How to Fix a Sub Zero Ice Maker That’s Not Working

It’s a hot day. You want some cold water. You grab a glass and go to fill it with some ice—but the ice bin is empty! Frustrating, right? Especially when you’ve shelled out for a high-end appliance like a Sub-Zero.

But here’s the good news: most Sub-Zero ice maker issues are relatively easy to fix. So, before you call a repair technician, try the troubleshooting steps below.

This guide will walk you through the common causes and simple solutions to get your Sub-Zero ice maker back up and running.

Fixing a Sub-Zero Ice Maker That Won’t Make Ice

Keep reading to learn how to fix a Sub-Zero ice maker that’s not working.

Make sure the ice maker isn’t turned off

You can turn the ice maker on and off on a Sub-Zero refrigerator using the touchscreen display or manual buttons on older models.

The process varies slightly depending on the model, but generally, if the ice cube icon (or multiple ice cubes icon) is illuminated on the display, the ice maker is on. If not, it’s off.

For exact instructions, check your user manual for your specific model.

Try resetting the ice maker

If the refrigerator display shows a blinking ice cube icon, press and hold the “Alarm” button for 20 seconds. You should hear a beep, and the icon should stop flashing.

If the icon is still blinking, try holding down both the “Icemaker” and “Max Ice” buttons for five seconds. Once the flashing stops, ice production should resume.

If neither method works, turn off the appliance at the circuit breaker, wait ten seconds, then turn it back on to perform a hard reset.

Check the water supply

Your Sub-Zero ice maker requires a steady supply of water to produce ice. Here’s how to check that the water supply to your appliance is turned on:

1. Locate the water supply valve: It’s usually under the sink or behind the refrigerator.
2. Check the valve position: If it’s a lever, it should be parallel to the pipe. If it’s a knob, turn it counterclockwise to open.

Change the water filter

A clogged water filter can restrict the water supply, leading to reduced or lower-quality ice production. Sub-Zero water filters should be replaced every six months to prevent such issues.

There are two types of Sub-Zero water filters, and replacing them is pretty straightforward. Just make sure to unplug the refrigerator before getting started.

For push-in filters, push the old filter in, then pull it out. To install the new one, push it in until you hear a click.

For twist-in filters, turn the old filter counterclockwise and pull it out. To install the new one, push it in and twist it clockwise to lock it in place.

Make sure the control arm isn’t stuck

The control arm, also known as the shut-off arm, signals the ice maker to stop producing ice when the bin is full.

If the arm gets stuck in the up position—possibly due to a jammed ice cube or food item—the ice maker won’t make ice.

Check that the control arm is down and moving freely. If something is blocking it, remove the obstruction. Avoid forcing the arm down, as it could break.

Check the temperature of the freezer

Make sure the freezer temperature is set to −18°C (0°F). You can check and adjust it using the digital control panel, though some models have a temperature dial instead.

To confirm the actual temperature, place a thermometer inside the freezer and wait several hours. Ice production may be disrupted if the temperature is higher than −15°C (5°F).

If the thermometer reading shows the freezer is too warm despite the setting being correct, one of these issues might be causing the problem:

• Dirty condenser coils – These are located behind the grille at the top of the refrigerator. They should be cleaned once a year to keep the system running efficiently. Use a slender brush and a vacuum to remove dust and debris.
• Faulty door seal – A dirty or damaged freezer door seal can let warm air in. Clean it if it’s dirty, and replace it if it’s damaged.
• Blocked air vents – An overloaded freezer can block vents, restricting airflow. Try removing or rearranging items to allow better circulation.
• Defective evaporator fan – If this fan isn’t working, cold air won’t circulate properly. You should be able to hear it running when the door is closed. If you suspect an issue, a visual inspection for damage requires removing some panels.

Make sure the ice bin is in the correct place

Double-check that the ice bin is sitting correctly and level inside the freezer. On certain Sub-Zero models, the bin presses a switch that signals the ice maker to start working. If the bin isn’t positioned just right, the ice maker might not turn on.

Check for a clogged fill tube

A common issue people report with their Sub-Zero ice makers is a blocked fill tube. This little tube (usually found above the ice maker, attached to the side, back, or side of the freezer) is where water flows into the ice molds. But sometimes, it freezes up, cutting off the water supply and stopping ice production completely.

Depending on your refrigerator model, you might need to remove the ice maker to reach the fill tube, but on some units, you can access it without any hassle.

If you find ice clogging the tube, try using a hair dryer on low heat to melt the blockage, or grab a turkey baster and flush the fill tube with hot water. Once the water is flowing, ice production should resume.