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Glow-Worm Boiler F13 Fault Code

The Glow-Worm fault code F13 relates to the PCB memory or sensing fault and here we have Q & A or require an engineer for an emergency boiler repair.


The Glow-Worm Boiler Fault Code F13 Error Common Q & A

Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the F13 fault code on the Glow-Worm Boiler.

Glow-Worm boiler error code F13
  • What does the F13 fault code mean on my Glow-Worm boiler?
  • What does the PCB do on my boiler?
  • Can I fix the F13 fault code on a DIY basis?
  • What’s the most likely cause of the F13 fault code being displayed on my Glow-Worm boiler?
  • How will my engineer be able to find the problem that’s causing the F13 fault code to be displayed on my boiler?
  • My boiler or PCB is new, what could be the problem?
  • Could my PCB be faulty?
  • How much is it going to cost if I need a new PCB in my Glow-Worm boiler?
  • If my PCB is broken, should I consider a new boiler?
  • How would my PCB have broken in the first place?
  • What is a boiler chip card, and if it’s the cause of the problem, how can it be fixed?

What does the F13 fault code mean on my Glow-Worm boiler

When your Glow-Worm boiler shows a fault code on the display panel, it helps your repair company to quickly diagnose the fault. Rather than having to fault find every component in your boiler, they’re pointed towards a specific problem.

In the case of the F13 fault code, the problem lies with the printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB has a memory or sensing fault.

What does the PCB do on my boiler

The PCB is the most important part of your boiler. It monitors a range of sensors to ensure that your appliance is safe, and controls a range of electronic components, based on the information given to it by these sensors.

As an example, it gets a signal when the thermostat is turned down. It already knows the temperature of the flow pipe (where water leaves your boiler, travelling to taps, showers and radiators), and notices that temperature needs to drop. It gives a signal to the gas valve to reduce the fuel supply to burner, and temperature from the flow pipe slowly reduces.

Alongside these components it controls the likes of the gas valve, fan and heat exchanger. So, when there’s a problem with a PCB, there’s a probably with the whole boiler; it’s going to work intermittently or not at all.

Can I fix the F13 fault code on a DIY basis

There are various faults on modern boilers that can be fixed on a DIY basis. For example, a circulation fault, whereby air locks in radiators are restricting the flow of water.

However, to fix the F13 fault code, the boiler needs to be taken apart. And, taking apart a boiler is classed as working on a gas appliance. The only people qualified to work on gas appliances, are Gas Safe engineers.

A Gas Safe engineer will be able to highlight the problem, take the best route to fixing it, and once they’re done, they’ll reset the boiler on your behalf. This will clear the fault code from the display panel.

What’s the most likely cause of the F13 fault code being displayed on my Glow-Worm boiler

It’s most likely that there’s damaged connections or wiring, especially around the relay. Boilers do get extremely hot, and if any of these connections or wires start to melt, there’s going to be fluctuation in stability in that connection. And, that’s going to mean that the boiler works sporadically.

If your boiler started to work intermittently just before the F13 fault code was displayed, it’s likely a connection or wire that’s slowly become loose/damaged, is too blame.

How will my engineer be able to find the problem that’s causing the F13 fault code to be displayed on my boiler

The first thing your Gas Safe repair company is going to do, is visually inspect wires and connections. With electronics, small faults make a big difference. A wire that’s slightly damaged, could bring boiler operation to a complete halt.

If the visual inspection reveals nothing, your engineer can then test wires and connections individually, checking for power, or fluctuation of power.

In general, specialist repair engineers will be able to fix small sections of damaged wiring, or loose connections.

My boiler or PCB is new, what could be the problem

Not all faults that cause the F13 fault code to be displayed are due to old age. Even new boilers can have unusual problems.

When you have a new boiler or PCB fitted, it needs to be configured. And if there’s a memory sensing fault, there’s a good chance that this hasn’t been configured correctly. In general, this simply requires the boiler engineer to enter a product code into the system.

But, there are other things that could cause the F13 fault code to be displayed, including a loose or incorrect boiler chip card.

Could my PCB be faulty

Although the F13 specifically states that this is a memory or sensing issue, there is a good chance that the PCB is faulty, especially if the boiler is old. Like many electrical components, the PCB is fragile. Years of boiler vibrations, and even slight water damage, could cause it to fail.

Your boiler engineer will be able to test the PCB using a multi-meter. And, that’s going to tell them if it’s the PCB, wiring, or connections that are causing the problems.

How much is it going to cost if I need a new PCB in my Glow-Worm boiler

The cost of a PCB replacement will vary, depending on the exact Glow-Worm boiler that you have. One PCB unit could be as little as £150, and another, upwards of £250.

As an average, expect to pay £400-500 for parts and labour, for a new PCB to be fitted.

If my PCB is broken, should I consider a new boiler

If the PCB is the only part that’s faulty, a repair is likely to be the most cost-effective solution. However, with boilers in small properties being installed for as little as £1,800, and being much more efficient than old ones, it’s worth getting a general health check.

Expensive parts on your boiler include the heat exchanger, pump and fan. If these are showing signs of excessive wear, it would be worth getting quotes for a replacement, with a long parts and labour warranty.

How would my PCB have broken in the first place

If your boiler is only a few years old, old-age can be ruled out as the culprit. So, before making expensive boiler repairs, it’s worth considering what caused the problem in the first place. After all, if it’s caused an issue once, it’s likely to cause it again.

Your Gas Safe boiler repair company will need to check for excessive boiler vibrations. These are likely to occur if the fan and pump are excessively worn. These vibrations can damage fragile electrical components.

And if that isn’t the problem, they’ll need to check the pump and heat exchanger for leaks. Even the smallest leak from these components, can create condensation in your boiler.

When this moisture settles on electrical components, it can cause them to fail. And, if it’s already caused damage to one component, it’s likely that others are likely to fail soon too.

What is a boiler chip card, and if it’s the cause of the problem, how can it be fixed

There are 100s of different boilers on the market, from a range of different brands. And each manufacturer doesn’t develop a new PCB for each new model they release. Instead, there are a range of generic PCBs that can work with a huge number of boilers.

But, they won’t work without a boiler chip card. It’s the boiler chip card that tells the PCB how it needs to communicate with the boiler.

If the boiler chip card has worked its way loose, the boiler could develop a memory or sensing fault. And likewise, if the wrong boiler chip card has been fitted.

Other Glow Worm boiler issues

For more boiler issues regarding the Glow Worm then please visit the Glow Worm Boiler Problems And Cures page.