LG Dishwasher PF Error Code: Power Failure Reset

What is the LG Dishwasher PF error?#

PF on an LG dishwasher simply means power failure — the machine lost power mid-cycle and is telling you the cycle was interrupted, not that anything is broken. It is completely safe; the code is a notice, not a fault. The first thing I check is nothing mechanical at all — I just look at whether the household power blipped, a breaker tripped, or the plug is loose, because that is the entire story behind a PF.

PF on a LG Dishwasher: likely causes and repair cost#

On a LG Dishwasher, the PF code signals: power failure.

Typical professional repair: up to $90 · Difficulty: easy · often owner-fixable

Fastest thing to try first: Restart cycle.

Symptoms that often accompany PF: Cycle stopped with dirty dishes; Display blinking after power restores; Clock reset on unit

Technician diagnostic sequence for PF:

1. Press the Power button to turn the dishwasher back on, select a cycle, and press Start to begin a new wash cycle
2. If PF appears frequently without known power outages, check the circuit breaker and wiring connections at the junction box under the dishwasher
3. Verify the dishwasher is on a dedicated circuit — sharing with a garbage disposal that cycles on and off can cause voltage dips
4. Inspect the wire connections at the dishwasher junction box for loose wire nuts or signs of arcing

Field note: LG dishwashers cannot resume a cycle after power loss — the PF code requires starting a new complete cycle. If the interruption happened during the wash phase, the dishes need to be rewashed from scratch, not just rinsed.

How to troubleshoot the PF error yourself#

This is the rare LG code you can almost always clear yourself with no tools. Press Start or power the dishwasher off and on to acknowledge the PF and resume normal operation; the cycle can simply be restarted. If PF keeps coming back, the cause is an unstable supply rather than the dishwasher: check that the plug is fully seated, that the outlet is not on a flaky switch or a tripping breaker, and that an extension cord is not in the path. Only if the code returns on a known-good, stable outlet would I suspect the control board — and that is the point to call a technician rather than keep resetting.

Is the LG Dishwasher PF error worth fixing?#

PF almost never needs a paid repair, so the worth-fixing question usually answers itself. In the ordinary case it costs nothing — you clear the code and carry on — which is why the range starts at $0. If PF recurs on a stable outlet and a technician has to trace an intermittent power fault or a control board, the visit runs up to $90, still trivial against a new dishwasher. I would only fold a persistent PF into a replace decision if the machine were already old and failing in other ways; on its own it is not a reason to replace anything.

LG Dishwasher PF: frequently asked questions#

What does the PF error mean on a LG Dishwasher?#

PF means power failure — the dishwasher lost electrical power during a cycle and is flagging that the run was interrupted. It is a notice, not a component fault.

Is it safe to keep using a LG Dishwasher that shows the PF error?#

Yes, it is completely safe. PF tells you about a power interruption; there is no leak, heat, or electrical hazard implied by the code itself.

Can I clear the PF error myself, or do I need a technician?#

You can almost always clear PF yourself by restarting the dishwasher — no technician needed. Only if it keeps returning on a stable outlet is it worth a professional look.

How much does it cost to repair the PF error on a LG Dishwasher?#

In the normal case PF costs nothing to clear. If it recurs and a tech must trace an intermittent supply or control fault, expect up to $90.

Which parts usually fail when a dishwasher throws the PF code?#

Usually no part fails at all — PF is a power-interruption notice. A repeat PF on a good outlet points to the control board as the only likely part.

Is a LG Dishwasher with the PF error worth repairing?#

On its own, PF is not a repair worth paying for — you just reset it. Only a persistent PF combined with other age-related faults would factor into replacing the machine.

Why does supply cut mid-wash then restored trigger the PF error?#

When the supply is cut mid-wash and then restored, the control records the interruption and shows PF so you know the cycle did not finish. A loose plug or a tripping breaker is the usual source.