Sub-Zero error code · 15 1 01
Sub-Zero Code 15 1 01: Refrigerator Compressor Relay Stuck Closed
Sub-Zero code 15 1 01 means the refrigerator compressor relay is stuck closed, sending power to the compressor at all times.
Sub-Zero code 15 1 01 means the refrigerator compressor relay on the control board is stuck closed, so the compressor receives power at all times and cannot cycle off. Because the relay is part of the control board, the fix is to verify the fault and replace the control board.
15 1 01, explained
The control board uses a relay to switch the refrigerator compressor on and off as cooling is needed. Code 15 1 01 is set when the board detects that this relay has welded or stuck in the closed position, meaning the compressor stays energized continuously instead of cycling. On built-in units this relay is mounted on the control board itself, so the board reports a stuck-closed condition and flashes the SERVICE light with a chime.
Severity:Service needed · Service light:FLASH W/CHIME
Which part 15 1 01 points to
- Control board — Primary repair; the stuck compressor relay is integral to the board and is corrected by replacing the board after verification
- Compressor — Inspected only if it is found drawing abnormal current that caused the relay to weld
Why 15 1 01 appears
Relay contacts stick closed when their points weld together from years of switching high inrush current, from voltage surges, or from a compressor that draws excess current and overheats the contacts. Heat, age, and electrical stress gradually degrade the contact surfaces until they fuse. A failing compressor that pulls high amperage can accelerate this damage.
How 15 1 01 shows up
- SERVICE light flashing with an audible chime
- Refrigerator compressor running constantly without cycling off
- Fresh-food section running colder than the set point or freezing items
- Compressor that stays warm and never quiets down
- Higher than normal energy use
What usually causes it
- Welded or fused relay contacts on the control board
- Voltage surge or spike damaging the relay
- High compressor inrush current stressing the contacts over time
- A failing compressor drawing excess amperage
- Age-related degradation of the relay contact surfaces
What you can safely check
- Note the code and that the compressor will not shut off
- Power the unit off at the breaker to stop continuous compressor operation until service
- Listen for whether the compressor ever cycles off after a power-cycle
- Do not attempt to open the control housing or test the relay yourself
When 15 1 01 needs a technician
A stuck-closed compressor relay leaves the compressor energized continuously and is corrected by verifying the fault and replacing the control board, which involves line-voltage diagnosis and board replacement best done by a technician.
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Frequently asked
Sub-Zero 15 1 01 — questions
What does Sub-Zero code 15 1 01 mean?
Code 15 1 01 means the refrigerator compressor relay on the control board has stuck closed, so the compressor receives power continuously and can never cycle off. The board detects that the contacts have welded shut and flashes the SERVICE light with a chime. Because the relay is built into the control board on built-in units, the board itself is what gets replaced.
Can I fix code 15 1 01 myself?
No. The stuck relay is integral to the control board, and correcting it means line-voltage diagnosis plus board replacement, which is not an owner repair. The one safe thing you can do is shut the unit off at the breaker to stop the compressor from running nonstop until a technician arrives, and report whether the compressor ever cycled off.
How do I reset or clear code 15 1 01?
You can power-cycle at the breaker and listen for whether the compressor finally shuts off, but a truly welded relay will keep the compressor energized and 15 1 01 will return. This fault is not cleared by a reset, the welded contacts have to be physically replaced by changing the control board. Repeated resets only delay the repair.
Is it safe to keep running the refrigerator with code 15 1 01?
No, treat this as urgent. With the compressor relay welded closed the refrigerator compressor never stops, so the fresh-food section can overcool or freeze items, energy use climbs, and the constantly running compressor stays hot. This is a high-severity code, and the recommended step is to power the unit off at the breaker until it is serviced.
Which part fails in 15 1 01 and what does the repair cost?
The failed part is the compressor relay, which is part of the control board, so the board is the primary repair after the fault is verified. The compressor is inspected only if it was drawing excess current that welded the relay. Diagnosis is a flat $89, repairs are covered by a 365-day warranty, and you can schedule at (650) 668-1554.
How is 15 1 01 different from the freezer version of this code?
Code 15 1 01 is the refrigerator compressor relay stuck closed, while the freezer compressor relay stuck-closed fault is logged as 15 2 01. The symptoms mirror each other, a compressor that runs nonstop and a flashing SERVICE light with chime, but 15 1 01 specifically keeps the fresh-food compressor energized. On a dual-compressor built-in the technician confirms which relay is welded before replacing the board.
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