Sub-Zero Designer Wine (IW) Code 15-1-01: zone 1 compressor relay welded shut

What 15-1-01 means

Code 15-1-01 shows on Sub-Zero Designer Wine Storage units of the IW series, for example the IW-24 or IW-30R. It means the zone 1 compressor relay is stuck closed: the contacts stay together even after the control asks the compressor for zone 1 to stop. The compressor keeps running, zone 1 can get colder than its setting, and the unit may sound like it never cycles off.

Common causes of 15-1-01

Zone 1 compressor relay contacts welded together on the control board
A control board that keeps the relay energized
Wiring that feeds the compressor around the relay

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Check the zone 1 temperature to see if bottles are getting too cold. 2. If it drops well below your setting, switch off the breaker to protect the wine and the compressor. 3. Restore power once and see whether the code clears. 4. Contact us if 15-1-01 shows again.

! Why to stop there

Constant running wears the compressor, so the relay should be replaced, not watched
The relay carries line voltage on the control board
Confirming a stuck relay requires live testing

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 Wine Storage codes

EC 11Sub-Zero 400 Series Wine Code EC 11: upper cabinet too cold EC 13Sub-Zero 400 Series Wine Code EC 13: lower cabinet cold alarm EC 15Sub-Zero 400 Series Wine Code EC 15: unit not cooling Service flashingSub-Zero 400 Series Wine "Service" Flashing: compressor ran too long 45-2-00Sub-Zero Designer Wine (IW) Code 45-2-00: zone 2 lights not drawing power 45-2-01Sub-Zero Designer Wine (IW) Code 45-2-01: zone 2 light short circuit 90-5-80Sub-Zero Designer Wine (IW) Code 90-5-80: keypad module not talking to the control 90-H-80Sub-Zero Designer Wine (IW) Code 90-H-80: no communication with the high-voltage micro

15-1-0115-1-01 questions

Is it safe to leave the unit running with 15-1-01?

For a short time, yes, but nonstop compressor operation adds wear and can over-chill zone 1. If the zone gets very cold, turning the unit off at the breaker until we arrive is reasonable.

Why does zone 1 feel colder than usual?

The relay that should switch the zone 1 compressor off is stuck closed, so cooling never stops. That is why the temperature drops below the setting and why the unit sounds busy.

How is 15-1-01 repaired?

We confirm the relay is stuck closed, check the board driving it, then replace the relay or board as needed. The price is written down before work begins, and our workmanship is covered for 30 days.