Sub Zero Refrigerator Freezer Error Codes

There are many different model numbers of Sub-Zero refrigerators with digital displays so if you see an error code write down what is flashing or displaying.

Don’t pull the power from the fridge if it shows an error code.

If you pull the power plug it will erase the fault code.

EC40 or EC50 / Service Light Flashing

Cause of Error Code EC40: - Freezer Excessive Compressor Running

Cause of Error Code EC50: - Refrigerator Excessive Compressor Running

What you will see on your refrigerator: EC-40 and Service Flashing on control panel

What you will see on your refrigerator: EC-50 and Service Flashing on display

To CLEAR the error code and reset your refrigerator:

Press and hold the door ajar alarm key for 15 seconds to clear the code

If the error persists, then there is an issue with the refrigerator

How to fix Subzero EC 40 & EC 50 error codes:

1 – If temperatures are high and the door on your refrigerator has not been left open

Contact Sub-Zero factory service

2 – If the temperatures are near normal range:

a – Clean the condenser of dirt or dust

b – Press and hold the door ajar alarm key for 15 seconds to clear the error code

c – Make sure the kick plate is not covered or enclosed in custom cabinetry

If the error code returns or the temperatures rises, there is no further

troubleshooting advice. Contact Sub-Zero factory service

Sub-Zero 600 Series and 700 Series

Sub-Zero Error code: EC21 ; EC24;

Cause of error code: - Defrost Functionality Issue

Solution 1:

If temperatures are high call for service.

Solution 2: If temperatures are near normal range:

a – Clean the condenser

b – Press and hold the door ajar alarm key for 15 seconds to clear the error code

c – If EC Service light appears, or temperatures rise contact service for repair

Sub Zero Refrigerator 400-2 and 427r-2

Error Code: EE Service (Flashing)

Error Code: 38 Service (Flashing)

Error Code: 38 Service (Steady, not Flashing)

Cause: - Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Cause: - Several excessive compressor run times or Sub Zero Refrigerator evaporator thermistor fault

Cause: - Several excessive compressor run times or Sub Zero Refrigerator evaporator thermistor fault

Solution: To clear errors, first fix or repair component then turn unit OFF and back ON

To clear the error code press Bell ON/OFF key for 15 seconds

SubZero Refrigerator 600 Series (Before Serial #1810000)

Error Code: EE Service (Flashing) 38

Cause: SubZero Freezer compartment thermistor fault

Error Code: 00 Service (Flashing) EE

Cause: SubZero Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code: 00 ICE (Flashing) 38

Cause: Water valve energizer longer than 15 seconds – Sub-Zero icemaker system disabled.

A 45 minute halt time occurs each ice maker cycle (no power is going to icemaker).

To bypass 45 minute dwell switch the unit OFF then back ON

SubZero Refrigerator Freezer 600 Series (Starts With Serial #1810000)

Error Code: EE Service (Flashing) 38

Cause: SubZero Freezer compartment thermistor fault

Error Code: 00 Service (Flashing) EE

Cause: SubZero Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code: 00 Service (Flashing) 38

Cause: Several excessive compressor run periods or SubZero refrigerator evaporator thermistor fault

Error Code: 00 Ice (Flashing) 38

Cause: Water valve energized longer then 15 seconds – Sub-Zero icemaker system

disabled. A 45 minute halt time occurs each ice maker cycle (no power is going

to icemaker). To bypass 45 minute dwell switch the unit OFF then back ON

Sub-Zero Refrigerator Freezer 600-2 SERIES

Error Code: EE Service (Flashing) 38

Cause: SubZero Freezer compartment thermistor fault

Error Code: 00 Service (Flashing) EE

Cause: SubZero Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code: 00 Service (Flashing) 38

Cause: Several excessive compressor run periods or SubZero Refrigerator evaporator fault

Error Code: 00 Ice (Flashing) 38

Cause: Water valve energized longer then 15 seconds, five consecutive times –

Sub-Zero icemaker system disabled 24 hours each time. A 45 minute halt time occurs each ice maker cycle (no power is going to icemaker). To bypass 45 minute dwell switch the unit OFF then back ON

