The compartment temperature is warmer than the setpoint. This is one of the most common complaints and can have many root causes across the electronic control, condenser airflow, door seals, air ducting, evaporator, and sealed system.
| Possible Cause | How to Fix |
|---|---|
Control shut off (display shows --) | Press COLDER key to restart |
| Setpoint too warm | Press ZONE key to check setpoints; adjust colder |
Thermistor malfunction (-20 or 55) | Repair wiring or replace thermistor; power-cycle to clear |
| Clogged condenser | Clean condenser; instruct customer on maintenance |
| Condenser fan obstructed or faulty | Clear obstruction or replace fan |
| Kickplate/grille restricted | Remove restriction |
| Food obstructing door/drawer | Remove obstruction |
| Gasket twisted or torn | Repair or replace gasket |
| Door hinge binding (tall models) | See Door Closing Check procedures in service manual |
| Drawer closer tripped backwards | Trip drawer closer forward |
| Air leakage past vertical duct dividers | See TC/I Air Seals procedures |
| Evaporator fan faulty | Check 115V across P9 & P5 at board; replace if no voltage |
| Defrost terminator faulty | Must be closed below 30°F, open above 70°F; replace if wrong |
| Defrost heater faulty | 21 ohms (TC/I, TF/I) or 27 ohms (BF/I); replace evaporator assembly |
| Evaporator thermistor faulty | ~32,500 ohms at 32°F, ~10,000 ohms at 77°F; replace |
| Drain tube blocked | Clear foreign material |
| Air baffle obstructed (TR, TC/I, BR) | Clean baffle; coil resistance 5-25 ohms |
| Sealed system issue | Check operating pressures; see sealed system troubleshooting |
21 ohms27 ohms1,900 ohms5-25 ohms across any two leads~32,500 ohms at 32°F; ~10,000 ohms at 77°FAs an affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations.
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Common causes include a clogged condenser, faulty thermistor, evaporator fan failure, or sealed system leak. Start by checking the display for error codes and cleaning the condenser.
Sub-Zero recommends cleaning the condenser every 6-12 months depending on environment. Pet owners or dusty environments may need more frequent cleaning.