Frigidaire refrigerator SY EF code: evaporator fan failure
- Urgency
- High
- Who can fix it
- Moderate DIY
- Time
- About 1 hr
- Repair cost
- $200–$450
The main control board is not seeing the evaporator fan run. The fan moves cold air from the freezer coils into both sections. The usual cause is ice built up around the fan blade, then a failed fan motor or a loose wire.
Likely causes
Listed from most to least common.
- Ice built up around the evaporator fan blade
- Blocked or frosted defrost drain causing ice in the freezer back panel
- Failed evaporator fan motor
- Loose, pinched or damaged fan wiring
- Faulty main control board
How to fix the SY EF code
Unplug the refrigerator or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.
Step 1: Listen for the fan
Open the freezer and press the door switch. On most models you should hear the fan behind the back panel. Scraping, clicking or silence points to ice or a bad motor.
Step 2: Move your food
Put food in coolers with ice packs. A full defrost takes most of a day.
Step 3: Defrost the unit
Unplug the refrigerator and leave both doors open for 24 hours. Put towels on the floor to catch melt water.
Step 4: Restart and watch
Plug it back in and let it run for 24 hours. If SY EF comes back within days, the fan motor or defrost system needs service.
You'll need: Towels, coolers and ice packs.
Parts that may need replacing
Check your model number on the label inside the door or on the back before ordering.
- Frigidaire refrigerator evaporator fan motorCheck prices
When to call a technician
If the code returns after a full defrost, or the fan is silent with no ice, a technician should test the fan motor, wiring and defrost parts.
A typical repair for this code costs $200–$450 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.
Models this applies to
- Gallery and Professional French door refrigerators
- Side-by-side refrigerators
- Bottom-freezer refrigerators
Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from Frigidaire support.
Common questions
›Why did SY EF go away after I unplugged the fridge?
Unplugging resets the control and lets some ice melt, so the fan can spin again. If ice keeps forming, the code will come back, often within a few days.
›Is it safe to keep using the fridge with SY EF?
Only for a short time. Without the fan, cold air does not reach the fresh food section, so check temperatures and move food if it rises above 40°F.