Excessive Refrigerator run time. | Zone 1 Excessive runtime Verify performance of unit and check for door leaks, door ajar, proper charge in system, and icing of evaporator. | check for door leaks, door ajar, Lights open circuit proper charge in system, and icing of evaporator; replace 45 2 00 1 Main lights relay open, open faulty part bulb, or circuit; repair or replace damaged part Zone 1 Stepper Cooling issue.
Written by
Jordan Avery Appliance Repair Content SpecialistPublished August 19, 2026
Content status:
Verified
Error code40 1 40
ApplianceRefrigeration
Affected model seriesBuilt-In BI SWS #4380000 | Integrated Drawer | Integrated Tall & Column
Quick answer
Excessive Refrigerator run time. | Zone 1 Excessive runtime Verify performance of unit and check for door leaks, door ajar, proper charge in system, and icing of evaporator. | check for door leaks, door ajar, Lights open circuit proper charge in system, and icing of evaporator; replace 45 2 00 1 Main lights relay open, open faulty part bulb, or circuit; repair or replace damaged part Zone 1 Stepper Cooling issue.
Model compatibility: Sub-Zero reused visible code strings across series and model years, so 40 1 40 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
Built-In BI SWS #4380000: Excessive Refrigerator run time.
Integrated Drawer: check for door leaks, door ajar, Lights open circuit proper charge in system, and icing of evaporator; replace 45 2 00 1 Main lights relay open, open faulty part bulb, or circuit; repair or replace damaged part Zone 1 Stepper Cooling issue.
Integrated Tall & Column: Zone 1 Excessive runtime Verify performance of unit and check for door leaks, door ajar, proper charge in system, and icing of evaporator.
Signs
Symptoms you may notice
The compressor or cooling system may run for extended periods.
The affected compartment may stay warmer than its set point.
Door openings, airflow restrictions, condenser condition, or a refrigeration issue may contribute.
The error may return after the unit reaches temperature if the underlying condition remains.
Before you call
Safe checks you can make
These are simple, non-hazardous checks only. If anything is unclear, stop and contact a technician.
Confirm the affected door or drawer is fully closed and the gasket is not obstructed.
Check that the temperature set point has not been changed unusually low.
Clean the condenser only as described in the owner's guide and keep ventilation areas clear.
If the appliance stays warm or continues running almost constantly, schedule service.
Important safety warning. Do not remove electrical covers, test energized circuits, open the sealed refrigeration system, or replace a control board based only on the displayed code.
Please avoid
What not to attempt
Electrical measurements
Control-board access
Refrigerant or sealed-system work
Internal component testing
Get help
When to call a technician
Schedule service if the code returns after a basic reset or owner-safe check, if temperatures are moving outside the normal range, if water is leaking, or if the appliance is no longer performing its primary function. A recurring diagnostic code usually means the control is seeing the same condition again. Professional diagnosis can prevent unnecessary part replacement and can identify wiring, control, sensor, airflow, water-system, defrost, or sealed-system causes that look similar from the display alone.
Seeing this code on your Sub-Zero appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair. Independent service — not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or endorsed by Sub-Zero.
Some Sub-Zero models allow a stored code to be cleared after the underlying problem is corrected. Clearing the display does **not** repair the cause. If the code comes back, use the series-specific meaning above and arrange diagnosis.
No. A diagnostic code identifies a condition detected by the control system. Wiring, connectors, airflow, power supply, control electronics, or another component can sometimes create the same code.
That depends on temperature and the affected function. If the refrigerator is above a safe food-storage temperature, the freezer is thawing, water is leaking, or an electrical issue is suspected, stop relying on the appliance and schedule service promptly.
Sub-Zero has used several generations of electronic controls. The same visible code can be assigned differently by series, zone, or software generation, which is why model applicability is included on this page.
References
Sources & references
Sub-Zero service knowledge base
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