The PF error on your GE Dishwasher means the control board detected a power interruption during a cycle. It’s usually not a fault with the dishwasher itself, but a quick check will confirm the cycle needs restarting.

Error code PF
Meaning Power failure — the dishwasher lost electrical power partway through a wash cycle
Severity Low — usually resolves itself once power is stable and the cycle is restarted
Time to fix 5–15 minutes
Tools needed None

What the PF error means

PF stands for “Power Failure.” It shows up when the dishwasher’s control board loses power mid-cycle and then powers back on, but it doesn’t know what stage the wash was at. Rather than guess, the control board flags PF so you can restart the cycle from scratch.

This is one of the more harmless codes a GE dishwasher can display. It’s a safety and status message, not a sign of a broken part. That said, if it keeps happening on a regular basis, it can point to a bigger electrical problem in your home worth checking.

Common causes

  • A brief home power outage or blackout during the wash cycle
  • A tripped circuit breaker feeding the kitchen or dishwasher circuit
  • Someone accidentally switching off the wall socket or isolator switch mid-cycle
  • Loose wiring at the dishwasher’s power connection or junction box
  • A faulty or worn wall outlet losing consistent contact
  • Voltage fluctuations from storms or grid instability in your area

How to fix the PF error

  1. Clear the code and restart the cycle: Press Start/Reset, or open and firmly close the door to clear PF, then select a wash cycle and press Start again.
  2. Check the breaker panel: Look for a tripped breaker labeled for the kitchen or dishwasher circuit and flip it fully off, then back on.
  3. Confirm the outlet and switch are on: Make sure the wall socket, any isolator switch, and the under-sink power switch (if fitted) are all switched on.
  4. Inspect the power cord and plug: Check for a loose plug, frayed cord, or a socket that feels loose when you plug into it.
  5. Run a short test cycle: Once power is confirmed stable, run a quick wash to see if PF returns. If it clears and stays clear, the issue was a one-off outage.
  6. Call an electrician if it repeats: Frequent PF codes with no obvious outage suggest a wiring or outlet fault that needs a qualified electrician to check.

FAQ

Will the PF error damage my dishwasher?
No. PF is just a status message telling you the cycle was interrupted by a power loss. It doesn’t indicate any damage to the machine.

Do I need to empty and reload the dishes?
No, you can leave the dishes in place. Just clear the code and start a new full cycle — it will wash everything from the beginning.

Why does PF keep coming back even though my power seems fine?
This often points to a loose connection at the outlet or breaker rather than a full outage. It’s similar to how other GE appliances flag intermittent power issues — for comparison, see how Ge Washing IE Error Code: Causes and Fixes handles water and power sensing issues, or how Ge Washing OE Error Code: Causes and Fixes covers drainage-related interruptions. If breaker resets don’t help, have an electrician inspect the circuit.