Refrigerator beeps and displays SY EF; fresh food section warming while freezer may still be cold.

Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the dedicated circuit breaker before removing any panels. Wear cut‑resistant gloves; sheet metal edges are sharp.

Step 1: Confirm airflow issue

• Open the fresh food (refrigerator) door and listen for the evaporator fan running (usually behind the rear interior panel).
• If the fan is silent while the compressor is running, or the unit shows SY EF, suspect the evaporator fan circuit.

Step 2: Check for ice obstruction

• Remove shelves and drawers from the fresh food section.
• Take out screws securing the rear interior panel and gently pull it forward.
• Inspect the evaporator fan area for heavy frost or ice buildup around the fan blades and evaporator coil.
• If iced over, defrost with a hair dryer on low, keeping it moving and at least several inches away to avoid melting plastic. Do not chip ice with sharp tools.

Step 3: Test the evaporator fan motor

• With power still disconnected, unplug the fan motor connector.
• Check for obvious damage to the wiring harness or corroded pins.
• Restore power briefly and carefully measure voltage at the harness (typically 12 VDC for many Frigidaire Gallery models—verify with your tech sheet). Then disconnect power again.
• If proper voltage is present but the fan does not run when connected, the fan motor is defective and should be replaced.

Step 4: Replace the evaporator fan motor (if needed)

• Remove mounting screws or tabs holding the fan shroud and motor.
• Transfer the fan blade to the new motor (note orientation) and install the new motor into the shroud.
• Reconnect the wiring harness and reassemble the rear panel, shelves, and drawers.

Step 5: Clear the error

• Restore power and allow the unit to run for several minutes.
• Most Frigidaire Gallery models will clear SY EF automatically once the control detects proper fan feedback. If not, unplug for 5 minutes and reconnect.

When to call a technician: If the fan receives no voltage or the error persists after fan replacement, the main control board (ADC) or wiring harness may be faulty and should be diagnosed by a professional.