Frigidaire PO Error Code: Causes and Fixes

The PO error on your Frigidaire means the freezer or refrigerator experienced a power outage and the display is alerting you that stored food may have been affected. It’s not a fault code in the usual sense — clearing it and checking food safety is usually all that’s needed.

What the PO error means

PO stands for Power Outage. Frigidaire freezers and fridge-freezer units display this code automatically after the appliance detects it has been without power and then reconnected — whether from a blackout, a tripped breaker, or the unit being unplugged and plugged back in. It’s designed as a warning that internal temperatures may have risen while power was off, so any food inside could be at risk depending on how long the outage lasted.

This code doesn’t indicate a broken part. It simply needs to be acknowledged and cleared from the display before the freezer returns to normal operation.

Common causes

• A household power cut or blackout affecting the whole property
• A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse on the freezer’s dedicated circuit
• The freezer being unplugged for cleaning, moving, or maintenance
• A loose power cord connection at the wall outlet or back of the unit
• An extension cord or power strip losing connection intermittently
• Storm damage or utility work causing a brief supply interruption

How to fix the PO error

1. Check and clear the display: Press the button indicated on the control panel (often labelled “OK”, “Alarm Reset”, or similar) to acknowledge the PO alert and clear it from the screen.
2. Inspect stored food: Check if food items are still frozen solid or have ice crystals. If they’ve thawed and warmed to room temperature, discard perishable items for safety.
3. Confirm stable power supply: Check the breaker panel to make sure the circuit hasn’t tripped again, and ensure the plug is fully seated in the outlet.
4. Check the power cord and outlet: Inspect the cord for damage and test the outlet with another appliance to confirm it’s supplying power correctly.
5. Let the unit re-stabilise: Allow the freezer several hours to return to its set temperature before restocking with fresh food.
6. Monitor for repeat alerts: If PO reappears without an actual outage, the issue may be a loose internal connection worth having a technician check.

FAQ

Does the PO error mean my freezer is broken?
No. It simply confirms the unit lost power at some point and has since reconnected. Once cleared, the freezer should operate normally.

Is my food still safe to eat after a PO alert?
It depends on how long the power was off and how cold the freezer stayed. If food is still fully frozen with ice crystals, it’s generally safe; if it thawed completely, it’s safer to discard perishables.

Why does PO keep appearing even though the power hasn’t gone out?
This can point to a loose plug, a faulty outlet, or an intermittent connection inside the unit. If clearing it doesn’t stop it recurring, similar diagnostic steps used for the Frigidaire EF Error Code or Frigidaire CA Error Code can help rule out a wiring or sensor issue.