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Error code reference

Perlick Refrigerator Error Code DA

Door alarm

Perlick codesPerlick refrigerator codes

Door alarm - the door has been left open.

First step from the service manual

Compressor and fans restart upon door closure.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What DA means on a Perlick refrigerator

The DA error code on a Perlick refrigerator indicates a door alarm condition, meaning the refrigerator door has been left open long enough to trigger the alert. This is a protective notification function built into the control system to prevent excessive warm air infiltration, which can compromise food safety temperatures and force the compressor and evaporator fan to work harder than intended. The alarm is generated when the door switch or door sensor detects a continuous open-door state beyond the unit's preset threshold time.

The door switch is the primary component involved in this alert. When the door is properly closed, the switch signals the control board that the compartment is sealed. If the switch fails to register closure, whether due to a physical obstruction, a misaligned door, a worn door gasket, or an actual faulty switch, the control board continues to treat the door as open and maintains the alarm state. The compressor and evaporator fans are typically suspended or reduced during a prolonged open-door event to avoid icing issues.

Upon closing the door, normal operation resumes: the compressor and fans restart as confirmed by the first diagnostic step. If the DA code persists after the door is confirmed closed, the likely culprits are a defective door switch, a door that is not sealing due to a damaged gasket or hinge misalignment, or a control board that is not correctly reading the switch input. Inspecting the door gasket for tears or gaps and verifying that the door closes fully and latches without resistance are the immediate physical checks a technician should perform.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of DA

  1. 01

    Door left physically open

    Wiring / connection

    The most straightforward cause is simply that the door was left ajar, either intentionally or accidentally. Closing the door fully will clear the alarm and restart normal operation.

  2. 02

    Worn or damaged door gasket

    Part replacement

    A cracked, compressed, or torn door gasket allows the door to appear closed while actually leaving a gap. Inspect the gasket around the full perimeter for deformation, tears, or areas that do not make firm contact with the cabinet frame.

  3. 03

    Door misalignment or hinge issue

    Part replacement

    If the door hinges are worn or the unit is not level, the door may not close or seal correctly, keeping the door switch in an open state. Check that the refrigerator is level and that the door aligns evenly with the cabinet.

  4. 04

    Faulty door switch

    Part replacement

    The door switch is the sensor that signals the control board when the door is open or closed. A switch that is stuck in the open position will keep the DA alarm active even when the door is physically shut. The switch can be tested for continuity with a multimeter.

  5. 05

    Obstruction preventing full door closure

    Wiring / connection

    Overloaded shelves, improperly placed bottles, or items protruding from interior storage can physically block the door from closing completely. Check that no contents are interfering with the door's full range of motion.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about DA

What does DA mean on a Perlick refrigerator?
DA stands for door alarm on a Perlick refrigerator. It indicates that the door has been left open long enough to trigger an alert from the control system. The unit monitors door status through a door switch, and when that switch reads an open state beyond the threshold, the DA code activates. Closing the door should clear the code and allow the compressor and fans to restart.
How do I fix the DA error code on my Perlick refrigerator?
Start by ensuring the door is fully and firmly closed. If the code clears and the compressor restarts, no further action is needed. If the code persists, inspect the door gasket for damage or compression, check that the door is properly aligned on its hinges, and look for any items inside the unit that may be blocking closure. If all physical checks pass, the door switch itself may need to be tested or replaced.
Is it safe to store food in a Perlick refrigerator showing a DA error?
If the door has been left open for an extended period, the interior temperature may have risen enough to compromise perishable foods. Check the cabinet temperature before relying on stored items. Once the door is closed and the unit returns to its set temperature, safe storage conditions will be restored. If the alarm has been active for more than two hours, perishable items should be evaluated according to standard food safety guidelines.
Will resetting the Perlick refrigerator clear the DA code?
Simply resetting the unit is unlikely to permanently clear the DA code if the underlying cause is still present. The alarm is triggered by the door switch reading an open state, so a reset without addressing the door condition will typically result in the code returning. The correct resolution is to close the door or correct the issue preventing the door from sealing properly.
How much does it cost to repair a Perlick refrigerator showing a DA door alarm error?
If the cause is a damaged door gasket, replacement gasket costs typically range from $30 to $100 or more depending on the model, plus labor if a technician is involved. A faulty door switch is generally a lower-cost component, usually in the $15 to $50 range for the part, with labor adding to the total. If the issue is simply a misaligned door or an obstruction, no parts are needed and the repair cost is minimal.

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