Maytag refrigerator — Error Code PO
Power Outage detected; freezer temperature rose above 18°F during power loss.
What it means
The 'PO' (Power Outage) notification on your Maytag unit is a diagnostic alert from the main control board signaling that the appliance was disconnected from electricity. Specifically, it activates once power returns and the freezer NTC thermistor determines that the internal climate has climbed past 18°F (-8°C). This is a built-in safety mechanism meant to alert you that the cooling process stopped long enough that your frozen goods might have thawed. The display will remain locked on 'PO', sometimes accompanied by an alert tone, until you manually clear it. This code doesn't necessarily indicate a mechanical failure, but rather confirms that a power interruption occurred.
Likely Causes
- 1 Grid Power FailureA typical neighborhood blackout or brownout cut off the electricity supply to your refrigerator's main control board.
- 2 Tripped Circuit BreakerA power spike or an overloaded circuit caused the breaker at your home’s electrical box to trip, severing power to the unit.
- 3 Loose Cord or Faulty OutletThe power plug may have been bumped loose, or the wall socket itself is failing and dropping voltage while under load.
- 4 Main Control Board GlitchIn rare instances, a failing main control board might experience an internal drop in DC voltage, causing the microprocessor to mistakenly log a power outage.
How to clear / reset
To dismiss the PO error code, you must manually confirm the alert. On most Maytag units, simply tap any key located on the dispenser control panel. With certain designs, you may be required to press and hold 'Measured Fill', 'Options', or 'Alarm Reset' for 3 seconds. Once you acknowledge it, the PO message will vanish and the display will return to normal. If the code persists or the interface remains unresponsive, try a hard reset by disconnecting the refrigerator from power for 5 minutes to dissipate any residual DC voltage from the capacitors on the control board, then reconnect it.
Common replacement parts
When to call a pro
Contact a professional if the PO code remains after a hard reset, or if the refrigerator fails to begin cooling again. Power outages are frequently linked to voltage surges, which can short-circuit the main control board, damage the compressor start relay, or harm the inverter board. If your compressor does not engage after power is restored, A-Fix Service provides a $90 diagnostic visit (which is waived if you proceed with the repair) to evaluate your electrical components and restore your cooling, all protected by our 1-year parts and labor warranty.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fix the PO error code?
Usually $0, as the fix is just a button press to acknowledge the power interruption. If a surge damaged the start relay or control board, repairs typically run between $150 and $400.
Can I clear the PO code myself?
Yes. Touching any button on the display or holding the 'Alarm Reset' button for 3 seconds will clear the code on nearly all Maytag refrigerator models.
Will the PO code clear itself once the fridge cools down?
No. The control board requires manual input from the user to ensure you are aware that internal temperatures rose, which is vital for food safety.
How long does it take to fix?
Clearing the code takes about 10 seconds. If a surge harmed a part, a technician can typically identify and swap out the faulty relay or board in less than an hour.
Will it damage the refrigerator to keep running with the PO code?
No, the refrigerator will continue to cool even while the PO code is visible. However, you will be unable to access temperature settings or dispenser features until the code is cleared.
Need help with PO?
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