On KitchenAid refrigerators, a flashing “F” with a code such as F3 E1, F4 E1, F6 E1 or F8 E1 has a simple first fix from KitchenAid: turn off the breaker or unplug the fridge for one minute, power it back up, make sure cooling is on, and watch for a minute. PO means the freezer got warm during a power outage, and a refrigerator that will not cool may simply be in demo (Cooling Off) mode. If a code returns after the reset, KitchenAid says to book service.
What KitchenAid documents
| Display | What KitchenAid says | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing F with F3 E1, F3 E2, F3 E4, F3 E8, F3 E9, F3 EC | Error codes on the display | Do the one-minute reset |
| F4 E1 | Error code on the display | Do the one-minute reset |
| F6 E1 | Error code on the display | Do the one-minute reset |
| F8 E1, F8 E2, F8 E3, F8 E8, F8 EC | Flashing F on the display | Do the one-minute reset |
| E1 (undercounter fridge), E2 (beverage center) | Error code on the display | Power down for one minute, power up, watch for one minute |
| PO | Freezer temperature rose to 18°F (−8°C) or higher after power was off | Press to confirm; check food |
| Cooling Off / demo mode | Display and lights work, but cooling is disabled | Follow your model’s steps to exit |
KitchenAid’s published pages for these F-codes give the same reset procedure; we have not found a public explanation of which component each one refers to, so we do not guess.
The one-minute reset
- Power down
Switch off the circuit breaker or unplug the refrigerator for one minute.
- Power up
Restore power and make sure the cooling function is switched on.
- Monitor for one minute
Watch the display to see whether the code comes back.
PO: Power outage
PO appears when power was off long enough for the freezer to reach 18°F (−8°C) or higher. The display shows PO and sounds three times, and “Confirm” blinks until you acknowledge it on the panel. It is a food-safety alert, not a fault. Check the freezer contents for thawing, and see how to prepare for a power outage.
Cooling Off / demo mode
Demo mode powers the display and lights but turns cooling off, so changing the temperature does nothing. KitchenAid’s exit steps depend on the control panel: for example, holding LIGHT and FAST COOL together for three seconds; holding FREEZER TEMP and FRIDGE TEMP together for three seconds; turning the temperature all the way down with the minus sign; or holding COOLING ON/OFF for three seconds and then pressing it again. Check your manual for your model. If the fridge is simply not cold, see refrigerator not cooling.
Indicator lights
KitchenAid refrigerators have lights for the air filter, door alarm, H2O, temperature alarm and water filter status. These are reminders, not fault codes: replace the filter, close the door fully or check the temperature settings. For a door alarm see refrigerator door alarm beeping.
Codes not covered here
KitchenAid’s directory lists other model-specific codes and messages. If your display shows one not mentioned above, check your owner’s manual or KitchenAid’s product help for your model number; our guide to finding your appliance model number shows where to look.
Food safety while you wait
Keep doors closed. A full freezer holds its temperature for about two days if unopened, a half-full one about a day, and a refrigerator about four hours. Move perishables to a cooler with ice if the fridge will be down for long.
When to call for service
If an F-code returns after the reset, book KitchenAid service. For repair costs see refrigerator repair cost.
