Sub-Zero Error Code Troubleshooting:

Sub Zero error codes can be ambiguous; they provide a general indication of the issue and the area to investigate. Error codes serve as a preliminary guide for accurate diagnosis. You will need to eliminate each defective part one at a time.

Reset a Sub-Zero unit: Turn the unit off at the control panel. For units with a dial control, turn the knob to zero (0) or off. Turn the home circuit breaker off for 30 seconds and then back on again. Retest the unit operation.

Clearing error codes for most models: Locate the control panel on your Sub-Zero refrigerator. Press and hold the "Door Ajar Alarm Bell" button for about 15 seconds. 

Troubleshooting: If the error codes disappear, the issue may be just a glitch. If they persist or reappear, it might indicate a more significant problem. 

 Check for Ajar or damaged door seals: Ensure no doors are open or ajar, as this can trigger error codes. Verify that your door seals are not ripped or have bunching in the corners, which prevents a tight seal. Door seals are crucial to the unit's optimal operation. Visit our part catalog to order parts like the original genuine Sub Zero door seals. Do not put any aftermarket or generic seal on the Sub Zero units.

Vacuum Condenser Error Message: Sub-Zero 600 series and some other models. "Vacuum Condenser" error code, alongside a general "service" error code. A general error code would illuminate 600 series units. The intent was for the control board to record the operational times of the compressors; if they operated for too long or inefficiently, the control board would display "Vacuum Condenser." This is the most generic of error codes, as a machine can operate inefficiently for a multitude of reasons. Your initial step should be to clean your condenser. Occasionally, this resolves the issue, as dust on the condenser can cause the machine to function inefficiently. If this does not rectify the issue, the machine is likely to run inefficiently due to another cause, and we have encountered a variety of scenarios. Some common reasons for units triggering this message include refrigerant leaks, faulty fans, tore or bunched door seals and gaskets, defrost problems and frost accumulation, aging compressors and blocked heat exchangers, and severely blocked condensers due to grease or bent fins.

E3 CODE: A Sub-Zero refrigerator E3 error code typically indicates a problem with the evaporator thermistor or a related cooling issue. This could mean a faulty thermistor, a bad connection, or irregular temperature readings. It is recommended to check the evaporator thermistor, reset the error code by holding the "alarm" bell button for 15 seconds, and if the error persists, consider replacing the thermistor. To order parts, Click Here.

EC: Units frequently display "service" before transitioning to the "EC" code. To access the diagnostic mode, press and hold the "colder" and "unit on/off" buttons simultaneously, then release them. You will then enter diagnostic mode.

EC 05: Thermistor indicates an open or shorted condition or consistently displays erratic temperatures. The sensor responsible for measuring the air temperature in your refrigerator may be faulty, have a poor connection, or be experiencing inconsistent temperature readings.

EC 06: Refrigerator Evaporator Thermistor indicates an open or shorted condition for over 9 seconds, or consistently displays erratic temperatures. The sensor responsible for measuring the cabin temperature in your freezer may be faulty, have a poor connection, or be experiencing inconsistent temperature readings. It is possible that the thermistor is defective, or there may be a cooling problem. Recommended actions - I rarely replace thermistors in freezers; ensure that the freezer is not accumulating frost. Clean your condenser and reset your error codes by pressing the "alarm" bell button for 15 seconds. If the issue persists, contact a service technician.

EC 20: Defrost Underheat with No Voltage Feedback Through Gray/White Wire at Defrost Start. The control board oversees the defrost process by monitoring feedback from a wire connected to your defrost system. It fails to detect voltage, indicating that the heaters did not operate for a sufficient duration. What to do: Inspect your freezer for frost accumulation; is there frost on the ceiling or back wall? Are your temperatures stable? If everything appears normal and the machine is functioning, reset the code. If frost is present, turn off your freezer to allow it to defrost fully. Should the code reappear, there may be an issue affecting your defrost system, such as a faulty harness or wire connection, or possibly a defective terminator or heater. To order a terminator or thermistor, Click Here.

EC 21: Defrost Overheat:  Your defrost heater has operated for an excessive duration. What to do: Reset the code. If it recurs, it needs to be addressed, as prolonged operation of the heaters can lead to severe consequences.

EC 24: Defrost Underheat. Your defrost heater did not operate long enough or did not reach the proper temperature. To verify, check several factors: ensure there is no ice buildup on the freezer evaporator and confirm that the evaporator fan operates when the machine is powered on. Reset the code, and if it recurs, seek service. NOTE: EC24 codes can be quite general, as units may frost up for various reasons, triggering this code. To order parts, Click Here.

EC 30: "Excess IM Water Valve Solenoid Activation. What this indicates: Your ice-maker solenoid has been activated by your icemaker for a duration exceeding 15 seconds. Recommended action: Inspect your ice; is it irregularly shaped? At this stage, the ice maker bin may be overflowing with ice. When your ice maker requires water, it will supply electricity to your solenoid valve, which should last approximately 5-6 seconds. A duration of 15 seconds is excessive, and if your water supply is adequate, this will likely cause your ice maker and its bin to overflow. Reset the code, and if you notice any leaks in your ice system, contact a professional immediately or visit our part catalog.

 EC 40: "Excessive Freezer Compressor Run. Your freezer compressor is operating for an extended period and exerting excessive effort for an unknown reason. Clean the condenser. The condenser coil is located near your compressor/s. Check that your fans are operational.  Check for frost buildup in your freezer. Verify that the door closes properly and check for any tears, rips, or discoloration on all the door seals. If so, replace all the door seals with genuine replacements only. We do carry the original door seals/gaskets. Please call or visit our parts catalog for pricing information. There is much to consider with this code, but verify your condenser is clean and then reset the code. To order parts, Click Here.

EC 50: Your refrigerator compressor is running for too long and working excessively for an unknown reason. This issue is confined to your refrigerator section only. Troubleshooting: Have you cleaned your condenser? Are your fans operational? Is there frost buildup? Is the door closing properly? Ensure your condenser is clean and reset the code. If overheating continues, schedule service. To order parts, Click Here.

 

 

If you need a genuine original Sub Zero part or need to look up a part, Click Here.

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