SY EF
Frigidaire Professional Evaporator Fan Motor Failure

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

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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

Failed evaporator fan motor, Ice buildup around evaporator fan, Faulty evaporator fan wiring harness, Defective main control board (ADC)

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

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

Step-by-step checks:

  • 1. Power reset: Disconnect power for 5 minutes, then restore. If SY EF returns within minutes, continue below.
  • 2. Inspect evaporator fan area: Remove freezer drawers and rear interior panel to access the evaporator compartment. Look for heavy frost or ice around the fan blades and shroud.
  • 3. Clear ice obstruction: If the fan is blocked by ice, use a hair dryer on low setting to gently melt ice. Do not chip ice with tools to avoid puncturing the evaporator coil.
  • 4. Test fan operation: With the panel still off, restore power briefly and close the door switch with your finger. The evaporator fan should spin smoothly and quietly. If it hums, stalls, or does not run, the motor is likely failed.
  • 5. Check wiring: Unplug again. Inspect the evaporator fan wiring harness and connector for corrosion, loose pins, or damaged insulation. Reseat the connector at the fan and at the rear harness junction if accessible.
  • 6. Replace evaporator fan motor if needed: Remove mounting screws, disconnect the harness, and install a Frigidaire Professional‑compatible evaporator fan motor assembly. Reinstall the rear panel and drawers, restore power, and monitor temperatures.
  • 7. If fan and wiring test good: The main control board (ADC) may not be sending power or reading feedback correctly. At this point, professional diagnosis with a multimeter is recommended before replacing the control board.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Evaporator Fan Motor
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