machine error code PF means the washer detected a power interruption — such as a brief outage, a voltage fluctuation, or a tripped breaker — while a cycle was running. The machine pauses and displays PF to let you know the cycle did not complete normally. In most cases this is not a washer fault at all. Simply press Start/Pause to resume the cycle from where it stopped, or select a new cycle and restart. If PF appears repeatedly without any power outage, investigate the electrical supply — a loose outlet connection, an overloaded circuit, or a failing power cord are the likely causes.
What Does LG Washing Machine Error Code PF Mean?
The LG washing machine error code PF stands for Power Failure. It appears when the washer's control board detects that power was interrupted — even momentarily — while a wash cycle was in progress. The machine stores the cycle state in memory, halts operation, and displays PF so you know the cycle did not complete as normal.
Importantly, PF is an informational alert, not a component failure code. The washer itself is almost never the problem. The interruption could be caused by a neighborhood power outage, a momentary voltage dip on the circuit, a tripped breaker, or even a loose connection at the wall outlet that caused a brief loss of contact during the spin vibration.
On some LG models the code appears as pF or with a space as P F, but all refer to the same power interruption event. The appropriate response in almost every case is simply to press Start/Pause to resume the cycle, or to select a new cycle and start fresh. Only if PF appears repeatedly — with no known power outages — should you investigate the electrical supply or the washer's power cord and internal connections.
Why Your LG Washing Machine Shows Error Code PF
How to Fix LG Washing Machine Error Code PF — Step by Step
Press Start/Pause to resume the cycle
When PF appears, the washer has paused — it has not necessarily lost progress. Press the Start/Pause button once. Many LG models will resume the cycle from the point of interruption. If the cycle restarts and completes normally, no further action is needed.
If the cycle does not resume, select a new cycle and restart
Press and hold the Power button to cancel, then select an appropriate cycle for the load already in the drum and press Start. Since the laundry was mid-wash, a Rinse and Spin cycle is usually sufficient to finish cleaning and extract the water before a full wash is run again if needed.
Check the circuit breaker panel
Go to your home's breaker panel and confirm the breaker for the laundry circuit is fully in the On position. If it has tripped to the middle position, switch it fully to Off first, then back to On. If the breaker trips again during the next wash cycle, the circuit is overloaded or there is a wiring fault — contact an electrician.
Confirm the washer is plugged directly into a grounded wall outlet
Do not use an extension cord or power strip of any kind. These cause voltage drop under the heavy electrical load of a spin cycle and can trigger PF. If the outlet is out of reach, have an electrician install a properly rated outlet in the correct location rather than using an extension cord.
Inspect the wall outlet and power cord for loose connections
Unplug the washer and visually inspect the plug prongs for discoloration or burn marks, and check the outlet for any signs of scorching or looseness. Plug a different appliance into the same outlet to confirm it holds a solid connection. Also run your hand along the power cord to feel for any damaged or stiff sections that might indicate internal wire damage.
Restore power and run a test cycle
Once you have confirmed the outlet, cord, and breaker are all in good condition, plug the washer back in and run a full wash cycle while staying nearby to monitor. If PF does not reappear, the issue was a one-time power event and no repair is needed.
If PF appears on every cycle with no power outage, call a technician
If you have confirmed a dedicated circuit, a solid outlet connection, no extension cord, and an undamaged power cord — and PF still appears consistently — the main control board is likely registering false power failures. This requires professional diagnosis and cannot be resolved by resetting the machine.