Error Code: 00 Service (Steady, not Flashing) 38

To clear error code press Bell ON/OFF key for 15 seconds

SubZero Refrigerator Freezer 700 SERIES

Control is shut off. Press COLDER key to start the unit

Error Code: -20

-20 = Zone/Compartment thermistor fault – Repair wiring or replace thermistor

Error Code: 55

55 = Zone/Compartment thermistor shorted – Repair wiring or replace thermistor

Error Code: Su

Su = Blue wire of display cable unhooked or faulty repair wiring

Error Code: -88

-88 = Red Wire of display cable unhooked or faulty, top lights are off

and keys are inoperative repair wiring

Sub-Zero Refrigerator Freezer 700-2 SERIES (Tall Units)

Error Code: EE Service (Flashing) 38

Cause: SubZero Freezer compartment thermistor Fault

Error Code: 00 Service (Flashing) EE

Cause: SubZero Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code: 00 Service (Flashing) 38

Cause: Several excessive compressor run periods or SubZero Refrigerator evaporator fault

Error Code: 00 Ice (Flashing) 38

Cause: Water valve energized longer then 15 seconds – SubZero Icemaker system disabled.

A 45 minute halt time occurs each ice maker cycle (no power is going to icemaker).

To bypass 45 minute dwell switch the unit OFF then back ON

SubZero Refrigerator Freezer 700-3 SERIES (TALL UNITS)

Error Code: EE Service (Flashing) 38

Cause: SubZero Freezer compartment thermistor fault

Error Code: 00 Service (Flashing) EE

Cause: SubZero Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code: 00 Service (Flashing) 38

Cause: Several excessive compressor run period or SubZero Refrigerator evaporator thermistor fault

Error Code: 00 Ice (Flashing) 38

Cause: Water valve energized longer then 15 seconds, five consecutive times– Icemaker system disabled 24 hours each time. A 45 minute halt time occurs each ice maker cycle (no power is going to icemaker)

To bypass 45 minute dwell switch the unit OFF then back ON

Error Code: 00 Service (Steady, not Flashing) 38

To clear error code press Bell ON/OFF key for 15 seconds

********

Jazz Control Board Operation

Starting Diagnostics

To start with we need to start the refrigerator's diagnostic mode. To do this open the refrigerator door and press one or both door switches, depending on your refrigerator type. Next press the refrigerator temperature (+) button three times in ten seconds and release the light switch or switches. This should display an "S" in the freezer display and an "E" in the refrigerator display. Then press the refrigerator temperature (+) button one time to confirm that you want the service mode. You will then see a set of numbers displayed showing the software version for three seconds. (Again this control board is used on many different refrigerators.) After the software version is shown the freezer display should show "1" and the refrigerator display should be blank. Within the refrigerator diagnostic test mode there are 6 diagnostic tests:

1. Defrost Thermostat Diagnostics

2. Refrigerator Compressor & Condenser Fan Diagnostics

3. Freezer Evaporator Fan Diagnostics

4. Refrigerator Sensor Diagnostics

5. Freezer Sensor Diagnostics

6. Refrigerator Damper Door Diagnostics

You can select the test number you would like to run by pressing the freezer temperature (+) or(-) button until the test number you want is in the freezer display. Then using the refrigerator(+) button to cycle the test on and off.

NOTE: Most tests will need to be turned off before you will be allowed to move to the next test with the freezer temperature buttons.

Test#1 Defrost Thermostat Diagnostics

After pressing the refrigerator (+) button you will see ether an "O" or an "S". "O" means that the freezer's defrost thermostat is open and will not allow electricity to reach the defrost heater. An "S" means shorted or closed. The word shorted sounds bad but actually that is what you want to see if the freezer is cold. If you see an "O" (open) and the defrost thermostat is cold that means you need to replace the thermostat. The thermostat should be shorted or closed anytime it is cold and it's safe to run a defrost cycle. This test will also check the defrost heater. If ether the defrost thermostat or heater are broken or "open" and the evaporator is iced up, you will need to replace the bad part.

Test#2 Refrigerator Compressor & Condenser Fan Diagnostics

As a general rule any time the refrigerator compressor is running so should the condenser fan motor. The condenser fan helps to move the heat that is being pulled from the freezer out into the room so that more heat can be removed from the food you are hoping to keep cold.

When test 2 is selected you can turn the compressor / condenser fan circuit on and off with the refrigerator (+) button.

an "O" is displayed in the refrigerator temperature window for "on" and an "F" for "off"

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: If the compressor has been turned on and off you need to wait at least 10 minutes to turn it back on again or you may damage the compressor! If the compressor does not turn on with this diagnostic test take a look at this for more troubleshooting help.

