About the “PO” Error Code on Maytag Refrigerators
The “PO” (Power Out / Power On) error code on a Maytag refrigerator indicates the appliance detected a power interruption or has entered a post-power-restoration state. Many Maytag/Whirlpool-family refrigerators display “PO” in the temperature display or diagnostics window after a blackout, an unplug, a tripped breaker, or when the control board has lost power and needs to reinitialize. While the code itself is usually an indicator rather than a direct hardware failure, it can mask other problems and has important user impacts: food temperature can rise which increases the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness, the refrigerator may run longer than normal to recover temperature (increasing energy usage), automatic ice-making and defrost cycles may be interrupted (causing ice buildup), and repeated power events can stress the compressor or control electronics over time.
Common Causes
- Household power outage, surge, or brownout (temporary voltage drop)
- Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse on the refrigerator circuit
- Loose or damaged power cord or plug
- Faulty wall outlet or loose wiring in the outlet
- Control board (main electronic control or display/user interface) retaining an error state after power restore
- GFCI or AFCI outlet trips (less common but possible)
- Intermittent mains voltage or poor household electrical connections
- Rarely: failed backup memory component on the control board or a defective control board that repeatedly shows PO
Troubleshooting Steps
- Verify power: check that the refrigerator is plugged in and the plug sits fully in the outlet. If the plug is loose, push it in firmly and test the unit.
- Check the circuit breaker or fuse: inspect your home’s electrical panel for a tripped breaker or blown fuse and reset/replace if needed.
- Test the outlet: plug a lamp or another small appliance into the same outlet to confirm the outlet is supplying power. If it doesn’t work, try a different outlet or call an electrician.
- Reset the refrigerator: unplug the fridge (or switch off its breaker) for 1–5 minutes, then restore power. Many PO messages clear after a full power cycle and the control finishes its reboot sequence.
- Look for persistent PO: if PO returns after power restore or never clears, check for visible damage to the power cord, plug, or inlet. If damaged, replace the cord or inlet assembly (or call a technician).
- Inspect GFCI/AFCI: if the refrigerator uses a GFCI/AFCI-protected circuit, verify the device didn’t trip — these can be sensitive and should generally not be used for refrigerators.
- Confirm temperature recovery: after power i