Code: Er FA🧊 Frigidaire Refrigerator

Frigidaire Refrigerator Er FA Error Code: Water Filter Authentication Error (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 5 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Frigidaire's Use & Care guides for refrigerators with PurePour Connect authentication (Frigidaire lists models GRMC2273 and GRMG2272, which use the PurePour Connect PWF-2 filter) explain that the refrigerator contains a water filter authentication system meant to protect against counterfeit filters, and that using any other filter can cause an error (Er FA) to appear on the control display. Frigidaire lists four situations that trigger it: an authentic but expired filter is removed and reinserted, an authentic but incorrect filter is installed, a non-authentic filter is installed, or the filter is not installed properly. When that happens, the display may show the filter authentication error code and Replace Water Filter appears. Frigidaire says you can still use the dispenser while the error is showing. Pressing and holding Water Filter for 3 seconds dismisses (delays) the alert, but only twice: on the third appearance the code stays on the display until a new authentic filter is installed. After a correct filter goes in, Frigidaire says authentication can take up to 30 seconds, then the filter status updates on its own. Frigidaire's product page for the PurePour Connect filter describes the same thing: if a counterfeit or incorrect filter is installed, an error message appears on the control panel.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.

  1. Don't panic about the food: Er FA is a filter message, and Frigidaire says the dispenser still works while it shows. Check that the fridge and freezer feel cold as normal.
  2. Reseat the filter. The filter sits at the top right of the fresh food compartment. Turn off the ice maker, pull the filter cover forward so it drops down, push on the end of the filter to release it, then slide it back in until it stops and push firmly until you hear it click into the snap-in connector.
  3. Wait up to 30 seconds. Frigidaire says the authentication can take that long, and the filter status on the display updates by itself once it's done.
  4. Check what filter is installed. Frigidaire's guides say to reorder the same filter type that's in your refrigerator and name the PurePour Connect filter by model family, so confirm the filter type for your exact model number in your Use & Care guide or on Frigidaire.com.
  5. If the filter is old, generic or the wrong type, replace it with a new genuine PurePour Connect filter of the type your model takes. Remove the two clear plastic caps on the new filter's connector before sliding it in.
  6. After a new filter, close the cover, dispense into a glass while checking the housing for leaks (some sputtering is normal), and keep flushing for about 4 minutes, as Frigidaire directs. Then turn the ice maker back on.
  7. If you need water before you can get a new filter, press and hold Water Filter for 3 seconds to dismiss the alert. Frigidaire allows this twice; the third time, the code stays on until a new authentic filter is installed.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • Er FA stays on even after a new, genuine filter of the correct type has been installed, clicked fully into place and given the 30 seconds to authenticate.
  • The filter housing leaks, or the filter won't seat or lock into the connector.
  • Er FA appears together with other codes, or the refrigerator isn't cooling. Er FA on its own is a filter message, so a cooling problem points to a separate fault.
  • The refrigerator is still under warranty. Use the contact options on Frigidaire's owner support site to schedule service.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Genuine Frigidaire PurePour Connect water filter (the type listed for your model number)

The authentication system only accepts a genuine, correct, unexpired filter. Check your Use & Care guide for whether your model takes the PWF-1 or PWF-2.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_FRIDGE_WATER_FILTER]
⚙

Refrigerator thermometer

Optional, to confirm the fridge and freezer are holding safe temperatures if you're unsure whether something besides the filter is wrong.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_FRIDGE_THERMOMETER]

Sources

  1. Frigidaire Refrigerator Use & Care Guide for PurePour Connect PWF-2 models (Er FA authentication error, four causes, Water Filter 3-second dismiss twice, 30-second authentication, filter replacement and 4-minute flush), Lowe's-hosted PDF
  2. Frigidaire EN User Manual, Fridge Freezer A31247501 (PurePour Connect Authentication only for models GRMC2273, GRMG2272; Er FA; PWF-1 vs PWF-2 by model)
  3. Frigidaire GRMC2273CD Use & Care Manual, page 30 (PurePour Connect PWF-2 Authentication, Er FA), ManualsLib copy
  4. Frigidaire: PurePour Connect PWF-2 water and ice filter product page (error message if a counterfeit or incorrect filter is installed)
  5. Frigidaire: Refrigerator Error Codes and Alarms Guide (resetting alerts, service contacts)

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.