SY CE
Frigidaire Gallery User Interface to Main Control Communication Error

Refrigerator displays SY CE and may not cool properly; controls may be unresponsive or intermittent.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Loose or damaged wiring harness between user interface and main control board, Defective user interface (UI) control panel, Failed main control board, Corroded or oxidized connector pins at control boards

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Disconnect power to the refrigerator before accessing any control boards. Static discharge can damage electronics; ground yourself before touching boards.

Step 1: Power reset

  • Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the breaker for 5–10 minutes.
  • Restore power and check if SY CE clears. If it returns, continue.

Step 2: Inspect top hinge and control connections

  • On many Frigidaire Gallery French door models, communication wiring runs through the top door hinge and up to the control housing.
  • Remove the top hinge cover and inspect the wiring harness for pinched, cut, or broken wires.
  • Reseat any quick-connect plugs firmly until they click.

Step 3: Access the user interface (UI)

  • Remove the control panel trim (usually snaps or a few screws) on the dispenser or control housing.
  • Check the ribbon cable or harness from the UI to the main harness for damage or loose connections.
  • Disconnect and reconnect the cable to clean the contacts.

Step 4: Inspect the main control board

  • Locate the main control board (often on the back of the refrigerator behind a metal or plastic cover).
  • With power disconnected, remove the cover and inspect for burnt components, bulged capacitors, or darkened areas.
  • Reseat all connectors, ensuring they are fully engaged and not misaligned.

Step 5: Component replacement

  • If wiring is intact and reseating connectors does not resolve the error, replace the user interface board first (most common), following the service manual for your exact model.
  • If SY CE persists, the main control board is likely defective and should be replaced.

When to call a technician: If you are not comfortable working around electronic boards or if both UI and main board appear suspect, professional diagnosis is recommended to avoid unnecessary part replacement.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

User Interface Control Board
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