Sub Zero Ice Maker Does Not Make Ice

Having an ice maker that fails to produce ice can be quite frustrating, especially during the hot summer months when a steady supply of ice is essential for keeping beverages cool and refreshing. If you’re facing this issue with your Sub-Zero ice maker, don’t worry, as we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the possible causes for a Sub-Zero ice maker not making ice and provide you with general troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the problem. So let’s dive in and get your ice maker back to working order!

Cause: Possible Jammed Ice Cube

One common cause of an ice maker not producing ice is a possible jammed ice cube. Ice cubes can sometimes become lodged in the ice maker, preventing it from cycling and producing new ice. To address this issue, follow the steps below:

1. Turn off the ice maker.
2. Gently inspect the ice maker for any obstructions or jammed ice cubes.
3. Carefully remove any obstructions or jammed ice cubes using a plastic utensil or your hands.
4. Turn the ice maker back on and wait for 24 hours to check if ice production resumes.

If clearing any potential obstructions doesn’t resolve the issue, let’s move on to the next potential cause.

Cause: Low Water Pressure

Insufficient water pressure can also lead to an ice maker not making ice or producing small and hollow ice cubes. If you suspect low water pressure to be the culprit, consider the following steps:

1. Contact a local plumber to assess the water pressure in your home.
2. Ask the plumber to confirm if the water pressure falls within the suggested pressure ranges for ice production.
3. If necessary, install a pressure booster or regulator to improve water pressure to the ice maker.
4. After resolving the water pressure issue, wait for 24 hours to check if the ice maker starts producing ice.

If low water pressure doesn’t seem to be the problem, let’s explore another possible cause.

Cause: Frozen Ice Maker Fill Tube

A frozen ice maker fill tube can obstruct the flow of water into the ice maker, resulting in no ice production. Follow these steps to address a frozen fill tube:

1. Turn off the ice maker.
2. Inspect the ice maker fill tube for any signs of freezing or blockage.
3. If the fill tube is frozen, carefully thaw it using a hairdryer on low heat or by gently pouring warm water over it.
4. Once the fill tube is clear, turn the ice maker back on and wait for 24 hours to check if ice production resumes.

If the ice maker fill tube thawing doesn’t solve the issue, let’s move on to the next potential cause.

Cause: Warm Freezer Temperature

A warm freezer temperature can prevent the ice maker from functioning properly. To troubleshoot this issue, consider the following steps:

1. Check the temperature setting of your freezer. It should be at or below 5°F.
2. Sub-Zero recommends a freezer temperature setting of 0°F for optimal ice production.
3. If the freezer temperature is higher than 5°F, refer to the Warm Freezer Troubleshooting guide provided by Sub-Zero for further assistance.
4. Adjust the freezer temperature accordingly and wait for 24 hours to check if ice production resumes.

Now that we’ve explored several potential causes, let’s move on to general troubleshooting steps that can help resolve ice maker issues.

General Troubleshooting for Sub-Zero Ice Makers

If your Sub-Zero ice maker isn’t making ice and none of the specific causes mentioned above apply to your situation, you can follow these general troubleshooting steps to determine if service is necessary:

1. Appliance Settings
   • After turning on the product and the ice maker, wait 24 hours for ice production. Freezers must reach the appropriate temperature before ice cubes can form and drop into the bucket.
   • Verify that the ice maker is turned on.
   • Confirm that the freezer temperature is at or below 5°F. Sub-Zero recommends a freezer temperature setting of 0°F for optimal ice production.
   • If the freezer temperature is higher than 5°F, refer to the Warm Freezer Troubleshooting guide provided by Sub-Zero.
   • Clean the condenser if it hasn’t been cleaned in the past 6-12 months.
   • Ensure that the ice bin is properly installed, level, and seated in place. On some models, the ice bin presses the ice maker switch.
2. Water Supply

