Written by
Elena Marsh Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeSY CE
ApplianceRefrigerator
SY CE on a Kenmore French-door refrigerator numbered 253.7031 reports that the electronic control board and the user interface cannot talk to each other.
In brief
Shown: SY CE
Problem: no communication between board and interface
Applies to: French-door Kenmore units numbered 253.7031
Manual order
SY CE and SY CF share one entry and one procedure.
Pull the plug.
Inspect the harness connections linking the user interface and the electronic control board.
Connections sound: the electronic control board is swapped.
Fault still present: the user interface is swapped.
Left to a technician
Deciding between board and interface, and fitting either one, is outside owner work. Keep the cord out of the outlet while anyone touches the harness.
Related codes
SY CF: the sibling code, same communication fault.
If SY CE comes back after the harness check, a technician in San Francisco can sort out the board and the interface. Reach Kenmore refrigerator repair or (415) 825-6393 with the code, the 253.7031 model number and notes on the harness.
Model compatibility: Kenmore reuses codes across series and model years, so SY CE may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
Communications failure between the electronic control board and the user interface.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
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