Sub-Zero error code · 60 1 60
Sub-Zero Code 60 1 60: No Refrigerator Compressor Load Detected
Sub-Zero Code 60 1 60 means no refrigerator compressor load is detected. Check the compressor electricals and wiring; a failed compressor or relay is typical.
Sub-Zero Code 60 1 60 means the control board commanded the refrigerator compressor to run but detected no electrical load. The fix is to inspect the compressor electricals and wiring, then repair or replace the failed compressor, relay, or harness.
The meaning of 60 1 60
This code indicates the board sent a run command to the refrigerator compressor but sensed no current draw, meaning the compressor circuit is not loading as expected. The meaning directs the technician to check the compressor electricals and wiring. In practice this points to an open electrical path or a non-starting compressor in the refrigerator circuit.
Root causes behind 60 1 60
An open or disconnected wire, failed start relay, or failed overload protector can break the circuit so no load is seen. The compressor's start or run windings may be open, or the compressor itself may have failed electrically. Corroded terminals and loose connectors at the compressor are also common causes.
Signs of 60 1 60
- Refrigerator section warming up or not cooling at all
- Compressor does not start or hum when it should be running
- Service light is on
- Code 60 1 60 stored in the diagnostic history
- Food spoilage in the fresh-food compartment
Most-likely causes
- Open or disconnected compressor wiring or harness
- Failed compressor start relay
- Failed overload protector
- Open compressor start or run winding
- Electrically failed refrigerator compressor
The part usually behind 60 1 60
- Compressor start relay — Replaced if the relay is open or fails to energize the compressor
- Overload protector — Replaced if it has opened or failed
- Compressor wiring harness / terminals — Replaced or repaired if open, corroded, or disconnected
- Refrigerator compressor — Replaced if windings test open and the electricals are otherwise good
Safe owner checks
- Confirm the appliance has power and the breaker has not tripped
- Listen for whether the compressor attempts to start
- Note when cooling was lost and the exact code displayed
- Avoid opening the door more than needed to slow warming until service arrives
When professional service is needed
Testing compressor windings, the start relay, and the overload, and working with line-voltage compressor circuits, requires a technician with proper meters and safety procedures; live electrical diagnosis is not an owner task.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Sub-Zero 60 1 60
What is Sub-Zero error 60 1 60 telling me?
Code 60 1 60 means your control board told the refrigerator compressor to start but sensed no electrical load drawing current. In other words, the board called for cooling and the compressor circuit stayed open. It usually points to a failed start relay, overload protector, broken compressor wiring, or a compressor with open windings in the fresh-food (refrigerator) circuit.
Can I fix a 60 1 60 fault myself?
No. The owner-safe steps are limited to confirming the unit has power, checking that the breaker has not tripped, and listening for whether the compressor tries to start. Beyond that, 60 1 60 requires metering the start relay, overload, and compressor windings on live line-voltage circuits, which is a job for a technician with the right meters and safety training.
How do I reset or clear code 60 1 60?
You can power the refrigerator off at the breaker for two to three minutes and restore it to see if the code clears, but with 60 1 60 it normally returns because the underlying compressor load is still missing. A real reset only happens after the open start component, wiring, or compressor is repaired and the board sees normal current draw again.
Is it safe to keep using the fridge while 60 1 60 is showing?
The unit is not dangerous, but the refrigerator section will warm up because the compressor is not running, so this is urgent for your food. Keep the door closed as much as possible to slow warming and arrange service quickly to avoid spoilage in the fresh-food compartment.
Which part is at fault for 60 1 60 and what does the repair cost?
The likely parts are the compressor start relay, the overload protector, the compressor wiring or terminals, or the refrigerator compressor itself if its windings test open. We charge a flat $89 diagnostic to pinpoint exactly which one, and every repair is backed by a 365-day warranty. Call (650) 668-1554 to schedule.
How is 60 1 60 different from the freezer no-load code 60 2 60?
Both codes mean the board commanded a compressor on but saw no electrical load. The difference is which compressor: 60 1 60 is the refrigerator (fresh-food) compressor, while 60 2 60 is the freezer compressor. A technician confirms 60 1 60 by metering the refrigerator compressor's start components and windings to find where the circuit is open.
Subzero Repair · Open 24/7 · 365-day warranty
Need a high-end appliance repaired?
Call for urgent cooling or cooking failures, or book online for a service window across the Bay Area.