The inside rear wall of an empty wine cooler with the racks pulled out, a small temperature probe clipped to the wall and its thin lead running into a grommet.

Sub-Zero EC06: the upper evaporator sensor is not reading

EC06 names the upper evaporator thermistor.

(844) 709-0727

Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm

  • Temperature sensors
  • Wine cooler thermostat and sensor repair
  • Source: Sub-Zero

Book a visit

Three short steps, about a minute.

or call (844) 709-0727

What EC06
actually means.

EC06 names the upper evaporator thermistor. That probe sits on the cooling coil rather than in the air, and the control uses it to judge how the coil is doing, including when to let frost melt off. Sub-Zero triggers the code on an open or short lasting 10 seconds or more, or on repeated erratic readings.

Sub-Zero wine cooler display · also shown as EC 06, EC6

What to do when EC06 shows on the wine cooler

Before you book,
in this order.

Each step comes from Sub-Zero's own guidance for EC06 on its wine coolers. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit.

01

Look at the back wall of the upper section for frost or ice; a coil that is not clearing itself is a sign this probe matters right now.

02

Reset the breaker for 30 seconds and see whether EC06 comes back.

03

If it returns, or ice is building, book a visit and avoid chipping at any ice on the coil.

Still there?

It usually turns into wine cooler thermostat and sensor repair. Book with the code and the model number.

What not to do

EC06 is not about the air temperature the display shows, which comes from a different probe. A problem with the air probe in the upper section shows as EC05.

What you may
notice with it.

The wine cooler problems EC06 tends to arrive with. Answer these at the wine cooler before anyone is booked.

All problems

Where EC06 usually leads

Wine cooler thermostat and sensor repair.

Thermostat or zone temperature sensor · low to moderate.

In Sub-Zero's own words

Upper evaporator thermistor read open or shorted for 10 or more seconds, or repeatedly read erratic temperatures
Sub-Zero answer: Undercounter Wine (UW) error code EC 06 Sub-Zero answer: Classic wine storage (BW) error code EC 06 Sub-Zero answer: Undercounter Wine (UW) error code EC 06

Every code on this site is taken from the manufacturer's documentation, never from a forum or a parts listing. Undercounter Wine (UW) models and Classic (formerly Built-In, BW) wine storage, which show two-digit EC codes. Designer wine columns and Designer undercounter units report the same kind of problem with three-part codes instead.

Sub-Zero EC06 wine cooler repair,
where we come out.

The same visit in every metro below: the code, the model number, and a diagnosis before any part is ordered.

All service areas
A couple choosing a bottle together from an undercounter wine cooler in a warm kitchen at dusk
For the heart of your home.

Questions
about EC06.

Can I clear EC06 myself?
Look at the back wall of the upper section for frost or ice; a coil that is not clearing itself is a sign this probe matters right now. If it comes back, it needs a visit.
Why would EC06 cause ice on the back wall of my Sub-Zero?
The evaporator probe helps the control decide when the coil needs to warm up and shed frost. With a bad reading, that step can be skipped or cut short, and frost builds.
What is the difference between EC05 and EC06?
EC05 is the probe that measures the air around the upper bottles. EC06 is the probe clamped to the upper cooling coil.
Is it safe to keep wine in the unit while EC06 is showing?
Usually yes for a short time if the temperature stays near your setting. Check with a thermometer, and move the most valuable bottles somewhere cool and dark if the upper section starts to warm.

Back to your everyday

Still showing EC06?

When you book, copy the code or the blink pattern as the display shows it, add the whole model number, and say whether the bottles still feel cool — a code gives the technician a head start.

(844) 709-0727 Schedule a repair