1. • Reseat the water filter on the product if one is present. Turn off the power, remove the water filter, and install it again according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
   • If your Sub-Zero model has an inline water filter installed in your home, check if the filter has expired or needs replacement.
   • If your ice cubes are consistently small or hollow, low water pressure may be the cause. Contact a local plumber to assess and improve water pressure as needed.
   • Make sure the water supply to the unit is turned on. Refer to the Water Line Shut-Off Valve Location for specific details.
2. Ice Maker
   • Verify that the ice maker shut-off arm is in the down position. If it’s up, gently push it down. The ice maker arm only moves about an inch.
   • Check if the ice maker’s white plastic rudder arm is attached to the shut-off arm. Reattach it if necessary. If the rudder arm is broken or cracked, replace the ice maker shut-off arm.
   • Inspect the ice maker for obstructions or jammed ice cubes. Clear any blockages to ensure proper functionality.
   • If needed, manually defrost the freezer to clear the ice maker. Refer to the “Manually Defrost a Sub-Zero” instructions for detailed guidance.
   • Ensure that the ice maker water fill tube is not blocked. If it is, refer to the “Ice Maker Fill Tube Frozen” instructions for assistance.
   • After freeing any obstructions, turn off the unit and then turn it back on to reset. Allow 24 hours to pass, and then check for ice cubes in the ice bin.

Also Read More about Sub Zero Ice Maker

• Sub-Zero Ice Maker Makes Too Much Ice
• Ice Production after Bucket Removal
• Blue or Green Ice Cubes or White Flecks in Ice
• Ice Clumping Together in Ice Bin
• Sub-Zero Ice Maker Ice Block or Water Leaking

Dispenser troubleshooting:

• Sub-Zero External Ice Dispenser Not Working
• Sub-Zero Classic (BI) Internal Ice Dispenser Not Working
• Sub-Zero Fixing a Broken Dispenser Ice Bin

If you have followed all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and your Sub-Zero ice maker still doesn’t make ice, it’s time to seek professional assistance. Contact Lux Appliance Care, an expert ice maker repair service in Phoenix, AZ, or the surrounding areas, to schedule an appointment for repair. Their skilled technicians will expertly diagnose and repair your Sub-Zero ice maker, ensuring it’s back to producing ice efficiently.

FAQs about Sub-Zero Ice Maker Not Making Ice

Q: How long should I wait for ice production after turning on the ice maker?

A: After turning on the product and the ice maker, you should wait for 24 hours to allow the freezer to cool to temperature and the ice cubes to form and drop into the bucket.

Q: What should I do if the ice cubes are small or hollow?

A: Small or hollow ice cubes may indicate low water pressure. Contact a local plumber to assess and improve the water pressure in your home.

Q: How can I manually defrost my Sub-Zero freezer?

A: To manually defrost your Sub-Zero freezer, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions provided in the “Manually Defrost a Sub-Zero” guide.

Q: Is it normal for the ice maker shut-off arm to move only an inch?

A: Yes, the ice maker shut-off arm typically moves only about an inch. Ensure that it is properly attached to the white plastic rudder arm and in the down position.

Q: Can a blocked ice maker fill tube cause no ice production?

A: Yes, a blocked ice maker fill tube can obstruct the water flow and prevent ice production. Refer to the “Ice Maker Fill Tube Frozen” instructions for assistance.

Q: What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue?

A: If the troubleshooting steps provided in this article do not resolve the problem, it’s recommended to contact Lux Appliance Care, an expert ice maker repair service in Phoenix, AZ, or the surrounding areas, for professional diagnosis and repair.

A Sub-Zero ice maker not making ice can be caused by various factors, including jammed ice cubes, low water pressure, frozen fill tubes, warm freezer temperatures, or prolonged water valve activation. By following the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article, you can resolve many of these issues and restore the ice-making functionality of your Sub-Zero ice maker. If the problem persists, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance from Lux Appliance Care to expertly diagnose and repair your ice maker. Don’t let a malfunctioning ice maker dampen your enjoyment; take action and get back to chilling with ice-cold beverages!