Maytag Refrigerator PO error code

The power-outage indicator is letting you know the fridge lost power and the freezer temperature rose to 18°F (-8°C) or higher while it was out. The display reads "PO" and an alert tone sounds three times. Until you acknowledge it, other controls stay locked.

Last updated: September 30, 2026

Quick answer: Maytag refrigerator error code PO: power outage — freezer got too warm while power was out. The most common cause is household power outage. Try this first — check your food safety. If that does not clear it, acknowledge the alert.

What causes the PO error?

  • Household power outage
  • Tripped breaker or blown fuse
  • Fridge accidentally unplugged

How to fix Maytag PO — step by step

Work through these in order, from simplest and safest first. Stop as soon as the code clears.

  1. Check your food safety
    If the outage was long, check perishables — discard anything that stayed above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
    Safety warning: When in doubt, throw it out — don't taste food to check safety.
  2. Acknowledge the alert
    Press MEASURED FILL under the blinking "Confirm" prompt. The PO display clears and the fridge returns to the home screen.
  3. Verify cooling resumes
    Make sure the fridge is cooling normally and the freezer starts dropping back toward 0°F.

When to call a technician

Stop and call a qualified technician if any of these apply:
  • Fridge won't cool after power is restored
  • Breaker trips repeatedly
  • PO appears with no actual outage — possible control issue

Frequently asked questions

How do I get rid of the PO message?

Press MEASURED FILL under the blinking Confirm indicator to acknowledge the outage — the display then returns to normal.

Sources

Every meaning and fix above was checked against official manufacturer documentation:

FixCode provides general troubleshooting information only — not professional repair advice. If you are unsure about any step, stop and call a qualified technician. Repairs done incorrectly can be dangerous and may void your warranty.

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