Sub-Zero error code · 15 9 00
Sub-Zero Code 15 9 00: Dispenser Auger Relay Stuck Open
Sub-Zero code 15 9 00 means the dispenser auger relay is stuck open, so the auger gets no power and ice will not dispense.
Sub-Zero code 15 9 00 means the dispenser auger relay on the control board is stuck open, so there is no power to the auger and ice will not dispense. Because the relay is part of the control board, the fix is to verify the fault and replace the control board.
What 15 9 00 indicates
The control board powers the dispenser auger motor through a relay when ice is requested, turning the auger to push ice to the dispenser. Code 15 9 00 is set when the board detects that relay stuck open, meaning the auger never receives power. On built-in units this relay is integral to the control board, so the board reports a stuck-open condition.
What causes 15 9 00
Relay contacts stick open when they fail to close from internal mechanical failure, burned or pitted points from years of switching the auger motor, or a board fault in the relay driver. Auger motors draw heavy current and can stress the contacts, and a jammed auger that overloads the circuit accelerates the damage. Age and electrical wear eventually leave the contacts unable to close.
Likely causes
- Dispenser auger relay contacts stuck open on the control board
- Burned or pitted contacts from switching high auger motor current
- Board-level fault in the relay driver circuit
- Prior auger jam that overloaded and damaged the relay
- Age-related control board degradation
Symptoms you may notice
- Ice will not dispense even though ice is present in the bin
- Auger motor silent when the dispenser is pressed
- Dispenser otherwise responsive but no ice movement
- Code 15 9 00 stored with no SERVICE light
- Water dispensing may still work while ice does not
Parts typically replaced for 15 9 00
- Control board — Primary repair; the stuck-open auger relay is integral to the board and corrected by board replacement after verification
- Dispenser auger motor — Inspected only if found seized or drawing abnormal current that contributed to the relay failure
Owner-safe checks for 15 9 00
- Note the code and confirm whether the bin actually contains ice
- Check that ice is not frozen into a solid clump jamming the auger
- Power-cycle the unit at the breaker for two minutes and retry the dispenser
- Do not open the control housing or attempt to test the auger circuit
When to call a technician
A stuck-open auger relay is on the control board and is corrected by verifying the fault and replacing the board, requiring diagnostic confirmation and board service by a technician.
Frequently asked
Sub-Zero 15 9 00: people also ask
What does Sub-Zero code 15 9 00 mean?
Code 15 9 00 means the dispenser auger relay on the control board has stuck open, so the auger motor never receives power and ice will not dispense. The auger normally turns to push ice toward the dispenser, but with the relay stuck open it stays silent even when ice is in the bin. The board logs 15 9 00 with no SERVICE light, and water dispensing may still work.
Can I fix code 15 9 00 myself?
No. The stuck-open auger relay is part of the control board, and correcting it means verifying the fault and replacing the board, which is technician work. Before calling, you can confirm the bin actually has ice and check that the ice has not frozen into a solid clump that would jam the auger, since a jam can mimic or even cause this fault. Leave the control housing and auger circuit alone.
How do I reset code 15 9 00?
Power-cycle the unit at the breaker for about two minutes, then retry the dispenser and watch whether 15 9 00 returns. A relay stuck open will not start closing from a reset, so the auger stays dead and the code reappears. The lasting fix is board replacement after the technician confirms the relay and checks the auger motor.
Is it safe to keep using the refrigerator with code 15 9 00?
Yes, this is medium severity and the refrigerator and freezer keep cooling normally. The only loss is ice dispensing, the auger will not turn, though water dispensing often still works. There is no safety risk, so you can keep using the unit while you wait for service, just expect to scoop ice from the bin manually if it opens.
Which parts does 15 9 00 involve and what is the cost?
The fault is the dispenser auger relay on the control board, so the board is the primary repair after verification. The dispenser auger motor is inspected only if it is found seized or drawing abnormal current that damaged the relay. Diagnosis is a flat $89, repairs carry a 365-day warranty, and you can schedule at (650) 668-1554.
How is 15 9 00 different from 15 9 01?
They are opposite states of the same dispenser auger relay. 15 9 00 is stuck open, so the auger gets no power and ice will not dispense, with no SERVICE light. 15 9 01 is stuck closed, so the auger runs continuously even when no one presses the dispenser, and it does turn on the SERVICE light. Knowing it is 15 9 00 tells the technician the auger is dead rather than running nonstop.
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