Kenmore Dryer PF Error: Power Failure — Cycle Interrupted
The kenmore dryer pf error is a fault signal from the control board — this guide walks through what it means, common causes, and safe diagnostic steps. What Does Kenmore Dryer Error Code PF Mean? PF on a Kenmore Elite or 700/800-series dryer built on the Whirlpool 110.xx platform stands for Power Failure. It is […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Yes. PF is an informational code, not a fault. Press Start to resume the cycle or Cancel to begin a new one. If PF recurs with no household power event, investigate the power supply before continued use.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Pressing Cancel clears PF immediately. The dryer is then ready for normal use. No component replacement is needed for a single PF event caused by a genuine power interruption.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: PF appears repeatedly at the start of cycles with no known power outage, Circuit breaker trips again immediately after being reset.
Symptoms You May Notice
PF displayed on the control panel after a power outage or circuit trip
The dryer displays PF immediately upon power restoration and does not resume the interrupted cycle automatically — it waits for user input before restarting.
Dryer appears unresponsive until Start is pressed after a PF
Because PF holds the control board in a paused state, the dryer will not respond to new cycle selections or adjustments until the user presses Start to resume or Cancel to clear the code.
Clothes are still damp because the cycle did not complete
A load interrupted mid-cycle by a power failure will be partially dried. After clearing PF, the remaining cycle time can be allowed to run to complete drying.
Clock or cycle memory resets every time the dryer is used
If PF recurs frequently, it often coincides with the control losing its stored settings — favorite cycles, custom temperature, and remaining-time memory all revert to defaults after each occurrence.
Possible Causes
Household power outage or utility interruption
A brief or extended loss of grid power to the home interrupted the dryer cycle — the most common cause of PF on all Kenmore 110.xx dryers.
DIY PossibleTripped 240 V circuit breaker (electric dryers)
Electric Kenmore dryers run on a double-pole 240 V breaker. If one leg of the 240 V supply drops due to a partial breaker trip or a loose connection at the panel, power is interrupted and PF is set when the breaker is reset.
DIY PossibleLoose power cord connection at the terminal block
A poorly crimped or loose wire at the dryer terminal block can cause intermittent power loss that triggers PF without any household breaker tripping — especially on electric dryers where heat causes terminal expansion and contraction cycles.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Press Start to resume or Cancel to clear PF
Press the Start button once to resume the interrupted cycle from the point at which power was lost. If the cycle restarts normally and completes without displaying PF again, the power interruption was a one-time event. Alternatively, press Cancel to clear PF and select a new cycle from the beginning.
If PF appears repeatedly across multiple cycles with no household outage, check the circuit breaker at the panel for signs of a partial trip (handle not fully in the On position) and inspect the dryer power cord for visible damage.
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2
Verify the circuit breaker and outlet voltage
For electric Kenmore dryers, locate the double-pole 240 V breaker in your panel and confirm it is fully in the On position. If it had tripped, reset it firmly to Off then back to On. For gas models, verify the 120 V outlet the dryer is plugged into is live using a lamp or outlet tester.
A 240 V dryer outlet that measures 208 V or less between the two hot legs indicates a loose wire or failing breaker — not a dryer fault. Have an electrician inspect the panel before using the dryer again.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- PF recurs on multiple consecutive cycles — indicating an intermittent power supply problem at the outlet or terminal block
- Outlet voltage between the two hot terminals of a 240 V outlet measures less than 220 V
- Terminal block wires show heat discoloration or corrosion requiring replacement
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