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Sub-Zero Warm Freezer Troubleshooting

Cause:

  • Fan not working properly
  • Temperature sensor or thermostat malfunction
  • Sealed system problem
  • Door seal or gasket issue

Topics:

  • What to do when temperatures rise in freezer
  • High or warm temperatures reported in freezer section
  • Freezer temp too warm or freezer not maintaining temperature
  • Why is the freezer not cooling or will not hold set temperature?

Steps to Verify Issue:

Only a Factory Certified Service technician can determine the exact cause of a cooling issue. Use this troubleshooting as a starting point to resolve warm refrigerator temperatures.

For a new installation:

  1. Allow at least 24 hours for the unit to get to set temperature after being turned on or after changing the temperature.
  2. Make sure the door was not left ajar for a period of time, especially if there are children in the home. Turn the door ajar alarm on, if not being used, to make sure door is closing all the way.
  3. Correct or remove anything blocking the door from closing.
  4. Check the gasket for rips, tears, or cracks. A damaged gasket should be replaced.
  5. New groceries or warm food will raise temperatures for a period of time.
    • Ice cream softness varies based on ingredients and location in freezer, and is generally not a reliable indicator of freezer warmth.
    • Cooling is most efficient when the freezer is not tightly packed and air can circulate throughout.
  6. It is not necessary to clean the condenser on a unit that is less than 6 months old.
  7. Verify the unit is not in Showroom Mode. This is only likely if unit was a product on display in a dealer showroom. See Sub-Zero Showroom Mode Guide for instructions.
  8. If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, service is necessary to expertly diagnose and repair the product. Contact Factory Certified Service to schedule an appointment for repair.

For warm temperatures in an existing Sub-Zero freezer:

  1. Check the setpoint temperatures for the compartment.
    • On an electronic control panel, 00° is the factory setting.
    • For a dial control, set the dial between 4–6. 1 is warmest, and 10 is coldest.
  2. Make sure the door was not left ajar for a period of time, especially if there are children in the home. Turn the door ajar alarm on, if not being used, to make sure door is closing all the way.
  3. Correct or remove anything blocking the door from closing.
  4. Verify there are no error codes or service indicators, such as a wrench, on the electronic control panel.
  5. Check the gasket for rips, tears, or cracks. A damaged gasket should be replaced.
  6. New groceries or warm food will raise temperatures for a period of time.
    • Ice cream softness varies based on ingredients and location in freezer, and is generally not a reliable indicator of freezer warmth.
    • Cooling is most efficient when the freezer is not tightly packed and air can circulate throughout.
  7. Clean the Condenser if it has not been done in the last three months. Regular condenser cleaning helps maintain unit temperature.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: If the temperature is above 10 degrees (set at 0), it is unlikely to return to normal temperatures after a condenser cleaning. If the temperature is less than 10° high, condenser cleaning can help return to normal operation. Contact Factory Certified Service to schedule an appointment for repair. The service call can be canceled if the temperatures do return to normal.
     
  8. If temperatures do not appear, or the control panel does not respond, verify the unit is not in Sabbath Mode.
  9. If the lights are off and there is no cooling in the freezer, but the refrigerator is working normally, make sure the freezer was not disabled.
  10. Verify if only one or all sections are not cooling. This information is helpful if service is necessary.
  11. In stand-alone ice makers, models 235, 505, 506, 315I, and UC-15I, run a clean cycle if not done recently.
  12. Wait 24 hours for the unit to return to normal temperatures after correcting any or all of the above.
  13. If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, service is necessary to expertly diagnose and repair the product. Contact Factory Certified Service to schedule an appointment for repair.

For Warm Refrigerator Troubleshooting

For warm refrigerator issues, see Warm Refrigerator Troubleshooting.

 

Additional Resources

Door Alarm Settings

Controls and Error Messages

Ice Maker Cleaning

Other Troubleshooting

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