What Flashing Colon or PF Means
A flashing colon or PF in the display means there has been a power failure, or that the clock time has been turned off. Maytag explains that when power is first supplied to the microwave a colon blinks in the display, and that touching Cancel or Cancel Off, depending on the model, stops the blinking.
Common Causes of Flashing Colon or PF
- Mains power interrupted
- Clock display turned off in settings
- Plug loose in the outlet
- Breaker on a shared circuit tripping briefly
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Touch the Cancel or Cancel Off key to stop the blinking, then set the clock if you use it. That is the whole remedy. If the display starts blinking repeatedly without any household power cut that you noticed, the supply to the microwave is worth a look - a loose plug, a shared circuit tripping briefly, or a failing outlet will all produce repeated power failure indications on an appliance that is otherwise healthy.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- None for clearing the display. Repeated unexplained power failures on one circuit are an electrician question rather than an appliance one.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.