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Sub Zero Refrigerator freezing food

If your Sub Zero refrigerator is freezing food or the fridge is too cold, start with the most likely causes and work down the list: a faulty temperature control thermostat, a bad thermistor, then the temperature control board, the main control board (rare), an overly cold temperature setting, and finally a seized or overworking evaporator fan motor. A quick check often narrows it fast: rotate the thermostat and listen for a click, test the thermistor with a multimeter to see if its resistance changes with temperature, confirm the setpoint is between 34 and 38 F, and make sure the evaporator fan spins freely. Control boards can send continuous voltage and are often misdiagnosed, so only replace them after testing the common parts first. If you need a replacement, enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your refrigerator and get step-by-step guidance for the repair. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or this is your first repair, those checks will tell you where to start fixing a refrigerator freezing food or otherwise running too cold.

01 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat directs voltage to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor (if applicable). If the temperature control thermostat is not working properly, it may cause the refrigerant system to run longer than necessary. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cold. To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If the thermostat clicks, it is not likely defective. If the thermostat does not click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the temperature control thermostat ...does not have continuity at any setting, replace it.
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Top Solution

02 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Thermistor

The thermistor monitors the air temperature and sends the temperature reading to the control board. The control board then regulates power to the compressor and evaporator fan based on the thermistor readings. If the thermistor is defective, the compressor and evaporator fan may run too frequently. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool. To determine if the thermistor is defective, test it with a multimeter. The thermistor resistance should change in conjunction with the refrigerator temperature. If the thermistor resistance does not change, or the thermistor does not have continuity, replace the thermistor.
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Highly Likely

03 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Temperature Control Board

The temperature control board provides voltage to the compressor and fan motors. If the control board is faulty, it may send continuous voltage to the compressor or fan motors. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool. Control boards are often misdiagnosed—before replacing the control board, first test all of the more commonly defective components. If none of the other components are defective, consider replacing the temperature control board.
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Highly Likely

04 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Main Control Board

The main control board might be defective. However, the control board is very rarely the cause of the problem. Before replacing the control board, first test all of the more commonly defective components. If none of these components are defective, consider replacing the main control board.
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Highly Likely

05 - Temperature set too cold

Adjust the refrigerator temperature control to a warmer setting. Many models have a recommended temperature setting displayed, usually between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit (1 and 4 degrees Celsius). Wait 24 hours for the temperature to adjust appropriately.
Highly Likely

06 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor

The refrigerator's evaporator fan motor draws air over the cold evaporator coils which chills the air. The air is then circulated through the refrigerator and freezer compartments to keep the temperature low enough to preserve food. If the evaporator fan motor is malfunctioning, the cold air from the freezer or refrigerator evaporator coils can migrate through the air ducts to the bottom of the refrigerator and freeze the food. You should try rotating the evaporator fan blades to see if they spin freely. If not, it's likely the motor bearings have seized and the motor will need to be replaced. You can also use a multimeter... to test the motor for electrical continuity. If the motor has no electrical continuity, the component won't run and a new motor will need to be installed.
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Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator freezing food?
My refrigerator runs constantly and food keeps freezing. Could the control board be the problem?
Could a bad thermistor or thermostat make the fridge too cold?
Can a faulty evaporator fan motor cause food in the refrigerator section to freeze?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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