Wine cooler displays EC21 and may show temperature alarms; unit may run excessively or not reach setpoint.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Always disconnect power before removing panels. Basic checks can be done with power on, but keep fingers clear of moving fans.
Step 1 – Check door closure
- Verify the door closes fully and latches without interference from shelves or bottles.
- Inspect the door gasket for tears, gaps, or hardened sections.
- Perform the paper test: close the door on a sheet of paper; you should feel resistance when pulling it out all around the perimeter.
Step 2 – Reduce load and allow recovery
- If you recently loaded many warm bottles, the cabinet temperature will rise temporarily.
- Allow 24 hours for the unit to pull down to set temperature with the door closed as much as possible.
Step 3 – Clean condenser
- Remove the grille and clean the condenser coil with a brush and vacuum.
- Ensure the condenser fan is running when the compressor is on.
Step 4 – Check ambient conditions
- Ensure the room temperature is within Sub‑Zero’s specified operating range.
- Extreme heat or cold can affect performance and trigger EC21.
Step 5 – Sealed system concerns
- If the unit runs continuously, the evaporator shows only partial frost, or the cabinet never reaches setpoint despite the above steps, there may be a refrigerant leak or compressor issue.
- These require a certified refrigeration technician; do not attempt sealed system repairs yourself.