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Sub-Zero Refrigerator Freezer Error Codes

Is your Sub-Zero refrigerator displaying an error code? Sub-Zero refrigerators have built in diagnostic systems. If your refrigerator finds, sees, or detects a fault or error in the system, it will show an error or fault code. The error code will display either inside the refrigerator where the temp controls are or where the usual numbers are on the display screen. When an error code is displayed, your refrigerator is telling you a specific fault. If the error or fault is not fixable by you, it will require a repair technician.

Sub Zero Refrigerator Freezer Error CodesSub 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

subzero refrigerator partsWhen the error code tells you which part on your SubZero Refrigerator has failed,
here are Sub Zero Refrigerator Replacement Parts for less.
SearsPartsDirect also has thousands of fridge parts in stock.

SubZero error code inside fridge top panelSubZero error code inside fridge top panel

sub zero error code refrigeratorSubZero error code inner refrigerator on lcd screen

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)
Cause: Refrigerator compartment thermistor fault

Error Code: 38 Service (Flashing)
Cause: Several excessive compressor run times or Sub Zero Refrigerator evaporator thermistor fault

Error Code: 38 Service (Steady, not Flashing)
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


SubZero Refrigerator Evaporator Repair & Replacement – Not cooling defrosting


Sub-Zero Refrigerator not cooling – dirty condenser – compressor overheating


DIY Sub Zero Refrigerator Icemaker Repair

sub zero fridge front display dispenserSubZero fridge front display dispenser

Do you know of any other Sub-Zero refrigerator error codes we have not mentioned or are you having trouble with your Sub Zero fridge? Please leave a question or comment below and we can assist.

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11 thoughts on “Sub-Zero Refrigerator Freezer Error Codes”

  1. Sub Zero 700 series gives error code 55 then gives error code 34. Not sure what is happening but it is slowly getting warmer.

  2. David Lindsay appliance

    SUB-ZERO Freezer is 0 and refrigerator says FR. This is after I replaced control board. Can not turn unit off. I checked all my wiring and all looks good. Not sure where to go now.

  3. Subzero built in 642 flashing F 01 and the temp on ice says 14 but we are not able to adjust anything. Cleaned condenser and tried resetting. Turned off but doesn’t seem like it’s going off. Fridge is less than 10 yrs old.

  4. We just had a repairman out for Subzero 695 temp @ 38-39, EC50, He replaced the fan $518.00 fee and said he could not check anything else till it ran a few days, well now it is a holiday weekend and the temp has been running @ 49 today it is 46 and EC50 Service has started flashing again. I called the 800# and there was not much he could help me with because of the holiday weekend and he suggested that I call back on Tuesday. Today is Sunday. Is there anything else we can do?

  5. DIY Project Help Tips

    David,
    Most Likely Cause for Sub-Zero 24 Error Code: Defrost underheat

    Steps to Fix the Issue:
    -Press and hold the door ajar alarm key for 15 seconds to clear the error code.
    -If the error code or Service light appears or temperatures rise, unplug fridge for 1 minute to try and attempt a reset.
    -If temperatures are near normal – See Below for How to Clean the Condenser.

    Clean the Condenser
    -“Service” or “Vacuum Condenser” flashing
    -Sub-Zero running constantly or not cooling
    -Sub-Zero temperatures are warm or hot
    -Chemical cleaner or degreaser that can be used to clean the condenser

    Perform condenser cleaning every 6 to 12 months to keep SubZero refrigerator running as designed.
    -Clean the condenser more often if pets are present.
    -Do not bend the aluminum fins of the condenser.

    -RR

  6. I have on a SUBZERO model 700BF.
    When i turn on i have “°c51” then “bf” then nothing appears, but the compressor is running and making fridge cold.
    Do you know what is the problem is?

  7. Sub-Zero Refrigerator Error Code EC 35 ice. Service (not flashing). What does this mean?

  8. DIY Project Help Tips

    Duane,
    First, on your Sub-Zero, clean the condenser, once cleaned….
    When your Sub-Zero gets an error code = Press and hold the door ajar alarm key for 15 seconds to clear the error code.
    -RR

  9. I have a Sub-Zero 650/F3 that freezer section is completely covered in ice.
    The Service light is blinking with an error code of 20.
    I prefer to do the repairs myself if it isn’t to difficult of a fix.
    Any advice would be helpful.

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