Nothing quite beats the convenience of having an ice maker at your disposal – especially during sweltering hot days. But, of course, it’s a sweltering hot day, and you’re in the mood for a refreshing iced beverage or perhaps an icy margarita after a long day out. So you head to the fridge only to discover that the ice maker’s empty! While there’re many bigger issues in life, it can be annoying not having any ice when needed.
Not having a working ice maker during the killer summer heat can be incredibly inconvenient – especially if you have splurged on a top-of-the-line Sub-Zero refrigerator. If you’re a proud owner of an ice maker by sub-zero, you know that it can be an invaluable asset to your kitchen needs.
Sub-Zero is renowned for producing some of the highest quality kitchen appliances, constructed with only the best parts and made to last. Nonetheless, they may occasionally have issues that require attention. Thus, it requires basic troubleshooting to keep them running at their peak. Fortunately, there can be some quick remedies to get the ice maker working properly. Here’s a quick guide on sub-zero ice maker troubleshooting so you can enjoy the convenience of ice anytime.
Make Sure The Ice Maker’s On
One of the most common issues with ice makers by sub-zero or any other brand is whether the appliance is turned on.
To check if the ice maker’s on, locate the “On/Off” switch and press it. This can be located in the back or on the side of the appliance.
The location of the OFF/ON switch will depend on whatever type/model of Sub-Zero ice maker you have, so you might want to consult the owner’s manual.
Various error codes with icons and the location of the ON/OFF switch are all thoroughly explained in the owner’s manual.
Turn the ice maker back on and wait for 24 hours to see if it starts making ice again if you discover that it was truly switched off before peeking into further troubleshooting options.
If you’ve checked and the switch is in the “On” position, but the ice maker still isn’t running, then you’ll need to explore other issues.
Check The Water Filter Of The Ice Maker
If the ice maker’s on but isn’t producing ice, the issue may be related to the water supply. This is especially common if the ice maker contains a built-in filter that needs periodic maintenance.
Sub-Zero’s producers suggest replacing your water filter every six months, with 12 months being the longest duration allowed.
The filter can become clogged, preventing a steady water supply to the ice maker and resulting in slow or no ice production.
If you suspect this may be the issue, replace the filter with a brand-new one and see if this solves the problem.
Always make sure to switch off the power to the refrigerator by Sub-Zero prior to removing the water filter, and only restart the appliance once the new water filter has been successfully installed.
Check The Water Supply
The water supply line needs to be checked to see if it is not a filter issue. The ice maker and dispenser both get water from the water supply pipe. If the water supply line is kinked, you should straighten it out so that water can flow through it freely once again.
The water supply line’s potential disconnection is another issue. If there is standing water behind or beneath your Sub-Zero refrigerator, you will be able to see it.
To resolve this, you can either unplug your water supply line or rejoin it by following your owner’s manual instructions.
You may need to check the water inlet valve for any obstructions or blockages. It might help disconnect the valve and clean out any debris.
You can also inspect the copper tubing connected to the valve for any kinks or breaks. If all of these components are functioning properly, you may need to call professional help.
Reset The Ice Maker Assembly
If you’ve checked all of the above and still find that your Sub-Zero ice maker isn’t working properly, you may need to reseat the ice maker assembly.
Reseating the ice maker may help if it’s not making ice or producing too much.
First, turn off the power to the appliance and remove the ice maker assembly. If any excess water is present on the floor, make sure to mop it up before proceeding.
Then, check the ice maker parts for any signs of damage or obstructions. If everything looks okay, replace the ice maker assembly and turn the sub-zero back on.
After 24 hours, check to see if it is functioning properly.
Check The Freezer Temperature
If the freezer temperature is too warm, it can also be a reason why the ice maker isn’t producing ice. This can happen if the freezer’s internal temperature is above 10 F.
Unfortunately, there are times where your freezer’s temperature could rise above -12 °C or 10 °F, even with cutting-edge temperature controls and top-tier insulating technology.
