Ideal Boiler C2 Fault Code

The Ideal fault code C2 boiler chip board Q & A or require an engineer for an emergency boiler repair.

The Ideal Boiler Fault Code C2 Error Common Q & A

Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the C2 fault code on the Ideal boiler.

What does the C2 fault code mean on my Ideal boiler?
What is the chip card and where is it located?
Will resetting my boiler help to clear the C2 fault code and fix my Ideal boiler?
What can cause the C2 fault code to be displayed on my Ideal boiler?
I’ve not had any work done on my boiler recently, so what else could be the problem?
Is there any way to prevent the C2 fault code occurring again?
My boiler has never worked, and has always shown the C2 fault code, what’s the problem?
What happens if the boiler chip card is missing, or needs to be replaced?
The card has been replaced, but my boiler still isn’t working and is still showing the C2 fault code?
How can I determine if the PCB is at fault on my Ideal boiler?
Why would my boiler’s PCB malfunction?
If my PCB needs replacing, how much should I expect it to cost?

What does the C2 fault code mean on my Ideal boiler

When your boiler notices a system error, it will display a fault code. This helps boiler engineers to find and fix the problem at hand.

In the case of the C2 and C0 fault codes on Ideal boilers, the problem stems from the boiler chip card.

If you refer to your manual it will display two potential issues with boiler chip cards:

C0 fault – activation of the boiler chip card has not been successful
C2 fault – the boiler chip card has an internal error

What is the chip card and where is it located

Each boiler has what is known as a printed circuit board (PCB). This is what controls all the electronic components in your boiler.

As an example, when you turn the thermostat on, a signal passes to the PCB. The PCB then knows to fire up the fan, open the gas valve and activate the burner.

Every electronic component in a boiler relies on the correct operation of the PCB.

The chip card is part of the PCB. As most manufacturers use generic PCBs in many of their boilers, the chip card’s job is to let the PCB know exactly what boiler it’s fitted to.

Essentially, the boiler chip card is a simple device that synchronises the PCB with the boiler.

If the boiler chip card has an activation issue or general fault, the PCB won’t work correctly and neither will the boiler.

Will resetting my boiler help to clear the C2 fault code and fix my Ideal boiler

It’s rare that a reset will clear any fault codes. The reset function isn’t one that’s used to fix problems.

Instead, fault codes are displayed to highlight issues that can then be fixed. Once fixed, the reset will clear the fault code.

However, if the C2 fault code is showing on your Ideal boiler, a reset may work if:

You’ve had a new PCB installed
The boiler chip card has been replaced
The boiler chip card worked its way loose and has since been secured

What can cause the C2 fault code to be displayed on my Ideal boiler

The first thing to determine is if any parts of the PCB have been replaced.

If they have, there’s a good chance that the boiler simply hasn’t been reset correctly. If the boiler isn’t reset after a repair, it won’t know whether the problem has been rectified.

I’ve not had any work done on my boiler recently, so what else could be the problem

The next thing to check is that the chip card is secured in the PCB.

Boilers, especially older ones, vibrate considerably.

Over time, this can cause a whole host of problems. We’ve come across boilers that have loose wires, damaged connections and more; all because of internal boiler vibrations.

The boiler chip card is incredibly small and fragile. The smallest of vibrations could mean it’s not correctly housed in the PCB.

If the boiler chip card isn’t sufficiently housed (and therefore, connected to the PCB), then the boiler will malfunction.

Is there any way to prevent the C2 fault code occurring again

Unfortunately, there’s no preventative measure that covers the C2 fault code.

The only thing you can do is if you notice your boiler vibrating excessively, is to get a boiler engineer out straight away.

Boilers naturally vibrate a little, but increased or excessive vibrations could be due to issues with important components such as the fan and pump.

Not only will fixing these components help to avoid the boiler chip coming loose, but there’s a good chance that by attending to the problem sooner rather than later with the pump/fan, the cost of repair will be much less than it would be if they were left.

My boiler has never worked, and has always shown the C2 fault code, what’s the problem

It’s very unlikely, but there is always the chance that the boiler chip card is missing. If it’s missing, the boiler won’t be able to sync with the PCB and won’t work.

If you think this might be the case, call a Gas Safe engineer. They’ll be able to take apart your boiler and determine whether the boiler chip card is missing.

What happens if the boiler chip card is missing, or needs to be replaced

So, if you have a faulty component or it’s missing, you’re going to need to get a new one fitted.

Boiler repairs are rarely cheap. But, this is one of the cheaper repairs on a boiler.

The boiler chip card should cost around £40-50. It will then take a Gas Safe engineer somewhere in the region of 1.5-2.5 hours to fix the problem.

Including parts and labour, you should expect to budget upwards of £100 to replace the boiler’s chip card.

The card has been replaced, but my boiler still isn’t working and is still showing the C2 fault code

The C2 fault code on Ideal boilers is definitely boiler chip related. So, the first thing to do is to re-check the installation of the chip and ensure this is the right chip for this PCB.

Assuming the installation is correct, the issue is most likely to relate to the PCB itself.

The PCB controls almost everything in a boiler. The problem is, when a PCB fails, it can give misleading signals; after all, it’s not working correctly.

So, the potential problem here is the PCB displaying the C2 fault code (boiler chip fault) even when the boiler chip is fine.

How can I determine if the PCB is at fault on my Ideal boiler

The PCB can be tested. It’s only Gas Safe engineers that are legally allowed to work on gas appliances. So, the first thing to do is call an engineer.

They’ll be able to test that the wiring and connections to the PCB are secure and providing the PCB with power. If they’re not, they’ll be able to re-secure connections and wiring.

Why would my boiler’s PCB malfunction

If your boiler is old (10 years or older), there’s a good chance that the failure is simply down to old age.

However, if your boiler is much newer than that, have your engineer determine if this is:

A manufacturing default
Water damage

If a Gas Safe engineer thinks the PCB is broken due to a manufacturing default, the manufacturer should replace it (assuming it’s under warranty).

If the engineer thinks water damage is the issue, it’s unlikely that a manufacturer will foot the bill.

Water damage can come from heat exchangers and pumps, and it’s hard to pin-point a manufacturing default.

If your boiler does have water damage, get that fixed before the PCB is replaced. Water damage can completely ruin boilers.

If my PCB needs replacing, how much should I expect it to cost

PCB units for different boilers cost different amounts.

But, a replacement PCB is never cheap. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive boiler repairs.

You should expect to pay at least £450 to replace it.

If the PCB does need replacing, you need to get your Gas Safe engineer to check other components (such as the fan and pump). If these are also likely to fail soon, the most cost-effective option here is a replacement boiler.

Other Ideal boiler issues

For more boiler issues regarding the Idea Boiler then please visit the Ideal Boiler Problems And Cures page.

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