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Frigidaire Refrigerator Error Code SY CE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Also shown as: 5Y CE

Communication error between control boards

💰 DIY cost: $0–$300 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$360 Save $150+ by doing it yourself
Frigidaire Refrigerator error code SY CE on the display panel
How the SY CE code appears on a Frigidaire refrigerator display

What Does Error Code SY CE Mean on a Frigidaire Refrigerator?

Communication error between control boards.

SY CE means the refrigerator's main control board has lost communication with the user-interface (touchpad/display) board. The control system can't coordinate cooling and display functions without the two boards exchanging data. A loose or corroded wiring harness between the boards is the most common cause, followed by a failed UI or main board.

What Causes Error Code SY CE?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Loose or corroded harness between UI and main board 40% of cases
  2. 2
    User-interface (touchpad/display) board failure 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Main control board failure 25% of cases
  4. 4
    Wiring damage in the door or cabinet routing 10% of cases

How to Fix Frigidaire Refrigerator Error Code SY CE

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Power cycle

    Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then restore power — a transient communication glitch often clears.

  2. 2

    Reseat the inter-board harness

    Access the UI board (usually in the dispenser/door or top control housing) and reseat the harness to the main board; check for corrosion or pinched wires.

    ⚠️ Unplug the refrigerator before opening control housings.
  3. 3

    Replace the failed board

    If reseating doesn't help, replace the user-interface board or the main control board.

    🔩 Frigidaire refrigerator user interface board ($70–$200) 🔩 Main control board ($120–$300)

How to Reset Error Code SY CE

Unplug for 5 minutes and reseat the harness between the UI and main control boards before restoring power.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

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When to Call a Professional

If power cycling and reseating the harness don't clear SY CE, the user-interface or main control board needs replacement.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$360

Related Error Codes

SY EF
Evaporator fan motor failure
⚠ High Severity
H1
Temperature alarm — refrigerator or freezer above safe temperature
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code SY CE appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows SY CE →

Electrolux logo
Electrolux Refrigerator SY CE
Communication error between control boards

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Frigidaire Refrigerator:

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Search PartSelect
Frigidaire Refrigerator repair parts
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Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Frigidaire Refrigerator Error Codes

SY CF Communication failure between control boards

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Frigidaire Refrigerator when error SY CE appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the communication issue behind SY CE will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes SY CE on a Frigidaire Refrigerator? +
Across reported Frigidaire refrigerator repairs, the most frequent is loose or corroded harness between UI and main board (40% of cases), user-interface (touchpad/display) board failure (25%), then main control board failure (25%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
SY CE keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored SY CE fault; if it returns, the communication problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — power cycle, then reseat the inter-board harness — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Frigidaire Refrigerator error SY CE? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$300 in parts, versus $150–$360 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $150. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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