Whirlpool · Refrigerator Minor

PO — Power Outage Alert

PO (Power Outage) means the power was off long enough that the freezer rose to 18°F (-8°C) or higher. It is an informational alert.

Keep using it?
Yes — fix when convenient
DIY difficulty
Easy
Verified against
producthelp.whirlpool.com ↗

How to fix it

  1. Check that frozen food is still safe (firm/icy).
  2. Press the alarm/reset button to clear PO; confirm the freezer returns to temperature.

Why it happens

Typical signs: PO on the display after an outage · Otherwise normal operation

  • Utility power outage The power was interrupted long enough to warm the freezer.
  • Tripped breaker or unplugged unit A loss of power for another reason.

Parts you may need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Refrigerator Thermometer Common replacement
    Amazon →

Related repair guides

How to Reset a Refrigerator (After a Power Outage or Glitch) →

More Whirlpool refrigerator codes

6 (flashing) Flashing 6 — 6th Sense Active CF CF — Communication Failure Co Co — Cooling Off / Demo Mode dF dF — Defrost System Failure Er Er — Generic Error / Control Glitch F3 E1 F3 E1 — Fresh Food Thermistor Fault

All Whirlpool codes → All refrigerator codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the PO code mean on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

PO (Power Outage) means the power was off long enough that the freezer rose to 18°F (-8°C) or higher. It is an informational alert.

What causes the PO code on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

Utility power outage: The power was interrupted long enough to warm the freezer. Tripped breaker or unplugged unit: A loss of power for another reason.

Is it safe to keep using a Whirlpool refrigerator with a PO error?

Yes — fix when convenient. This is rated a minor-severity fault.

How do I fix PO on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

Check that frozen food is still safe (firm/icy). Press the alarm/reset button to clear PO; confirm the freezer returns to temperature.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: producthelp.whirlpool.com.