The ice maker would stop producing ice if this occurred.
To resolve this issue, make sure to adjust the temperature setting on your refrigerator accordingly. The ideal temperature range for it is 0 to 5 °F or -18 to -15 °C.
If the temperature is already set at the appropriate level, check to see if any objects are blocking the coils of the condenser located on the back of the refrigerator.
The condenser coils are in charge of controlling and maintaining the temperature.
If they aren’t clean, the temperature within the ice maker can increase, which would eventually cause the ice machine to stop working.
Make sure these coils are free from obstructions and dust and that they are not covered up in any way.
Check If The Ice Maker Is Frozen
If the ice maker is iced up, it could be the cause of its malfunction.
To get it working again, unplug your refrigerator and take the ice tray or bin out, letting it thaw in a sink.
Alternatively, you can hot air dry the water hose and its surrounding parts, aiding in melting any persistent frost which has been gathered around the appliance.
Check The Ice Bucket /Ice Bin
The most rewarding aspect of this repair is that you can verify it at a glance. For example, if you find the ice bin or ice bucket full of frozen cubes, it could prevent the ice maker from working correctly.
Ice makers may get clogged if cubes get stuck in the dispenser.
To resolve this issue, empty the bin or bucket. Then, have a look at the ice chute or the part where the cubes are delivered into the receptacle to determine if any of them have frozen together and are forming a blockage.
Remove the blockage with caution, either manually or by using a warm cloth. Wait for a few hours to see if that solves the problem.
Once it has been cleared, switch off and restart the ice maker to reset it. Note that it can take up to 24 hours for the appliance to make ice cubes.
Carefully Put The Ice Bucket Back
This is often a simple mistake, but it can be easily resolved. If the ice bin or bucket was recently taken out for cleaning, ensure that it has been correctly replaced.
The ice maker will not restart on some Sub-Zero models without proper alignment.
Depending on your model, certain sensors may need to engage with their receivers to trigger the ice maker.
Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how your model’s ice bin should be positioned.
Check The Ice Maker’s Fill Tube
Identify the fill tube, which is typically a long slender cylinder that protrudes from either the side or back wall of a refrigerator.
If there is diminished water pressure, water may freeze inside this tube, making it difficult for new water to pass through.
Test whether it is exactly the issue by pressing it down lightly; if it feels stiff, frozen water is likely clogging it up.
To resolve this issue, use a hairdryer to carefully defrost any ice inside the fill tube by running it along.
Again, it is essential to use smooth motions with the dryer to evade the melting of the plastic piping that is present.
If you don’t feel comfortable attempting this method, turn off the unit and wait for it to thaw naturally.
Check The Ice Exit
Sometimes when the freezer door is opened multiple times in a hot kitchen atmosphere, ice cubes can adhere together and block their way out from the maker.
Utilizing a hair dryer on low mode, gently pass over the stomped ice to ensure the pieces divide easily.
After dealing with any hindrances, reset it by turning it off and back on again.
To avoid ice accumulation in the future, it is suggested to clear out the ice container once a month.
Check Ice Level Arm
The wide, flat, white arm is usually located on top of the ice bucket of ice maker when the freezer’s door is closed. Freezer drawers can be removed for easier access. To turn off the freezer:
- Push down the arm if it is in an upright position.
- If resistance is met, refrain from using excessive force as it could potentially cause damage.
- After pushing the arm down, switch on the unit again.
In some cases, the arm may need to be reconnected or replaced if it has been broken.
Once these potential problems have been addressed and ruled out, the ice maker should function correctly.
However, if the issue persists, you can contact professional repair services for assistance.
Additionally, some manufacturer warranties may cover malfunctioning ice makers under certain conditions.
Refer to your owner’s manual for more information about warranty coverage.
Final Words
It is important to remember that misaligned parts, damaged coils, and frozen fill tubes are all common causes of ice maker malfunctions. After checking the temperature settings, condenser coils, frozen ice maker, and fill tube, the ice maker should run again.