Sub-Zero 642 flash “service” and “EC”

The fresh food compartment set at 38 but will not go below 50 degrees the milk was going sour .

It was time to call for service…

Blinking “service” light and “EC” is a error code on Sub-Zeros. When a unit did not cycle defrost off 6 consecutive times in a roll. this a a common problem then a condenser is plugged with dust bunnies or a bad fan motor and the unit can not exchange heat . If the refrigerator can not remove the heat it can not keep the refrigerator cool and will keep running.

Remove three screws from inside the door. Take off the top grille held on by two springs. Two screws removes the compressor baffle. Make sure the condenser fan is turning when the compressor is running, If not it can often be started by a quick push in the correct direction. Take a look at the fan blade shape, it pulls air into the machine compartment. If the fan was turning but no air was flowing, the condenser needs to be cleaned. Make sure the unit is off when vacuuming condenser . Use a soft brush tool on the end of the vacuum and vacuum it top to bottom. do not move it side to side as you do not want to bend over the condenser fins.

After checking the condenser on this refrigerator this was not the case as it was clear and clean..

Sample of a evaporator ‘ Pop”

Next I check the back wall in the fresh food compartment. I noticed a ice build up on the left. A sure sign of a low gas situation. removed the light cover and the three screws at the top of the evaporator cover pull it forward and removed it. a large ice ball at where the cap tube enters the evaporator more evidence of a low gas problem. If there is low gas then there must be a leak as the system is hermetic sealed. Leak are found at the joints or in the evaporator. Sub-Zero evaporator made from copper and aluminum two medals that should not be touch each others as they cause a chemical reaction aluminum gives electrons to the copper ions. This causes the copper ions to turn into copper metal At the same time aluminum metal turns into aluminum ions. Al metal + Cu+2 ions —> Al +3 ions + Cu metal The solution ions become a metal (Cu). The new aluminum ions have different properties than the aluminum metal. The aluminum ions are not in a solid form which weakens the wall of the evaporator. Sub-Zero uses many different coatings to separate the two metals But this evaporator failure is common.

Oil residue in the drain trough below the evaporator is the nail in coffin. We need a evaporator.

A sealed system problem must be dealt with by an authorized technician or a lease a EPA certified technician , This repair is covered by Sub-Zero warranty.

Full Five Year Sealed System Warranty
For five years from the date of original installation, your Sub-Zero warranty covers all parts and labor to repair or replace any components that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship in the sealed system. The sealed system consists of the compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier and all connecting tubing.

Limited 6th Through 12th Year Warranty
From the 6th through the 12th year from the date of original installation, your Sub-Zero warranty covers all parts that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship in the sealed system (parts only). The sealed system consists of the compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier and all connecting tubing.

PN# 7009366 evaporator
PN# 7006964 Dryer
Replaced the evaporator and drier . recharged the system with 134A only 5.5 oz….and this Sub-Zero was back to keeping the beer cold and no more stinky milk.