Sub-Zero 500 Series User manual
Sub-Zero Refrigerator
Service Guide
A Step-by-step guide
Answers to the most common repair and service questions
for your Sub-Zero
Yale Appliance + Lighting - 2013
Overview
The most common question is, “How serviceable is it?”
Sub-Zero is a family owned company based in Wisconsin. Family owned means you care
more about the label than a multi-national would. Incredibly, every Sub-Zero is tested
before it leaves the factory.
Sub-Zero is notoriously slow in developing new products, because their development and
quality program is so methodical.
The Most ReliableAppliance Brands: Read more »
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Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
A few quick tips for to figure out what may be wrong with your Sub-Zero
Repairs
Step by step walkthroughs for common repair issues
Repair or Replace?
How do you know when it’s time to make that choice?
How to Buy or Get Service
Quick tips to help you consider a new Sub-Zero purchase
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Troubleshooting
A few quick tips to help you figure out what’s
wrong with your Sub-Zero
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Troubleshooting
Products
Sub-Zero 500, 600, BI and PRO series.
Troubleshooting
There are a few quick tips to figure out
what may be wrong with your Sub-Zero.
Sub-Zero is one of the few products that
will always be worth repairing 15-20 years
old.
Plus, we will give you step-by-step help on
how to repair the most common issues.
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Troubleshooting
Basic Refrigerator Operation
Let’s narrow it down. Basic refrigerator operation is as follows. Power on, set freezer temperature
to 0º and refrigerator to 38º.
Note that the twin compressor system operates both sides from a single power source but are
separate when it comes to operation and cooling.
Now you need to narrow down which compartment is having trouble and select the correct
problem at hand.
What’s Wrong?
•Not Cooling?
•Water Filter?
•No Power?
•No Ice or Water?
•Light Switch?
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Not Cooling?
Why is my Sub-Zero not cooling properly?
Models: 500, 550, 600, 611, 632, 650, 690, BI-30, BI-36, BI-42, BI-48, PRO48.
The number one reason for a no cooling situation is a clogged condenser. The symptoms would be that
both the fridge and freezer section are losing cool temperature. Also, the area between the doors
would be getting hot.
If the refrigerator isn’t cool, check to see if the light comes on when you open the door. Next, check to
see if the thermostat or display control is set properly. If both of these are OK, then check to see if the
compressors are running. Sub-Zero is one of the few manufacturers with a twin compressor system,
which means your fridge side can be not operational and your freezer side can be working fine (or vice
versa).
See if the compressor motor is running. The compressor is in a case with no visible moving parts. It is
usually located at the top of the Sub-Zero unit (except 400 and 700 series) and this is a dual
compressor system, the right compressor is the fridge section. If it’s humming or making a steady noise
and your refrigerator is not cooling properly there could be a problem with one or more various
components.
The most common is the condenser is clogged with lint, hair, debris and it needs to be cleaned. This is
a simple process and should be done every six months.
Need to replace the filter? Walk through it in our repair section: Read more »
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No Power?
There is a difference between thinking there is no power and the
lights and control shutting down per safety feature. All Sub-Zero
units have a safety feature if the doors are left open for a period of
time that will shut down all lights. You can power off and on or make
sure all doors are closed and it will come back around in a few
minutes.
First, check that the power is on by simply pushing “POWER” on the
display (top right corner). Then check power supply, this can be
tougher as they are plugged in behind the grill section on the top
right side. You can plug something else, like a hair dryer, into the
outlet to confirm there is power.
There is also a possibility that the circuit breaker has tripped. This
would be located in a common area of the home and will have every
electrical unit listed.
Bad light switch? See our repair section: Read more »
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Filter Replacement
How often should I change the Sub-Zero water filter?
You should change the filter cartridge at least once every twelve months. High sediment areas
may require more frequent filter replacements.
Replace the water filter cartridge when the filter indicator is lit or when water flow becomes
low.
Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown water quality without
adequate disinfection before or after the system.
Systems certified for cyst reduction may be used on disinfected waters that may contain
filterable cysts.
This system must be installed, operated, maintained and filters replaced as required in order for
the product to perform as advertised.
Want to replace the filter? Walk through it in our repair section: Read more »
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No Ice or Water?
There’s No Ice or Water in my Sub-Zero
Models: 500, 550, 600, 611, 632, 650, 690, BI-30, BI-36, BI-42, BI-48, PRO48.
Why doesn’t my Sub-Zero icemaker or water dispenser get water to it?
Make sure the freezer has cooled down enough after installation. Most Sub-Zero ice makers
won’t produce ice until the temperature has reached less than 10°. On Sub-Zero BI and PRO48
series models you may not get any water if the filter is plugged with sediment.
Icemakers need about 40 psi to fill properly. Make sure the water supply valve is turned on. This
valve is usually located under the kitchen sink and has a 1/4” copper or braided line running to
the refrigerator. Turn it counter-clockwise to ensure the valve is open.
Occasionally, this fill tube may freeze. The way to check this is to remove the icemaker and look
at the tube. If it is frozen, you will probably need to replace the water fill valve. Verify that the
icemaker is plugged in and turned on. The wire or plastic arm will be in the down position if it is
on.
Need to replace the water valve? Walk through it in our repair section: Read more »
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Table of contents
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