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Sub-Zero Classic Series (BI and CL) Does Not Make Ice

Topics:

  • No ice production in Classic Series model
  • Ice maker will not cycle on Legacy Classic (BI) or Classic (CL) product
  • Ice maker does not work and no fault codes

Cause:

  • Possible jammed ice cube
  • Low water pressure
  • Frozen ice maker fill tube
  • Warm freezer temperature
  • Water valve energized longer than fifteen seconds

Troubleshooting:

If the ice maker in a Classic Refrigeration product stops making ice, try these steps. If ice production does not resume, a Factory Certified Service visit is recommended. For models other than Classic series, refer to Ice Maker Does Not Make Ice.

 

Review the Controls

  1. After turning on the product and the ice maker, wait 24 hours for ice production. It may take this long to see ice cubes in the ice bin. The freezer first cools to temperature, then ice cubes form and drop into the bucket.
  2. Verify the ice maker is turned on. A single or triple ice cube appears on the display if it is on. If there are no cube(s) on the display, the ice maker is off.
  3. Warm temperatures impact ice maker performance. Sub-Zero recommends 0°F freezer temperature. Confirm the freezer temperature is at or below 5°F on the display.
  4. If the freezer temperature is higher than 5°F, also see Warm Freezer Troubleshooting.
  5. Clean the condenser if it was not cleaned in the past 6 - 23 months. See How to Clean a Classic Condenser.

 

Inspect the Water Line and Filter

  1. Change water filters as often as recommended, typically every 6-12 months, to keep the ice maker working properly. See How to Replace Water Filter. Reset the water filter after changing it. See How to Reset a Classic Water Filter.
  2. Reseat the water filter by removing and installing it even if it is not due for changing. Turn the power off, remove the water filter, and install the filter again. See How to Replace Water Filter or this video for steps:

  3. If an inline home water filter is installed, see if the filter expired or needs replacement. See Inline Water Filters. 
  4. Confirm good water pressure to the unit. See How to Confirm Water Pressure to the Product.
  5. Make sure the water supply to the unit is turned on. Refer to Water Line Shut-Off Valve Location for details. Examples shown are in the OFF position.

  6. If ice production stops often with the use of a reverse osmosis system or well water, a pressure booster or regulator may improve performance. Contact the reverse osmosis provider or speak with a plumber for suggestions. See Sub-Zero with Reverse Osmosis Water System.

 

Inspect the Ice Maker

  1. Make sure the ice maker shut-off arm is in the down position. If the arm is up, turn the unit off and push down gently. The ice maker arm only moves an inch. See also, Ice Maker Control Arm Will Not Lower.
  2. For over-under models, verify the ice maker white plastic rudder arm is attached to the shut-off arm and reattach if needed. If broken or cracked, replace the ice maker shut-off arm.
  3. For side-by-side models, verify the white plastic ice maker arm is not broken. If a part replacement is needed, genuine Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove parts are available by calling the Factory Certified Parts Distributor in your area.
  4. The ice bin must be properly installed. Make sure it is level and seated in place. On some models, the ice bin presses the ice maker switch.
  5. Make sure the ice maker is free of obstructions or jammed ice cubes. It may be necessary to defrost the freezer to clear the ice maker. if needed. Refer to Manually Defrost a Sub-Zero for instructions.
  6. Make sure the ice maker water fill tube is open and not frozen. If it is, see Ice Maker Fill Tube Frozen.
  7. After defrosting any fill tube blockage, turn the product off, then on again to reset it.

 

For Ice Cubes Flashing on the Display

  1. If a single ice cube is flashing on the control panel, hold the ALARM key for 15 seconds. The display will read CFC. ALARM is just to the left of POWER on the control board.
  2. If the cube continues to flash, hold the Max Ice and Ice Maker keys together for 5 seconds. Resetting a flashing cube may return and requires service if ice production does not return to normal.

 

Final Steps

  1. After completing these steps, wait 24 hours for ice production to resume.
  2. If ice production does not resume after following these troubleshooting steps, service is needed to expertly diagnose and repair the unit. Contact Factory Certified Service to schedule an appointment for repair.

 

Additional Resources

Answer:

Refer to Ice Maker Does Not Make Ice for more information and links to other product lines.

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