Test#3 Freezer Evaporator Fan Diagnostics

The freezer evaporator fan has the very important job of moving the air inside the refrigerator and freezer. Without it the refrigerator won't cool at all and the freezer will only freeze small areas. Press the freezer temperature buttons until "3" is displayed then press the refrigerator (+) button. An "O" for "on" should be displayed and the refrigerator's evaporator fan should come on. Press the refrigerator (+) button again and an "F" for "off" is in the refrigerator display and you guessed it the fan should be turned off.

Test#4 Refrigerator Sensor Diagnostics

Your refrigerator uses sensors called a thermistor to sense the temperature inside the refrigerator's fresh food and freezer areas. The control then uses this information to know if the compressor should be running to make things colder. It also uses this info decide if more or less cold air should be allowed into the fresh food area through the damper door. The sensor test gives a "P" pass, "O" open, or "S" short result. "O" or "S" means the sensor is bad or a "P.O.S." and needs to be replaced, a "P" is what you want. This still requires a little bit of faith in the control that it is working well enough to give you the correct information...If you don't trust the control and want to test the sensor directly it should have the following resistance readings at the given temperature...

· @77ºF 10,000Ω +or- 1.8%

· @36ºF 29,500Ω +or- 1.0%

· @0ºF 86,300Ω +or- 1.8%

Test#5 Freezer Sensor Diagnostics

Your freezer also uses a thermistor to sense the temperature inside the refrigerator's freezer area. The control then uses this information to know if the compressor should be running to make things colder. The freezer sensor test gives a "P" pass, "O" open, or "S" short result. "O" or "S" means the sensor is bad and needs to be replaced, a "P" is what you want. This still requires a control that it is working well enough to give you the correct information... If you don't trust the control and want to test the sensor directly it should have the following resistance readings at the given temperature...

· @77ºF 10,000Ω +or- 1.8%

· @36ºF 29,500Ω +or- 1.0%

· @0ºF 86,300Ω +or- 1.8%

Test#6 Refrigerator Damper Door Diagnostics

The refrigerator uses a part called the damper to regulate how much cold air from the freezer is allowed to enter the refrigerator's fresh food compartment. The control uses the refrigerator's fresh food sensor to decide if more or less cold air should be allowed into the fresh food area through the damper door. It also may decide to close the damper if it feels like the freezer is not cold enough. Generally your freezer section is highest priority. So the freezer temperature or sensor can also cause the damper to remain closed and let you refrigerator section warm up. With "6" in your freezer display press the refrigerator (+) button to force open "O" and close "C" the damper. NOTE: you will need to wait about 1 minute for the damper to move from the open and closed positions. You need to actually see that the damper is moving from fully open to fully closed. Just hearing the motor does not account for the possibility that the damper motor is working but the door is broken.

#7 Refrigerator Temperature Adjustment

The refrigerator's fresh food temperature can be adjusted in test "7" with the refrigerator (+) and(-) buttons, "5" is the suggested setting, "9" is coldest, and "1" is the warmest. The last setting will be saved when you close the refrigerator door.

#8 Freezer Temperature Adjustment

In the same way the refrigerator's freezer temperature can be adjusted in test "8" with the refrigerator (+) and(-) buttons, "5" is the suggested setting, "9" is coldest, and "1" is the warmest. The last setting will be saved when you close the refrigerator door.

Forced Defrost Mode

The forced defrost mode is started out of the diagnostics mode. If you are in diagnostics you can exit by closing the refrigerator door. This is a nice one because you can do a forced defrost cycle as long as the refrigerator's defrost thermostat, heater, and control are okay.

It is fairly common to have a large amount of frost build up and block airflow into the fresh food area if the freezer door did not get closed all the way for a few hours. The signs of this happening are clear, large amounts of frost or "snow" all over the freezer compartment or frost build up near the front of the freezer compartment near the door gasket. Doing a "long" forced defrost will probably get things back to normal.

To run a forced defrost cycle open the refrigerator door or doors if your refrigerator is a french door model. Then hold down the door switch or switches, the display should go blank. Next press the refrigerator temperature (-) button 3 times in 10 seconds and release the door switches. The display should show "F" and "D" (Forced Defrost) press the refrigerator (-) button one more time to confirm that this is what you want to do. "S" for "short" should then be displayed in the refrigerator window. You can switch between long and short cycles with the refrigerator (+) button. To test the circuit the short option should be fine. However, if you are trying to get rid of a frost build up I would suggest the long cycle.

