How to troubleshoot & fix the SY EF error on a Frigidaire refrigerator

If the SY EF error code is showing up on your Frigidaire refrigerator, then there’s most likely a problem with the evaporator fan circuit. The evaporator fan circulates cold air throughout the fridge compartment. If it fails or has an electrical issue, the refrigerator won’t be able to cool correctly or maintain the right temperature.

Let’s walk through the steps so you can troubleshoot the evaporator fan circuit yourself, without the need for an expensive technician call.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Frigidaire refrigerator while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The error code information in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

READ MORE: How To Use A Multimeter To Check Appliance Parts

What is the evaporator fan & why is it important?

Inside the fridge and behind the evaporator coil, the evaporator fan consists of a small electric motor that powers a rotating fan blade. The evaporator fan motor circulates cold air throughout the fridge interior to maintain the right temperature.

As cold air exits the evaporator coils, the fan spreads it evenly from the top to the bottom of the fridge. This chills the food in the drawers and on the shelves. The fan cycles are based on the main control signals during the cooling cycle.

When the evaporator fan motor fails, it can lead to:

• Uneven internal temperatures, which can cause warm spots in the fridge
• Warmer food or food spoilage
• Frost buildup on the evaporator coils from a lack of airflow

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

How to troubleshoot & resolve the SY EF error code

Follow these steps to troubleshoot & fix the SY EF code on your Frigidaire refrigerator.

Step 1: Access the evaporator fan assembly

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet.
2. Find the evaporator fan motor compartment.
3. Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the screws holding the fan cover or panel.
4. If you notice ice buildup or frost, you may need to defrost the panel or fan. You can use a hairdryer or allow the fridge to gradually warm and melt the ice.

Read more: Refrigerator Not Defrosting: Top 6 Reasons & How to Fix (With Video!) – AppliancePartsPros Blog

Step 2: Inspect the fan and wiring

• Rotate the fan blade by hand to make sure it can spin freely without making any grinding noises.
• Inspect the fan blades for any debris, dirt, or mold buildup that may be preventing the fan from spinning correctly. Use a brush or compressed air to clean it if needed.
• Look over the wiring harness connections to the fan motor. Make sure all the connections are secure and free from damage.
• Carefully follow the wiring harness from the fan to make sure that it has no cuts, pinches, or exposed wiring that could cause a short.
• Check the area inside the refrigerator and around the evaporator coil and fan housing for signs of frost that could indicate a defrost issue.

Step 3: Test the evaporator fan

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the fridge needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Plug the power cord in.
2. Use your model’s technical sheet to enter diagnostic mode. While in diagnostic mode, activate the evaporator fan test.
3. Set a multimeter to measure Volts DC (VDC).
4. Use the meter probes to check the voltage across the fan motor wires.
5. Check the meter reading. The voltage should measure 12 Volts DC between the blue wire and the red wire.

If the right voltage is present but the fan doesn’t operate, then the fan has failed and needs to be replaced.

If there’s no voltage present, you’ll need to test the main control for the same voltage reading. You would test from the red wire with a white stripe at connection J4B to the blue wire with a white stripe at connection J4A. If there’s no voltage here, then the main control board would need to be replaced.

Read more: What Temperature Should A Refrigerator Be Set To?

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Frigidaire refrigerator working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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