Sub Zero Ice Maker in refrigerator compartment frosting up

If the ice maker inside your Sub Zero refrigerator compartment is frosting up, warm air getting past the dispenser or door seal is usually the culprit. Start by checking the door gasket for twists, tears, or gaps that let warm air in and cause frost. Next look at the dispenser components: a failed dispenser solenoid or a bad dispenser door motor can leave the flapper stuck closed or prevent proper closing, letting moist air reach the ice maker; use a multimeter to test solenoid and motor continuity and check the actuator pin and power to the motor. Inspect the dispenser funnel guide and the dispenser door for obstructions or damage that could block operation, and remove anything keeping the dispenser door from closing. While this can mimic a fridge not cooling issue when cold air escapes, the parts above are the most likely causes. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement part that fits your Sub Zero so you can fix it and stop the frost.

01 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Door Gasket

A door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, which can result in frost building up on the ice maker compartment. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.

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Highly Likely

02 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Dispenser Solenoid

The dispenser solenoid opens a door flap to release the ice and then closes the door flap once the dispenser finishes dispensing ice. If the dispenser solenoid is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. To determine if the dispenser door solenoid is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. In addition, check the dispenser actuator pin to ensure that it moves freely. If the dispenser door solenoid does not have continuity, or if the actuator pin does not move freely, replace the dispenser solenoid.

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Common

03 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Dispenser Door Motor

The dispenser door motor opens and closes the dispenser door to prevent cold air from escaping the refrigerator. If the dispenser door motor is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. As a result, the dispenser will not dispense ice. To determine if the motor is defective, first determine if the motor is getting power. If the motor is getting power, but it won’t run, replace it. You can use a multimeter to test the motor for continuity. If the dispenser door motor does not have continuity, replace it.

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Common

04 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Dispenser Funnel Guide

The dispenser funnel guide is the component that allows the ice from the ice maker to be properly dispensed. If the guide is obstructed or broken, the ice may not dispense as expected. Inspect the funnel guide or any obstruction or damage and replace if necessary.

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Common

05 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Dispenser Door

The dispenser door is opened by a motor, solenoid or actuator arm to dispense the ice, but if the door is broken, it may not open properly in order to release the ice. You should inspect the dispenser door for damage to determine if the component should be replaced. You may have to remove the dispenser control panel or frame to access and inspect the dispenser door.

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Common

06 - Dispenser door stuck open

If the dispenser door is stuck open, warm air can enter the ice maker compartment causing frost buildup and potentially stopping the ice maker. Remove any items that may be keeping the dispenser door from closing.

Less Common