When to Stop and Call a Technician
PF is rarely a technician-level issue. Book a professional repair if any of the following apply:
- PF appears on every cycle with no known power outage, no tripped breaker, and a confirmed dedicated outlet — the control board may be at fault
- You notice burn marks, scorching, or a burning smell at the wall outlet or on the power cord plug — this is an electrical safety issue requiring an electrician before any further washer use
- The circuit breaker trips every time the washer runs its spin cycle — the circuit wiring or the breaker itself may need inspection by a licensed electrician
- PF is accompanied by other error codes such as
LEordEon the same cycle — a control board fault may be generating multiple false readings simultaneously - The washer will not power on at all after a power outage — a surge may have damaged the control board or power supply components
How Promix Repairs LG Washing Machine PF Errors
When a Promix Appliance Repair technician arrives for a persistent LG washing machine PF call, the first step is a live electrical test — measuring the voltage at the outlet under load, checking the power cord continuity, and testing the control board's power regulation components. This rules out supply-side problems before any internal work begins and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
In the rare cases where PF is caused by a control board fault, Promix technicians carry common LG control board components and can often complete the repair the same day. If the board must be sourced, the repair is completed on a return visit with a full warranty on parts and labor. Promix Appliance Repair brings over 10 years of LG appliance experience to every call. The service call fee is credited in full toward your repair if you proceed — you hear the price before any work begins, with no surprise markup.
Call (781) 666-9565, Same-Day AvailabilityHow Much Does It Cost to Fix LG Washing Machine Error Code PF?
If You Fix It Yourself
Control Board Replacement
Power cord replacement is significantly less expensive than a control board. An electrician's cost to install a dedicated outlet varies by installation complexity. The exact repair cost is only determinable after a live diagnostic. Call (781) 666-9565 for a transparent quote before any work begins.
How to Prevent LG Error Code PF From Coming Back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep using my LG washing machine after error code PF?
Yes — in most cases. PF is an informational alert telling you the cycle was interrupted by a power event, not a warning that the washer is damaged. Press Start/Pause to resume the cycle or select a new cycle and restart. If the machine runs normally, it is safe to continue using it. Only stop using it if PF appears every cycle, if you see electrical damage at the outlet, or if the breaker keeps tripping.
Will resetting my LG washing machine clear error code PF?
Yes. Pressing and holding the Power button clears PF and returns the machine to standby. You can then select a new cycle and start fresh. Unlike fault codes that indicate a component failure, PF does not require a diagnostic reset — it clears as soon as you interact with the control panel.
Why does my LG washer show PF when there was no power outage?
If no outage occurred, the most likely causes are a loose wall outlet connection that briefly loses contact during spin vibration, a shared circuit being overloaded by another appliance, an extension cord causing voltage drop under load, or a worn power cord with an intermittent internal break. In rare cases, a faulty control board generates false PF codes. Work through the electrical checks in the steps above to identify which applies.
Does PF damage my LG washing machine?
A single PF event from a routine power interruption does not damage the washer. The machine is designed to handle momentary outages and resume safely. However, repeated power surges or sustained voltage irregularities can stress the control board over time. If your area experiences frequent outages or voltage fluctuations, a whole-home surge protector provides meaningful protection.
How long does it take to fix LG error code PF?
If PF was caused by a one-time power event, the fix takes seconds — just press Start/Pause. Checking the breaker and outlet takes 5 to 10 minutes. If a control board replacement is needed in a persistent case, a Promix technician can typically complete the replacement in 60 to 90 minutes during the same visit.
Is LG error code PF covered under warranty?
A control board that generates false PF codes due to a manufacturing defect is covered under LG's standard limited warranty if the washer is within the warranty period. PF caused by an external power event — outage, tripped breaker, extension cord use, or a household wiring issue — is not covered, as these are not appliance defects. Check your warranty documentation or contact LG directly to confirm coverage for your model.
My LG washer won't turn on at all after showing PF — what happened?
If the washer displayed PF and now will not power on, a power surge during the outage may have damaged the control board or the internal power supply. First confirm the wall outlet has power (test with another appliance) and that the breaker is not tripped. If the outlet is live and the breaker is on but the washer is completely unresponsive, the control board likely needs professional diagnosis.
Same-Day LG Washing Machine Repair in Boston and MetroWest
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