Maytag Refrigerator PO Error: Power outage detected
What Does Maytag Refrigerator Error Code PO Mean? PO on a Maytag refrigerator stands for Power Outage. The main control board continuously monitors incoming supply voltage, and when that voltage disappears — whether for one second or several hours — the board logs the event and shows PO the moment power returns. This code appears […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Yes. PO is an informational alert, not a component fault. Once cleared, the Maytag refrigerator operates normally. The only concern is food safety if the power outage was prolonged beyond four hours.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Pressing any control button clears PO immediately. No breaker reset is required unless the code keeps returning without a real outage, which points to a wiring or board issue.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: PO returns repeatedly without any known power outage, The display remains on PO and no button press clears it.
Symptoms You May Notice
Power was interrupted
The control board sounds an alert and displays an indicator the moment power is restored after an outage.
Interior temperature reads higher than the set point
The fresh food or freezer compartment may be warmer than normal because the compressor was idle throughout the power interruption.
Ice maker paused — no harvest cycle activity
Ice2O ice makers suspend harvest and fill cycles during a power loss; on some MFI and MFX models they do not resume until PO is acknowledged.
Clock or timer has reset
Any programmed timers or settings have reverted to factory defaults after the power restoration.
Possible Causes
Utility grid outage or circuit breaker trip
The most common cause — line power to the outlet was cut by a grid failure, a tripped breaker, or a nuisance-tripped GFCI receptacle.
DIY PossibleLoose or partially seated power cord
A partially inserted plug causes intermittent micro-interruptions that the control board logs as repeated PO events even with no real utility outage.
DIY PossibleControl board voltage-sensing circuit fault
Rarely, the sensing circuit on the main board misreports a PO when supply voltage was never actually lost — a sign the board has degraded internally.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
-
1
Press any control pad button to clear PO
On most Maytag MFI, MFX, and MFF models, pressing any control pad (Temperature Up, Options, or Lock) acknowledges the alert and clears PO from the display. The refrigerator resumes normal compressor and fan operation immediately.
If PO reappears within an hour with no known outage, check the wall outlet and the power cord rather than the refrigerator itself.
-
2
Verify food safety temperatures
After clearing PO, check that the set-point display reads 37 °F (fresh food) and 0 °F (freezer). Allow one to two hours for compartments to return to their targets. If the outage exceeded four hours, inspect perishables using the USDA 40 °F rule.
An appliance thermometer placed on the fresh food middle shelf gives an accurate reading independent of the control panel display.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Code reappears multiple times per day with no grid interruptions
- Outlet voltage measures below 108 V or above 132 V under load
- Other fault codes appear alongside repeated PO events
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
Refrigerator Repair Service Schedule Appointment