Why is my Sub Zero ice maker not working?

Topics:

Ice maker not making enough ice
No ice production
Ice maker not working with the ice bin removed
Ice maker troubleshooting
Ice maker does not make ice or ice maker does not start

Cause:

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

Steps to Verify Issue:

If you know which product you have, specific ice maker troubleshooting is available by product line. To find the model number, refer to Sub-Zero Serial Tag Locations.
- Classic Series (BI) Does Not Make Ice
- Designer Series (IT, IC) Does Not Make Ice
- Undercounter UC24CI Does Not Make Ice
- 648PRO Series Does Not Make Ice
- Previous models:
  - 700 Series Does Not Make Ice
  - 600 Series Does Not Make Ice
  - 500 Series Does Not Make Ice
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 since the freezer must first cool to temperature, then the ice cubes form and drop into the bucket.
Verify the ice maker is turned on. See specific product instructions below or the use and care guide for turning the ice maker on or off:
- Designer Series Ice Maker On or Off
- Classic Series Ice Maker On or Off
- 648PRO Ice Maker Power
- PRO 36 and PRO 48 Ice Maker Operation
- 600 Series Ice Maker On or Off
- 700 Series Ice Maker On or Off
- 500 Series Ice Maker On or Off
Warm freezer temperatures impact ice maker performance. Confirm the freezer temperature is at or below 5°F. Sub-Zero recommends 0°F freezer temperature setting. See also, Sub-Zero Refrigerator and Freezer Temperature Settings.
If the freezer temperature is higher than 5°F, see Warm Freezer Troubleshooting.
Clean the condenser if it was not cleaned in the past 6 – 12 months. See Clean the Condenser for instructions.
Reseat the water filter on the product if one is present. Turn power off, remove the water filter, and install the filter again. See how-to information for your specific filter:
- How to Replace Twist-In Water Filter
- How to Replace Push-In Water Filter
- Designer Refrigeration Water Filter
- Undercounter Ice Maker Water Filter
If an inline home water filter is installed, see if the filter expired or needs replacement. See Inline Water Filters. See also, Sub-Zero Does Not Have a Water Filtration System.
Confirm good water pressure to the unit. See How to Confirm Water Pressure.
Make sure that the ice bin is properly installed by making sure it is level and seated in place. On some models, the ice bin presses the ice maker switch. This varies from model to model.
Verify ice maker shut-off arm is in the down position.
- Turn the unit off, and if the arm is up, push down gently. The ice maker arm only moves an inch. See also, Ice Maker Control Arm Will Not Lower.
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.
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.
Verify the ice maker is free of obstructions or jammed ice cubes.
- It may be necessary to defrost the freezer to clear the ice maker. Refer to Manually Defrost a Sub-Zero for instructions.
Verify the ice maker water fill tube is not blocked. See Ice Maker Fill Tube Frozen.
After freeing obstructions, turn the unit off, then on again to reset.
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 also, Sub-Zero with Reverse Osmosis Water System.
Let 24 hours pass, and then check for ice cubes in the ice bin.
If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, service is necessary to expertly diagnose and repair the product. Contact Factory Certified Service to schedule an appointment for repair.