20 Most Recent
Sub-Zero 601R Questions & Answers
Refrigerator drain pipe
I've cleaned out refrigerators at work (we had a lot) and found the main problem was dust and hot food placed in fridge. Kitchens with daily cooking and no stove vents (or clogged vents) will also begin to coat the tubing in drain lines. It's also a sign that the defrost cycle stopped or is also clogged with dust which prevents the unit from cooling properly and defrosting properly. I suggest you call your vendor for service. Please note that many refrigerators have very long warranty period even if the warehouse outlet you bought if from is gone or won't help. Check directly with the MFR for assistance. Many times I've taken repair action only to find that I need a part and the service parts store charges me for a part that would have been free if I called for service. This happens when you 'Think' it's too old.
* As far as your current situation goes. The drain line is already clogged and needs to be physically cleared. You will need a qualified technician to clear it.
*** The following is for information only***
* I've had luck clearing a semi clogged line by blowing compressed air down (or up from the drain pan).
* If the line is large enough then a small diameter plastic tube (NOT wire!) pushed down the line may help but caution must be used as you may end up with a tighter plug that's harder to remove. I usually reserve this method for slow draining tubes that can't clear using an algaecide in the drain line.
* There are appliance supply stores that carry algaecide for use in "defrost" drain lines. These are usually used at commercial refrigerated warehouses. You may find smaller bottles at other outlets, maybe a Sear's or Wal-mart. Follow the instructions on the bottle for your size of refrigerator. You should check your refrigerator's manual for the recommended product to use.
* Final; To answer your question. I've found to sterilize water (from the river, pond, etc.) If it's pre-filtered then 3 drops will suffice. But I've heard 6 to 10 drops if it's really bad. Since your not drinking this stuff then popping a small cap full (your bleach bottle) will work nicely. 1-2 drops of detergent will loosen things up a bit to. I've used this methods on sump collection systems to prevent "Jellyfish-crud" from clogging up the pumps. This is a yeast that grows well in cold water. Normally the heater in the fan/coils get the water warm enough to flush all this stuff down. But if there is a problem with the system then the drain lines beging to clog up. That is why you should have the refrigerator checked out. Quite sure there is another problem causing your line to clog up.
* Remember this treatment is only to prevent the line from clogging up. You will probably have to perform this at least 3-4 months if not more often. Suggest vacuum cleaning the back or lower grill area to remove the dust (Hair balls if you have pets.) Perform the recommended annual cleaning mentioned in your manual.
Aloha, ukeboy57
PS; don't go overboard on the bleach as it does eat up some metals like aluminium. Check the lower drip tray and dump out any liquids. It's under the refrigerator, behind the grill.
Why is door not sealing?
1. Not cold enough
2. Door seal is demagnetized or broken, check bottom portion if it's ripped.
3. Door itself unleveled and need adjustment
4. Door (mostly bottom one) hinge need repair
601R no lights come on no compressor
If all the lights are out, check the bulbs. They sometimes get build up on them and need to be wiggled to make
better contact. a 1/8 turn will sometimes do the trick. If there is no light, the panel will not illuminate. It is back lit with the 4 bulbs under the plastic top panel. No light, no panel light. Compressor has a 4 minute delay. It is possible that a switches are bad at the bottom of door. Do a check with a multi-meter, one switch is always on, the other is always off, if you push it and the status changes, the switch is good.
Sub-Zero 601R door handle is loose
My Sub is a 650S. Not sure your handle assy. is the same or not. But each of the 2 attachment points have a small 3/32" set screw on the bottom of each short piece between the vertical handle and the door. These set screws grab onto posts that are screwed into the door. There can be 3 points where the handle can work loose.
1. The set screw(s) have backed out and not holding tightly onto the door studs.
2. The studs in the door are loose and need to be tightened with a screw driver.
3. After loosening the handle via the set screws, when you look back into the cavity vacated by the studs from the door, (pivot handle clockwise past edge of door) you will see a Philips-head screw that secures the spacer to the handle. If the spacer is loose, tighten it with screw driver. Then mount back into door stud and tighten set screw. Problem Solved. Have a beer!!!
Y refridgerator just shut off! I swtiched the circuit breaker and it's just dead right now
1) Make certain there is power to the unit, 2) Check the power switch in the unit area (a rocker switch), 3) If there is still absolutely no power (no lights, no clicks, no hum, dead) then check the power to the controller located in the top of the refrigerator section. The controller operates all the components, so if it has power but there is no outputs (ie. nothing works) then it is the problem. This is unusual so check items 1 & 2 first. A worst case scenario may require pulling the unit forward to access the house wall receptacle.
Sub zero plugged drain tube
remove all the drawers and unscrew the frame that holds the drawers. Free the the drain tube (need to unscrew the clamps that hold the tube to the back wall). Pull it up from the bottom hole where it drains into the pan and free it from the top drain pan. Most likely it's plugged with **** and fungus and yecchy stuff. Clean it out and reinstall it.
Light sub zero 601
Hi,
Check the light switch by wiggling it side to side, if the light comes on replace the switch, if not check the bulbs also. It rare to have issues with both. Has this been serviced recently? Check the bulbs to assure they are snug in the sockets also.
Good Luck I’m happy to help further over the phone at
https://www.6ya.com/expert/gere_bf68e6055dd61249
How do I reset my 601R refridge so the suction seal comes on?
I assume your unit is cooling correctly since the following explanation is predicated on a properly working refrigerator.
There is no "suction seal" that comes on with your refrigerator, rather this the effect from the closing of the door and the rapid cooling of the warmer air (that entered with the door open) which causes a contraction that is the vacuum you feel. This will only last for a short time as the built-in venting (usually via the drain) will allow the low pressure to balance so the door opens normally. If this has ceased to occur it indicates there is an air leak somewhere which prevents the vacuum from forming. Replacing door gaskets can be tricky so be certain the door closes and seals all the way around. Using a dollar bill (or similar slip of paper), insert the bill between the door and cabinet, close the door on it and then gently pull the bill out. You should feel a slight resistance and have to tug to slide the bill out. Repeat this every few inches all the way around the door to locate any spots where the contact is not as firm. Typically this can happen on the hinge side, especially near the corners.
You might have a hinge problem, a warped door or some other problem that keeps the door from closing fully.
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