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trudyandstephen

Is my beverage unit shutting off a board issue or something else?

last month

I'm seeking assistance with an ongoing issue with my Zephyr beverage cooler (model PRB24C01BG, Serial: 1016588LQF).


The unit will cool normally for several hours, dropping from ambient temperature (around 73°F) down into the low 60s, but then the compressor shuts off unexpectedly, and the display reads “HI.” The temperature then rises. The compressor is warm but not excessively hot at shutdown. When the door is opened, the compressor restarts and cooling resumes, but the same cycle repeats.


To rule out common causes, I have completed the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Confirmed the “R” indicator/light remains on (unit indicates it is calling for cooling / compressor operation)
  2. Confirmed there is no ice buildup on the evaporator coil
  3. Moved the unit into an open space with improved airflow/ventilation to rule out overheating from restricted airflow
  4. Replaced the compressor relay
  5. Replaced the compressor starter/overload
  6. Replaced both cabinet temperature sensors with new OEM Zephyr sensors
  7. Performed a door magnet/switch test using an external magnet (including with the door fully sealed) to rule out a faulty door switch or door magnet
  8. Performed a multimeter compressor ground/continuity test (no prong-to-shell short; compressor runs and cools before shutting off)

Despite these steps, the issue persists unchanged.


At this point, the only remaining component I can identify is the main control board, but it looks fine. I would appreciate any insight into whether this symptom pattern aligns with a known control board issue or another concern.


may be overlooking

Comments (7)

  • PRO
    last month

    I'm not sure this is the correct forum for your questions.

  • 29 days ago

    A control board doesn't necessarily present visual evidence when it malfunctions. Do you have, or can you find, a service/tech sheet for diagnostic procedures?

  • 29 days ago

    I would think after running for several hours the temperature should drop way below 60 degrees. How cool is the evaporator coil while the compressor is running?

  • 21 days ago

    Apologies for the delayed response. After reading the first comment, I did not think anyone would reply.

    I removed the interior back panel of the beverage cooler to expose the evaporator coil. Only the inlet line on the left, where it connects into the evaporator, gets very cold and develops light frost. The rest of the evaporator coil is only slightly cool. I attached photos of the evaporator coil to this post.

    Since my last update, I have replaced the following Main control board and previsouly the:

    1. Compressor start relay 2. Compressor starter/overload 3. Cabinet temperature sensors (OEM Zephyr)

    Even after these replacements, the problem remains. I cannot get the unit below 59 to 60 degrees. The compressor will run for hours, but the temperature does not drop any further.

  • 21 days ago

    Symptoms point toward a refrigerant leak, or maybe an internal pumping problem in the compressor since it does otherwise run.

  • 21 days ago

    Is it worth hiring someone to repair it? The unit is about $1000 and only six years old so I was hoping it could be fixed.

  • 21 days ago

    That model apparently is discontinued. The current equivalent unit is $1,599 to $1,699-ish.

    Parts list for Zephyr PRB24C01BPG

    Part prices aren't outrageous ... but depends if you can find a servicer to do the job and what is their quote for it regards to what's involved.