Refrigerator beeps and displays SY EF; fresh food section too warm while freezer may still be cold.
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the circuit breaker before removing any panels. Wear cut‑resistant gloves; sheet metal edges are sharp.
Steps to check and address SY EF:
- 1. Power reset: Unplug the unit for 5 minutes, then restore power. If SY EF returns, continue.
- 2. Listen for the evaporator fan: Open the freezer door and press the door switch closed. After a few seconds, you should hear a fan running behind the rear freezer panel. If it is silent or intermittent, suspect the fan or ice blockage.
- 3. Inspect for frost buildup: Remove freezer shelves and the rear interior panel (evaporator cover). If the fan blades are encased in ice, defrost the area with a hair dryer on low, keeping it moving and away from plastic parts. Do not chip ice with tools.
- 4. Test the evaporator fan motor: With power still disconnected, spin the fan blade by hand. If it is stiff or seized, replace the evaporator fan motor assembly. Check the fan wiring harness and connector for corrosion or loose pins.
- 5. Electrical test (advanced): With a multimeter and power restored, verify that the fan is receiving proper voltage from the main control board (refer to the Frigidaire tech sheet for your model). If voltage is present but the fan does not run, replace the fan. If no voltage, suspect the main control board.
- 6. Reassemble and monitor: Reinstall the evaporator cover and shelves, restore power, and confirm that the error clears and cooling returns to normal.
If you are not comfortable working around live voltage or removing interior panels, contact a qualified appliance technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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