PO
Whirlpool Refrigerator
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
The PO error stands for Power Outage. It means the refrigerator detected that power was cut during normal operation. This is an informational alert, not a fault with the refrigerator itself.
Affected Models
- WRF535SWHZ
- WRS325SDHZ
- WRB322DMBM
- WRF767SDHZ
- Most Whirlpool refrigerators with electronic displays
Common Causes
- A power outage occurred while the refrigerator was running
- The circuit breaker for the refrigerator tripped and reset
- The power cord was accidentally unplugged or partially dislodged
- A power brownout caused the voltage to drop below the operating threshold
- Someone unplugged and replugged the refrigerator (for cleaning or moving)
How to Fix It
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Press any button on the display panel to acknowledge and clear the PO alert.
On most models, pressing OK or any function button clears the code. The display will return to normal.
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Check the internal temperature of both the fridge and freezer compartments.
Use a thermometer if your model does not show internal temps. Fridge should be 35–38°F. Freezer should be 0°F.
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If a significant power outage occurred, check whether food is still safe.
Food in a closed refrigerator stays safe for about 4 hours during an outage. Freezer food stays safe for 24–48 hours if the door stays shut.
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Check that the power cord is firmly plugged into the wall outlet.
Refrigerators are heavy and can gradually pull the plug loose when the compressor vibrates.
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If PO appears regularly with no obvious cause, check the outlet with another appliance.
If other appliances also cut out, the circuit breaker or outlet may be faulty.
When to Call a Professional
PO itself never requires a technician — it is just a notification. However, if PO appears repeatedly without any known power event, have an electrician inspect the outlet and circuit. A failing outlet connection can cause intermittent power drops that trigger PO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PO error dangerous for my food?
It depends on how long the power was out. A short outage of under 2 hours is generally safe — the fridge stays cold enough. For outages over 4 hours, check temperatures before consuming perishables. When in doubt, throw it out — food poisoning is not worth the risk.
How do I clear the PO code on my Whirlpool refrigerator?
Press any button on the control panel — usually OK, Settings, or the lock button. The code clears immediately. The refrigerator will resume normal operation. You do not need to do anything else unless the temperatures were affected.
Why does my Whirlpool refrigerator keep showing PO when there are no outages?
This usually points to an intermittent power connection. Check the outlet and power cord for loose connections. If the problem persists, have an electrician inspect the circuit.