This troubleshooting guide is designed to help you diagnose and resolve common noises emanating from your Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer, or wine storage unit. By identifying the specific cause of the noise, you can take appropriate steps to address the issue.
Topics
- Humming, vibrating, singing, crackling, knocking, or sizzling noise from freezer, refrigerator, or Wine Storage
- Is humming, vibration, or grinding a normal operating sound?
- Is it safe to operate the unit if humming?
- Buzzing noise stops when drawer or door is opened or knocking noise stops after a door or drawer is closed.
- How to determine which fan motor is causing noise
- Glowing red inside freezer section
Cause
- The fan blade or fan motor not working properly
- Ice build-up on the fan inside the freezer
- Obstruction due to over-filling the unit
- Normal operation
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Identify the Type of Noise
Determine whether the noise is humming, vibrating, singing, crackling, knocking, or sizzling, and note any patterns or triggers.
2. Determine if the Noise is Normal
Some noises, such as humming or vibration, are normal operating sounds for your Sub-Zero appliance. Consult your user manual to identify what sounds are expected during normal use.
3. Assess Safety Concerns
If the noise is a normal operating sound, it is generally safe to continue using your unit. If you’re unsure or concerned about safety, contact a professional technician for assistance.
4. Check for Common Causes
- Inspect the fan blade and motor for proper operation. If you suspect a malfunction, contact a technician for repairs.
- Examine the freezer for ice build-up on the fan. If present, defrost the freezer to remove the ice.
- Check for obstructions due to over-filling your unit. Rearrange items or remove some to prevent blockages and allow for proper airflow.
- Verify that the noise is related to normal operation by consulting your user manual.
5. Noise Stopping When Drawer or Door is Opened/Closed
If a buzzing noise stops when a drawer or door is opened, or a knocking noise stops after a door or drawer is closed, this may indicate an issue with a fan motor or obstruction. Investigate further using the steps above.
6. Identify the Fan Motor Causing Noise
If you suspect a specific fan motor is causing the noise, try unplugging the unit, then disconnecting and reconnecting each fan motor one by one. Plug the unit back in and listen for the noise to determine which fan is responsible. If necessary, contact a technician for repairs.
7. Glowing Red Inside the Freezer Section
A red glow inside the freezer section may indicate the defrost heater is operating. This is a normal part of the defrost cycle and should not cause concern.
By following this troubleshooting guide, you should be able to diagnose and address common noises originating from your Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer, or wine storage unit. If you are unable to resolve the issue or have concerns about safety, always consult a professional technician for assistance.
Appliance Repair team provides top-of-the-line service and prompt same-day repair work.
Call us at 239-434-7546 for washer and dryer repair in Naples, FL. You can also check our other locations: 239-992-0505 (Estero / Bonita Springs), 239-936-0111 (Fort Myers), 239-540-9500 (Cape Coral), 239-642-0505 (Marco Island), and 239-732-0111 (East Naples) or you can message us online.
