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Garage fridge ain’t frigid

Posted on 7/30/26 at 4:08 pm
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
7521 posts
Posted on 7/30/26 at 4:08 pm
Freezer is freezing but not the fridge. Fridge has been beeping for 2-3 days when you open the door.

This is also the BEER fridge!!!
This post was edited on 7/30/26 at 4:13 pm
Posted by Bow08tie
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2011
4592 posts
Posted on 7/30/26 at 4:22 pm to
Likely the fan located in the freezer behind the back panel which moves cold down to the refrigerator box.
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
43530 posts
Posted on 7/30/26 at 4:41 pm to
Do you have frost/ice on your coils?
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
7521 posts
Posted on 7/30/26 at 5:17 pm to
Haven’t taken the back off the yet
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
43530 posts
Posted on 7/30/26 at 6:23 pm to
Check that and if you do its likely the heater defrost which is generally easy to replace.
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
74865 posts
Posted on 7/30/26 at 9:03 pm to
Like the first reply said. On this model likely the fan. If not then it's a defrost failure. Do you see ice or frost build up on the rear vents in the freezer?
Lastly it could be the air dampner. But if the three that's the most rare.
If frost build up then need to fix the defrost failure but most likely the fan. The panel is easy to take off 4-6 1/4" hex screws.
See if the fan isn't running.
You can get a new one at most parts stores or even Amazon.
Posted by WylieTiger
Member since Nov 2006
14785 posts
Posted on 7/30/26 at 9:19 pm to
Napoleon, not to hijack but do you have any experience with older Sub Zero's?
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
74865 posts
Posted on 7/30/26 at 10:24 pm to
I personally own a 1997 Sub zero that I keep running. I'm familar with the 400, 500, 600 series very well. The newer stuff less so because sub zero only allows one company per region to fix their stuff. But I can help you diagnose.
Posted by WylieTiger
Member since Nov 2006
14785 posts
Posted on 8/1/26 at 8:08 am to
I have a 632 that is a late 90's model. Over the last few years, the temperature has crept up from 36 to 38 to 40 to 42, to now 44. When I make the setpoint colder to say 42 or 40, or even 36, the registered temperature immediately shoots up to 46 or 48 and then takes a few days to get back to 44. This also happens when I turn it off, reset it, etc. I keep the condenser clean as I vacuum it off every few months. I replaced the gasket on the fridge door a year ago and it seals fine. The freezer works perfectly. It makes ice appropriately. It's just the slow creep upwards of the fridge temp to a level that I am not comfortable with that concerns me.

Every so often I will find a very small puddle of water on the floor next to the kickplate of the refrigerator side.

The thing is a tank, and I want it to last a few more years until I'm ready for a replacement.

I have a moderate skillset in working on things, but I am not well versed in electrical work, refrigerant, etc.

Any suggestions are helpful. If you need to email me, let me know. Much appreciated!
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
7521 posts
Posted on 8/1/26 at 8:44 am to
Back off and no frost, tiny bit of moisture in the pan, fan is turning. Looking for a termometer right now.
The black (I guess condenser) is hot to touch. Digital says 57 inside box
Thermostat inside will not hold, set at 6 and two hrs later it’s back at 1?
This post was edited on 8/1/26 at 12:17 pm
Posted by AtticusOSullivan
Member since Mar 2016
3080 posts
Posted on 8/1/26 at 10:01 pm to
Needs more beer baw.
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
74865 posts
Posted on 8/2/26 at 7:44 am to
Subzero usually has shraeder valves to add refrigerant they can leak very very slowly over time. I would check low side pressure levels and make sure it's not in too much a vacuum while running.
That would indicate a leak.

Purge then that could be thermostat failing.
If it were fan you would be much hotter.
But I have to top mine off here and there.
R134a you can get at any auto parts store without a license. But you need gauges and a scale too.
Sadly any tech you call will charge the subzero tax on you.
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
74865 posts
Posted on 8/2/26 at 10:14 am to
The thermostat won't hold?

With the panel off in the freezer. Get a spray bottle and spray the evap coil with water. It should frost over the entire surface. If it only frosts near the top you have a freon leak. If it frosts all over replace your thermostat or thermocouple depending on model.
Posted by WylieTiger
Member since Nov 2006
14785 posts
Posted on 8/3/26 at 10:35 am to
Thanks. I am looking at some gauges because I also have an undercabinet ice maker that I need to get back online, as I suspect there was a refrigerant leak in that one.
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