Dryer Power Cord (4-Prong)
Replacement cord if the original is damaged or scorched.
$25
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PF on an LG dryer means “power failure” — the dryer lost power mid-cycle. Most of the time this is completely harmless — a brief brownout, a tripped breaker, or someone accidentally hitting the power strip. Simply restart the cycle.
Quick Reference
| Code | Meaning | Severity | DIY or Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| PF | Power failure mid-cycle | Low | Restart |
| PF repeat | Loose outlet / cord | Medium | DIY |
| dE | Door error | Low | DIY |
What This Error Means
When the dryer loses power and then regains it, the machine records a PF to let you know the cycle didn’t complete normally. There’s no damage to the machine and the cycle can be restarted immediately.
PF becomes a concern when it happens repeatedly without an obvious power event — that can indicate a wiring problem, a loose breaker connection, or a failing dryer power cord.
Common Causes
- Power blip or brownout — The most common cause. Momentary power fluctuation in the house supply triggers PF.
- Tripped circuit breaker — Electric dryers use a double-pole 240V breaker. If one leg of the breaker trips, the dryer loses half its voltage — it may run but not heat, or shut off entirely with PF.
- Loose outlet connection — The 240V outlet can develop loose terminal connections over time, causing intermittent power loss.
- Worn dryer power cord — Power cords at the dryer connection point can develop intermittent faults.
- Gas dryer on a weak outlet — Gas dryers run on 120V for the controls and motor. A bad outlet or cord causes PF on gas models.
Step-by-Step Fix
For a one-time PF:
- Press Start to resume the cycle. PF clears automatically when you restart.
For recurring PF:
-
Check the circuit breaker. Find your dryer’s circuit breaker (a double-pole breaker — two switches linked together). Both sides must be fully in the ON position. If one side has partially tripped, reset it by pushing it firmly to OFF and then back to ON.
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Test the outlet voltage. Use a 240V outlet tester in the dryer outlet. You should see both legs reading correctly. If only 120V is present, one leg of the circuit is failing — the breaker, wiring, or outlet terminal is the problem.
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Inspect the power cord. Unplug the dryer. Look at the cord where it enters the dryer body — the cord can crack or chafe at this stress point. Also look at the prongs on the plug for any signs of burning or pitting.
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Check the outlet terminals. If you’re comfortable with electrical work (breaker off first), remove the outlet cover plate and inspect the terminal connections. Loose terminals at a 240V outlet cause intermittent power faults.
Parts You May Need
When to Call a Technician
Electrical work at the outlet or breaker panel is best handled by a licensed electrician, not an appliance technician. If the dryer cord and outlet both check out but PF keeps recurring, an appliance tech can check internal wiring at the terminal block inside the dryer.