Whirlpool Refrigerator PO Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It

By Dan Mercer · Published October 5, 2026 · Updated October 6, 2026 · Codes covered: PO · Sources

Verify in your manual: How PO shows and clears varies by model (some display \"Power Outage\" and clear with any button)

PO on a Whirlpool refrigerator stands for Power Outage. The power to the fridge was off long enough for the freezer to warm to 18°F (-8°C) or higher. Nothing is broken. The fridge is asking you to check your food and then confirm you've seen the alert.

KitchenAid French door refrigerators use the same PO alert, with the same wording and the same way to clear it.

This 3-minute fix saved 0 homeowners a technician visit this month.

What the PO code means

Whirlpool describes the Power Outage indicator this way: it "lets you know if the power supply to the refrigerator has been off and the freezer temperature has risen to 18°F (-8°C) or higher."

When it's triggered:

• The temperature display reads PO.
• An alert tone sounds three times.
• "Confirm" blinks until you acknowledge it by pressing MEASURED FILL under "Confirm."
• Once you confirm, PO disappears and the display goes back to the Home screen.

Other Whirlpool and KitchenAid models word it differently. On some, the display reads "Power Outage" instead of PO, and you touch any button to stop the tone, then any button again to turn off the icon. Check your user manual if your buttons don't match. KitchenAid built-in models note that while the indicator is on, other control and dispenser functions are disabled until you confirm the outage.

PO doesn't mean a part has failed. It's a record that the freezer got warm while the power was off.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. A utility power outage. Storms, grid problems, or planned work.
2. A tripped breaker or GFCI outlet on the fridge's circuit.
3. The fridge was unplugged, for example while cleaning behind it or moving it.
4. A loose plug or worn outlet. If PO keeps appearing with no known outage, the power connection may be cutting in and out.
5. A damaged power cord. Less common, and it should be checked before you keep using the fridge.

How to fix it, step by step

Do these in order.

1. Confirm the alert. Press MEASURED FILL under "Confirm" (or the button your model uses) so PO clears and the controls work again.
2. Check your refrigerated food. Whirlpool says that if the refrigerator has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours, perishable items should be discarded. FoodSafety.gov lists meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, soft cheeses, cooked pasta and rice, and leftovers among the foods to throw out.
3. Check your frozen food. FoodSafety.gov says food can be safely refrozen if it still has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below, though quality may suffer. Its chart says to throw out ice cream and frozen yogurt that thawed, even if some ice crystals remain.
4. Don't taste anything to decide. Whirlpool and FoodSafety.gov both say not to taste food to check safety. When in doubt, throw it out.
5. Let the fridge recover. Keep the doors closed as much as possible while it cools back down.
6. Check the breaker and outlet if you didn't have a house-wide outage. Reset a tripped breaker or GFCI.
7. Make sure the plug is pushed fully into the outlet.
8. Watch for PO to return. If it keeps coming back without a real outage, see "Test the part" and then call for service.

If the power is still out: Whirlpool says to keep the door closed if the outage will last 24 hours or less. For longer outages, move frozen food to a frozen food locker, or use or can perishable food right away. A full freezer typically keeps food frozen for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full) with the doors closed.

Test the part

PO is an alert rather than a part failure, so the only owner checks are the plug, cord, and outlet. Do these only if PO keeps appearing with no known power cut.

1. Unplug the refrigerator. Pull it out carefully. It's heavy, so get help, and protect the floor.
2. Look at the plug. Check for bent or loose prongs, scorch marks, or melting.
3. Look along the power cord. Check for cuts, crushed spots, or places where it's been pinched under the fridge or a cabinet.
4. Look at the outlet. Check for scorch marks, cracks, or a plug that sits loosely.
5. Plug it back in firmly if everything looks fine, and push the fridge back without crushing the cord.

Don't test the outlet or cord with power on, and don't open the fridge's control or electrical covers. If you find damage to the cord, plug, or outlet, leave the fridge unplugged and call a pro. An electrician handles the outlet. A technician handles the fridge cord and controls.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

You usually don't need anyone for a single PO after a known outage. Call for help if:

• PO keeps returning with no real power outage. That suggests a loose connection, cord, outlet, or control problem.
• The plug, cord, or outlet shows scorch marks, melting, or damage. Call an electrician for the outlet and a technician for the fridge.
• The fridge doesn't cool back down within a day after power is restored, or other codes appear.
• The controls stay unresponsive after you've confirmed the alert.
• The fridge is under warranty. Let Whirlpool's service network handle it.

Whirlpool's product help pages list 1-866-698-2538 for help or scheduling service in the US.

FAQ

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