Sub-Zero Classic BI Code 10-F-01: shorted sensor on the freezer evaporator

What 10-F-01 means

Classic Built-In refrigerators such as the BI-36U/S post 10-F-01 when the freezer evaporator thermistor is shorted. Mounted on the freezer coil, the sensor tells the control when defrost is done. A shorted reading is useless to the board, so it falls back on timing alone. Owners may spot frost behind the freezer panel, a freezer that is not as cold as usual, or simply the code with no other change for a while.

Common causes of 10-F-01

Defrost water reaching the sensor plug
Damaged insulation on the sensor wire at the coil
A shorted freezer evaporator thermistor

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Check under the freezer drawer or shelf for ice or standing water and clear it. 2. Close the freezer firmly and check for gaps in the gasket. 3. Reset the breaker one time. 4. Use a freezer thermometer; plan to move food if it rises above zero degrees.

! Why to stop there

The sensor and plug are behind the freezer evaporator cover
A drain issue that soaked the plug needs its own repair
Testing for a short requires panels off and power on

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Refrigerator codes

81Sub-Zero 700-2 Code 81: Variable-Speed compressor fails to start 82Sub-Zero 700-2 Code 82: VS compressor controller needs replacement 88Sub-Zero 700TF Code 88: Board and compressor controller not talking 80Sub-Zero 700TF Code 80: No inverter feedback after a board change ddSub-Zero 600 and 700 Series Display dd: Diagnostics switched off deSub-Zero 600 and 700 Series Display de: Diagnostics enabled 23Sub-Zero 600, 700 and 648PRO Code 23: Defrost overheat with no feedback 50Sub-Zero 600 and 700 Series Code 50: Refrigerator compressor running too long

10-F-0110-F-01 questions

Can a clogged drain lead to 10-F-01?

It can. If defrost water backs up and freezes around the coil, it may soak the sensor plug and cause a short. We check the drain path while repairing the sensor.

Will the freezer stop working?

Not right away. It keeps running on timed defrost, but frost can build and reduce cooling over days. A thermometer tells you how it is holding up.

What is included in your visit?

Diagnosis, a written price, the repair once you approve, and a defrost check on the freezer coil before we leave the house. Our workmanship is covered for 30 days.