Sub-Zero Ice Maker Not Working? How to Fix It

Sub-Zero is known for making refrigerators with superior build quality, designed to last over 20 years—way longer than the usual 10 to 20 years you get with most other brands. But even with that kind of durability, Sub-Zero refrigerator owners can still run into some problems now and then, including issues with the ice maker, which we’ll cover in detail today.

There are several reasons why your Sub-Zero refrigerator’s ice maker might stop working, and we’re going to break them all down for you. Plus, we’ll explain exactly how to fix each one.

Easy Fixes

There are a few easy fixes that might help get your Sub-Zero ice maker working again. Give these a try:

Reset the ice maker

If you see a flashing ice cube icon on the refrigerator display, try holding down the “Alarm” button for 15 seconds until you hear a beep. That should stop the icon from flashing. If it keeps flashing, you can also try pressing and holding the “Max Ice” and “ice maker” buttons together for five seconds to reset the ice maker.

If these don’t work, you can also try switching off the refrigerator at the circuit breaker, waiting five seconds, and then turning it back on for a hard reset.

Check the Shut-Off Arm

Make sure the ice maker’s shut-off arm is in the down position. If it’s up, it stops making ice because it thinks the ice bin is full. Gently push it down to start the ice maker again. The arm only moves about an inch, so don’t try to force it any further—you might break it.

Confirm the Freezer Temperature

Sub-Zero recommends setting your freezer to -18°C (0°F). If the temperature goes above 5°F, it could affect ice production.

Check the Ice Bin Alignment

Ensure the ice bin is properly seated and level. On some Sub-Zero refrigerators, the ice bin presses a switch that activates the ice maker, so it must be positioned correctly to work.

Replace the Water Filter

If your Sub-Zero refrigerator has a water filter, it might need replacing. Water filters should be changed every six months to keep them from clogging and restricting the water supply, which can affect ice production.

Sub-Zero water filters come in two types. Here’s how you replace them:

1. Twist-in: Rotate the old filter counterclockwise and then pull it out to remove it. Push the new filter in and turn it clockwise to install.
2. Push-in: Push the old filter in and then pull it out to remove it. Push the new filter in until it clicks into place to install it.

You should turn off the power to the refrigerator when replacing the water filter.

Other Fixes

Here are a few more fixes that take a little extra effort.

Check if the Fill Tube Is Blocked

A blocked fill tube—usually clogged with ice—is a pretty common reason for ice maker problems in Sub-Zero refrigerators. Basically, it freezes up, stopping water from flowing into the ice maker, meaning ice production stops until you clear the blockage.

The fill tube is usually located just above the ice maker, on the back or side wall of the freezer. Depending on your model, you might need to remove the ice maker to get to the fill tube, but for some models, you won’t have to.

To get rid of an ice blockage in the fill tube, you can use a hair dryer on a low setting or squirt some hot water into the tube with a turkey baster or something similar.

Defrost the ice maker

It’s not just the fill tube—other parts of the ice maker can freeze over too. This includes the ice tray, the bin, or mechanical parts. Ice cubes can also get jammed in the ice chute or under the shut-off arm.

While you can check for ice buildup or jammed cubes in different areas and melt them with a hair dryer, sometimes, the ice is hidden or just hard to get to. One solution is to just let the whole freezer defrost. That way, wherever the ice is—whether you can see it or not—it’ll melt for sure.

To fully defrost the freezer and ice maker, unplug it and leave the door open for at least six hours. Don’t forget to move any food to another fridge or icebox to keep it from spoiling. And place some towels inside and on the floor under the fridge to catch the water as the ice melts.

Clean the Condenser Coils

If the condenser coils get dirty, the refrigerant might not cool properly, which could raise the freezer’s internal temperature and stop ice production. Cleaning the condenser coils at least once a year is recommended to keep your refrigerator running efficiently.

Here’s how to clean the condenser coils:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the grille at the top of the unit.
3. Use a brush and a vacuum with a hose attachment to gently clean the coils.

Replace the ice maker Itself

If the steps so far haven’t solved the problem, it might be time to replace the ice maker. Here’s how to do it on a Sub-Zero refrigerator:

1. Unplug the fridge and turn off the water supply.
2. Depending on your model, you might have to remove a few shelves or drawers to get to the ice maker. In some cases, you’ll just need to take out the ice bin from the freezer.
3. Disconnect the wiring harness that’s attached to the ice maker.
4. Unscrew the screws securing the ice maker in place.
5. Install the new ice maker. Make sure it’s positioned correctly where the old one was.
6. Secure it with screws and reconnect the wiring harness.
7. Put the ice bin back in the freezer.
8. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn the water supply back on.
9. Give it about 24 hours and check if ice cubes are being made properly.