Glow-Worm Boiler F.83 Fault Code
The Glow-Worm fault code F.83 relates to a problem with temperature readings at the burner and here we have Q & A or require an engineer for an emergency boiler repair.
The Glow-Worm Boiler Fault Code F.83 Error Common Q & A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the F.83 fault code on the Glow-Worm Boiler.
- What does the F.83 fault code mean on my Glow-Worm boiler?
- Is my boiler dangerous if it’s showing the F.83 fault code?
- What could be causing the problem with the temperature sensor on my Glow-Worm boiler?
- How is low water pressure connected to the F.83 fault code?
- Can a boiler with low water pressure be fixed easily?
- How will my boiler engineer know if the gas valve is faulty, or is incorrectly adjusted?
- Can a sticking gas valve be repaired on my Glow-Worm boiler?
- What happens if the boiler is full of debris?
- My boiler engineer thinks the problem is with the PCB, does this sound right?
What does the F.83 fault code mean on my Glow-Worm boiler
When your Glow-Worm boiler has a problem, it’s the printed circuit board that displays a fault code on the display panel. The idea behind the fault code system, is to make the diagnostic procedure much easier for the engineer. It makes fixing the problem quicker for them, and therefore, cheaper for you.
The F.83 fault code on Glow-Worm boilers relates to a problem with temperature readings at the burner. What the sensor is reading, is an insignificant temperature increase, or no increase at all.
Is my boiler dangerous if it’s showing the F.83 fault code
After a boiler shows a fault code on the display panel, it will usually lock out. It’s this lock out that protects internal components from getting damaged any further and keeps everyone in the property safe.
For this reason, you shouldn’t keep trying to reset your boiler to try and fix the problem. The reset function should only be used once the problem has been found and fixed.
As it’s only Gas Safe engineers that can work on gas appliances, you’ll need to call a heating company to come and fix the problem. Once the problem is fixed, they’ll reset your boiler for you.
What could be causing the problem with the temperature sensor on my Glow-Worm boiler
The first and most obvious problem, is that the burner’s temperature sensor is faulty. Your boiler repair company will be able to test this, by checking for power using a multi-meter. If it’s not getting power, then a replacement is going to be needed.
Although this is the most frequent problem associated with the F.83 fault code on Glow-Worm boilers, it’s not the only one. Your boiler engineer will need to check for:
- Low water pressure in the heating system
- Gas valve faults, or incorrect adjustment
- Debris build-up in the burner
How is low water pressure connected to the F.83 fault code
Glow-Worm list low water pressure as being one of the potential causes of the F.83 fault code being displayed.
Low water pressure can act like a blockage and it doesn’t enable water to circulate correctly.
Circulating slower than it should, water in the boiler quickly loses temperature, leading to the flow and return sensors having a huge temperature reading differential. The PCB notices that there’s a problem and will instantly lock out the boiler and show the F.83 fault code.
Can a boiler with low water pressure be fixed easily
Luckily, low water pressure isn’t something that’s particularly difficult to fix. Water (and therefore, pressure) can be added to the heating system, by using the external filling loop. Opening the valve on the filling loop, will allow water to enter the heating system.
What you are aiming for, is around 1.3 bar in pressure. You can check this on the pressure gauge (usually located on the front or underside of the boiler’s casing).
If you overfill the pressure in the heating system, you’ll need to adjust it. Excess pressure can cause damage to expensive internal components such as the pump, and even the heat exchanger.
Water can be bled from the heating system, using the drain cock, or from the bleed valves on radiators and towel rails.
One thing you need to consider, is that low pressure, is usually connected to a leak in the heating system. As the system leaks, pressure drops.
The lower the pressure goes, the less water that’s going to leak out. For instance, it might take just a few hours to drop from 1.3 bar to 1 bar, but a further week to drop down to 0.7 bar.
So, don’t top up the pressure on your boiler until the leak is found and fixed. Otherwise, you could be contributing to expensive property damage.
How will my boiler engineer know if the gas valve is faulty, or is incorrectly adjusted
Another common reason that the burner’s sensor doesn’t see an increase in temperature and the boiler shows the F.83 fault code, is a problem associated with the gas valve.
First, your boiler engineer needs to check that the gas valve is getting power, by testing it using a multi-meter. If the gas valve isn’t getting power, and is completely faulty, it will need to be replaced.
But, if it’s getting power, it could be contributing to the fault in one of two ways:
- Incorrect adjustment
- The valve is sticking
They’ll be able to check that the valve isn’t restricting gas, due to incorrect adjustment. If it is, the valve can be adjusted, rather than a replacement being needed.
And, another common reason that the burner isn’t getting the flow of gas that it needs, is because the valve is sticking. In this case, the gas valve is sticking partially open, restricting the flow of gas in the burner.
Can a sticking gas valve be repaired on my Glow-Worm boiler
A sticking gas valve can be repaired. Your boiler repair company will be able to free the gas valve, so it operates smoothly. But, they won’t refit the valve, unless they’re confident that this isn’t likely to happen again.
If they think the gas valve needs replacing, they’ll do so, at a cost of around £300. Typically, this job is one that takes around one working day to complete.
What happens if the boiler is full of debris
As the burner on your Glow-Worm boiler burns gas, it creates carbon. It’s this carbon that can block the burner. There’s a small jet in the burner, and these are prone to blocking.
If the jet in your burner is blocked, there won’t be a steady flow of gas. The flame will be unstable, so there won’t be a sufficient increase in temperature.
Luckily, it’s unlikely that you’ll need a new burner. Instead, your boiler engineer will be able to clean out the burner and the jet. This should remove the blockage and allow the burner to operate. Once they’ve fixed the problem, they’ll be able to reset your Glow-Worm boiler, to clear the F.83 fault code.
My boiler engineer thinks the problem is with the PCB, does this sound right
When a fault code relates to anything electrical, the PCB needs to be ruled out. It’s the PCB that gives and receives readings, and decides what to do next, based on the information it’s being given.
If it’s not giving the right signals, or translating readings (such as temperatures) correctly, then the boiler is going to malfunction.
Like your boiler engineer will do with the gas valve, the PCB can be tested using a multi-meter. If they can determine it’s the PCB that is the problem, you’ll need a replacement.
The problem with replacing a PCB on your Glow-Worm boiler, is that they’re not cheap. You should expect to pay somewhere in the region of £500.
With those sorts of costs in mind, it’s worth getting your boiler engineer to check over all important components. Because, if another vital component is likely to fail soon, it makes no sense investing £500 in an old boiler, in terms of repairs. That money would be better spent on a more efficient replacement, complete with a long warranty.
Other Glow Worm boiler issues
For more boiler issues regarding the Glow Worm then please visit the Glow Worm Boiler Problems And Cures page.