When you have made your selection press the refrigerator (-) button to start the defrost cycle. The display will go back to it's original settings and you can close the door. After a few moments if everything is working properly you should hear the sweet hissing sound of water dripping onto the red hot heater. If you don't hear anything in the freezer after a few minutes... "Houston we have a problem"

Programming Mode

Each W10503278 control board has a software program that changes slightly from refrigerator to refrigerator. The correct program code is printed at the bottom of your refrigerator's model/serial number sticker in the refrigerator compartment. you can check that you have the correct program, or set the program for your new control with this function. Open the doors and press your door switch or switches so that the lights and display go out. Next press the freezer temperature (-) button 3 times in 10 seconds and release the light switch. you should see "P" and "E" (Program Mode... can't do an "M" I suppose) in the display. Press the freezer (-) button one more time to confirm that this is what you want. The display will show the current program. If the code is correct just close the door. If not you can set the code with the refrigerator and freezer (+) buttons. Once the correct code has been set press the freezer (-) button to lock it in and close the door. NOTE: the refrigerator will not run with a code "00".

What Now?

Something seems to be wrong with your refrigerator... So what now? Good news! All the parts managed with control board W10503278 are AC120 Volts. So it comes down to one question is the part that failed the test bad or is it your refrigerator's control board? To answer that question you will need to check the refrigerator part in question directly. NOTE: If you haven't heard already, electricity is dangerous and extreme caution needs to be used! The safest and easiest way is with a non contact voltage meter. Start the test again for the part you want to test and then put your voltage sensor near the wires that are attached to the suspected refrigerator part. If it lights up and beeps then the control is sending power like it should (When you are forcing it...) If no lights and beeps then your refrigerator control is bad. (Check your non contact meter at a wall socket to make sure it's working.) If your refrigerator passes every test perfectly but it's not doing things automatically like it should, it is fairly safe to assume that the control needs to be replaced.

Whirlpool Control board part W10428901 Programming Mode

NOTE: The Program Code is located on the Serial Plate on this unit after the word Code.

1. Press and hold the Door Alarm Keypad.

2. Press and hold Freezer Temperature DOWN /- Keypad within 3 seconds.

3. Release the Door Alarm Keypad and wait 3 seconds.

4. The control will display PE to indicate the programming mode.

5. Entry is confirmed by pressing the Freezer Temperature DOWN /- Keypad once more.

6. The control will display the current Program CODE. This value should be validated with the Program CODE printed on the unit serial plate. NOTE: If the Program CODE is correct, the Programming Mode is exited by pressing Door Alarm Keypad for 3 seconds.

7. Press the Refrigerator Temperature UP /+ Keypad or Refrigerator Temperature DOWN /- Keypad to change the digit value with each key press.

8. The decimal point indicates the selected digit. Press the Freezer Temperature UP /+ Keypad to select the next digit.

9. Once the desired Program CODE is entered, press and hold the Freezer Temperature DOWN /- Keypad until the Program CODE begins flashing indicating it has been saved. NOTE: If you attempt to enter an invalid Program CODE the control will not save the new code, but will beep. (The unit will NOT run with a Program CODE of 0000). Once the Program CODE has been saved the Programming Mode is exited by pressing any key. If the new code is incorrect this process should be repeated. The Programming mode can be exited at any time by pressing Door Alarm key for 3 seconds or will exit if unattended for four minutes. Defrost Operation: The Control Board adapts the compressor run time between defrosts to achieve optimum defrost intervals by monitoring the length of time the defrost heater is on. After initial power up, defrost interval is 4 hours compressor run time. Defrost occurs immediately after the 4 hours.

Samsung fridge defrost settings change from adaptive to timed

1. Press upper right and middle left buttons on display at the same time, the display will flash "0 0" continue to hold until unit chimes twice

2. Use middle right button to change right "0" to "17" simply keep pressing until it counts up to "17"

3. Use middle left button to change left "0" to "1"

4. Wait about 30 second to 1 minute for unit to reboot itself, display will go back to normal (displaying temps )

5. Unplug fridge. Wait 1 minute and plug fridge back in

6. Complete!

N.B. If the controls are on the inside top, use far right and middle left.