Gentlemen:

I have a Frigidaire refrigerator Model LPUS2686LFO, Serial 4A03607472. This is a side-by-side version that was purchased about 3-1/2 years ago.

Recently, the refrigerator began making a noise indicative of the evaporator fan blades striking an object. When the freezer compartment door was opened the sound reduced in frequency as the motor assumed low speed. After about an hour, the sound subsided and eventually stopped. This repeated over the past few days. Finally, the system shut down with the following error code: SY EF indicating a problem with the evaporator fan.

I removed the ice container, ice maker and the ice dispenser auger driver assembly. I then removed the cover exposing the evaporator fan and surrounding area. The evaporator fan and the surrounding area was completely encapsulated in ice. I was unable to determine whether this large portion of ice estimated to be about 12-inches long x 4-inches wide x 3 inched deep, was comprised of a cluster of ice cubes or ice cube portions fused together, or by frozen water.

I removed all the ice and reassembled the components and so far have found the operation to be normal.

I would appreciate an explanation or speculation of what may have caused the ice to develop in the fan compartment along with your suggestions regarding future prevention. Is it possible that ice particles or water may somehow be entering the icemaker duct located in the left, upper portion of the cover?

Your guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Gary I. Robin
623/234-2252