Kenmore Dryer Error Code PF: How to Fix It

The Logic Verdict

I watched Fix-It Fan’s Kenmore Elite dryer flashing PF the moment he pressed Start. Two 1/4” hex screws dropped the lower access panel, and once he unplugged the dryer he could reach the thermal fuse, outlet thermistor, and high-limit thermostat on the blower housing. He used the continuity beep on his meter to prove each fuse was still closed and measured the thermistor at ~9 kΩ (room temperature spec). After pulling the harness block free, cleaning the contacts, and reinstalling the blower assembly, the console powered up and the PF warning cleared without replacing a board. The footage shows that PF is usually a flaky safety circuit or connection—not a dead motor.

What It Means

PF stands for power failure: the user interface lost its 120 V feed from the electronic control board. That can happen because the dryer actually lost power (breaker trip) or because something in the safety chain (thermal fuse, thermistor harness) opened long enough for the control to reboot.

Common Causes

• Loose or oxidized harness connections. Vibration works the quick-connects on the thermal fuse/thermistor loose, and the board interprets the momentary open as a power drop.
• Blown thermal fuse or cutoff. If airflow is blocked, the thermal fuse on the blower housing opens and PF flashes immediately.
• Failing control board or console. If every fuse checks good but PF returns instantly, the relays on the main board may be dropping out.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Kill power. Unplug the dryer or flip the breaker before touching the lower panel so you can probe safely.
2. Open the lower access panel. Remove the two 1/4” hex screws along the toe kick, pull the panel forward, and set it aside—the blower housing, thermal fuse, and thermistors are now exposed just like in the video.
3. Test the thermal fuse and high-limit thermostat. Label the wires, pull them off each component, set your multimeter to continuity, and touch both terminals. A steady beep means the fuse is good; no tone means it’s blown and must be replaced.
4. Measure the outlet thermistor. Switch the meter to the 20 kΩ range and read the resistance across the thermistor leads. Around 9 kΩ at room temperature confirms it’s healthy; infinite or zero resistance means it’s failed.
5. Clean and reseat every connector. Pull the harness block and individual spades free, spray them with contact cleaner, and plug them back in firmly so oxidation can’t create intermittent opens that trigger PF.
6. Reassemble and test. Reinstall the panel, restore power, and run a timed dry cycle. If PF reappears immediately even after replacing any failed fuse, inspect the main control board for burnt spots or swap it with a known-good unit.

Parts & Tools

• W279816 thermal cutoff & high-limit kit (fits Whirlpool-built Kenmore 110-series dryers)
• Compact multimeter with continuity buzzer

Watch the Fix