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Kenmore Refrigerator SY EF Error Code
Freezer fan circuit has failed on Kenmore refrigerators.
KenmoreAll Kenmore refrigerator codes
SY EF reports a failure in the evaporator fan circuit, the fan in the freezer that circulates cold air through the fridge. In Sears PartsDirect's order, a loose freezer fan harness comes first, then the fan itself, then the control board.
Compatible models
Listed by Sears PartsDirect for Kenmore 253 series French-door refrigerators with model numbers starting 253.7031.
Also shown as
795-prefix models use Er FF for an evaporator fan fault.
Difficulty
Start with the safe checks below; a worn part may need replacing.
Not sure you are reading the code right? See how to read Kenmore refrigerator codes.
How to fix Kenmore SY EF
Check for ice around the fan
Look at the freezer's back wall for heavy frost. Ice can stall the blade, and a slow thaw with the fridge unplugged and the doors open frees it.
Reseat the fan connector
With the fridge unplugged, Sears PartsDirect's first check is the freezer fan's harness plug; push it back together if it's loose.
Power up and listen
Plug back in. Once cooling starts you should hear the fan turning inside the freezer.
When to call a technician
A fan that still won't run usually needs replacing. If a new one doesn't fix it, the control board needs a technician.
Parts linked to SY EF
These are the parts most often behind this code. Tap one to see what it does and the signs it is failing.
Order parts by your full model number so they fit.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kenmore models show the SY EF code?
Listed by Sears PartsDirect for Kenmore 253 series French-door refrigerators with model numbers starting 253.7031.
Can I fix Kenmore SY EF myself?
Often. The first steps above are safe checks a homeowner can do. If they don't clear SY EF, the cause is likely a worn part that needs replacing.
Other Kenmore refrigerator codes
- Er FFFreezer evaporator fan fault
- Er IFIce compartment fan has failed
- Er CFCondenser fan motor problem
- Er COBoards aren't communicating
- Er FS / Er rSFreezer or refrigerator temperature sensor fault
- F dH / r dHDefrost didn't warm the coil enough
- F dS / r dSDefrost sensor fault
- Er IS / Er ItIce maker sensor or ice maker fault
- Er gFWater flow meter error
- dAir damper is stuck
- CCompartment temperature sensor failure
- CFControl board and user interface lost contact
- OP / SHSensor circuit reads open or shorted
- SY CE / SY CFControl board and door interface out of contact
- C1Sealed refrigerant system failure
- F3 / r3Defrost heater failure
- dr / dFDoor open over an hour or bad door switch
- ESDispenser failure, often a stuck button
- d2Forced defrost is running
Last reviewed 2026-10-21. Codes and steps can vary by model; check your owner's manual.