Sub-Zero Fridge Not Cooling: 7 Common Reasons (with solutions)

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A malfunctioning fridge is the most frustrating thing ever.

It goes without saying that if the temperature in your Sub-Zero refrigerator is off, your food and beverages will spoil.

We are confident that we will be able to identify your cooling problems and perhaps even bring your refrigerator’s cooling back.

In this article, we’ll help answer the most common cooling problems with your Sub-Zero Wolf fridge.

7 Reasons Why Sub-Zero Fridge Not Cooling

The most common reasons for your Sub-Zero refrigerator not cooling it’s not plugged in, the door is not closing tightly, seals are damaged, vents are clogged, or the condenser is unclean or broken.

Based on our research and experience, below are the most common reasons why your Sub-Zero Fridge is not cooling.

Ready, let’s jump in!

Check Fridge is Plugged In

Although it may appear obvious, the first step is to ensure that your Sub-Zero refrigerator is properly plugged in.

If the appliance is not properly plugged in, remove the plug from the socket and re-insert it.

Remove the plug and try plugging another item into the same socket if it is properly inserted.

If the newly plugged-in item fails to function, try resetting the circuit breaker for that outlet.

If the outlet is still not working, call an electrician.

At the very least, you have a refrigerator that is cooling.

If the outlet is not the problem, move to the next step below

Check the Fridge door Shuts Properly

Fridge doors that do not close properly and damaged or worn-out seals are common causes of refrigerators not cooling.

Check to ensure that the door is properly closed. Failure to do so will result in cold air leaking out.

Check the door seals to ensure they are not torn, weathered, or dirty.

Dirty seals can cause gaps large enough to allow warm air to enter, affecting cooling.

If you notice dirty seals or frost build-up around the gasket, clean them right away and give your refrigerator up to 24 hours to return to normal temperature.

It is best to call a technician if the seals need to be replaced or the door is faulty.

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Check the Door Switch

Most refrigerators prefer not to run the condenser unless the door is positively closed.

This saves electricity by producing cold at the most efficient times.

However, if your refrigerator believes the door is always open, it will not run the condenser long enough to maintain the proper level of cold.

Examine the door latch on your refrigerator.

When your fridge door is closed, this tiny lever pushes down (turning off the light) and springs open when the door is open (turns on the light).

If the latch is dirty gently wipe it down, cleaning off the grime.

Reduce Fridges Temperature

The fridge’s temperature may need to be reduced, especially during warmer months or if the fridge is packed with food.

Reduce the temperature of your refrigerator.

The ideal refrigerator temperature is 3°C (37°F) and the freezer temperature is -18°C (0°F).

If your refrigerator is in direct sunlight or close to a heat source, consider relocating it if possible.

While we’re on the subject of fridge location, make sure there’s an inch of clearance between the fridge and the back of the wall for proper operation.

Fridge in Demo Mode

If the Sub-Zero Refrigerator is plugged in and turned on, but it still isn’t cold enough, you may have accidentally set it to or left it in Demo Mode.

When the Refrigerator is in Demo Mode, the display will read OF-OF, which disables the compressor to save electricity while it is on the showroom floor.

Turning off Demo Mode is simple and varies depending on the display type of your refrigerator.

In general, each model may necessitate a unique set of display buttons.

Your Fridge is Clogged

Your Sub-Zero refrigerator requires air circulation!

If you have too much food in your refrigerator or freezer, you may be blocking an air vent, causing your refrigerator to not cool properly.

Check that your air vents aren’t clogged with food.

So, we’ve covered the more obvious reasons why your fridge won’t cool down.

If your fridge still won’t cool down, let’s move on to more technical steps to go over.

Clean the Condenser Coils

A set of condenser coils can be found at the back of your Sub-Zero refrigerator.

When these coils become dusty or freeze over, they can prevent your refrigerator from cooling.

Cleaning the condenser coils is thankfully simple; simply do the following:

  • Remove your Samsung refrigerator from the wall.
  • Turn off the power.
  • Remove the condenser coils’ cover.
  • If the coils are encrusted with ice, turn off your refrigerator and wipe away any excess water. Clean the coils if they are covered in dust.
  • After they’ve been defrosted or cleaned, replace the coil cover, turn on the power, and see if your fridge now cools properly.

If not move on to the next step

Condenser Fan Could Be Faulty

If the refrigerator isn’t cool enough, the condenser fan motor may be malfunctioning.

The condenser fan motor cools the condenser coils by drawing air over them.

Without a working fan, your refrigerator may overheat and fail to cool properly.

Your condenser fan motor can be found behind or beneath your refrigerator.

If the fan motor stops working, it will almost certainly need to be repaired by a professional.

 

Circuit Board Faulty

At least two circuit boards are used in a modern refrigerator: the main control board and the temperature control board.

Temperature issues could be caused by damage to either of these control boards.

These problems are difficult for a novice to diagnose or repair, so if you suspect a control board failure, best to contact a qualified technician.

Need help? Best to contact an appliance repair technician

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How long should a Refrigerator Last?

If you have come to the conclusion your fridge is broken and out of warranty, you should consider whether it is cheaper to replace than to repair.

Based on research by Choice.com.au they estimated the lifespan for when it is cheaper to replace.

  • Cheaper to replace: 6–20 years
  • Life expectancy:
    • Budget/entry level: 6 years
    • Mid-range: 9 years
    • High-end: 13 years

Faulty thermostats and damaged door seals are worth repairing, and the cooling performance of an older fridge can be partially restored by replacing worn seals.

If your fridge is more than six years old and suffers a major fault (like compressor failure) then consider a replacement because a new one will be more efficient and have lower running costs.

Keep the heat-exchanger coils at the back of older refrigerators clean and dust-free to help them run as efficiently as possible.

Warranty of Sub-Zero Fridges

To find out the warranty of your fridge, it’s best to locate the paperwork that was handed over to you when you purchased the fridge.

This Sub-Zero product guarantee covers all parts and labor to repair or replace, under normal home use, these items that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship: compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier, and all connecting tubing for five years from the date of initial installation.

For more information on warranty and support check out the Sub-Zero website

Conclusion

This concludes the article, and we hope you learned everything there is to know about troubleshooting your Sub-Zero refrigerator.

Remember that machines break down, and no matter how frustrating it is to discover that your Sub-Zero fridge is broken, it is always best to remain calm.

If the problem of your cooling problem is still not resolved, best to call out a technician.

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Need help? Best to contact an appliance repair technician

Connect with an Appliance Repair Technician
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our friendly technicians
No in-home service calls. No appointments.