Ideal Boiler F2 Fault Code
The Ideal fault code F2 boiler chip board Q & A or require an engineer for an emergency boiler repair.
The Ideal Boiler Fault Code F2 Error Common Q & A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the F2 fault code on the Ideal boiler.
- What does the F2 fault code mean on my Ideal boiler?
- What causes the F2 fault code to be displayed on Ideal boilers?
- Can the F2 fault code on my Ideal boiler be fixed on a DIY basis?
- How could the gas supply be causing the issue with my Ideal boiler?
- What problems could the flue have that lead to the F2 fault code being displayed?
- What happens if the flue is deteriorating?
- What does the gas valve do on my Ideal boiler?
- Why would the gas valve on my boiler be causing the F2 fault code to be displayed?
- Can the gas valve be fixed if it’s stuck?
- How much does it cost to fit a new gas valve?
- What does the fan have to do with flame loss on a boiler?
- What causes the fan to malfunction?
- How much does it cost to replace a fan on an Ideal boiler?
- What else could be to blame for the F2 fault?
What does the F2 fault code mean on my Ideal boiler
If your Ideal boiler is showing the F2 fault code on the control panel, it means that there’s been a flame loss during operation.
As soon as the printed circuit board receives the signal that the flame has been lost, it will lock out and display the F2 fault code.
What causes the F2 fault code to be displayed on Ideal boilers
Unlike many fault codes, the issue that causes the F2 fault code to be displayed is generic. And, that means it can take a while to diagnose the exact problem with the boiler.
The problem could come from things such as:
- Incorrect gas pressure
- A problem with the flue
- Faulty gas valve, or incorrect adjustment of the valve
- Fan faults
Can the F2 fault code on my Ideal boiler be fixed on a DIY basis
Some basic fixes (such as topping up boiler pressure) can be done on a DIY basis.
However, this is potentially a gas related fault. Not only is it dangerous to work on a gas appliance without proper Gas Safe accreditation, it’s also illegal.
You should call a gas engineer to come and find and fix the problem. Once the issue has been resolved, resetting your boiler will clear the fault code.
How could the gas supply be causing the issue with my Ideal boiler
The first thing the boiler engineer will need to check is that the gas supply is in working order. This ensures that the boiler is receiving the correct amount of gas pressure.
They can do this by testing the pressure at the meter and at the boiler. Whereby it’s a lack of inlet gas pressure from the mains causing an issue, that’s a problem that needs to be fixed by the utility supplier.
However, it might be something simple such as a blocked regulator on the gas meter (very common in cold weather), or a gas run that hasn’t been upgraded to meet the demands of a more powerful boiler.
What problems could the flue have that lead to the F2 fault code being displayed
The flue on your boiler is usually the large white pipe that vents gases out of your property.
Depending on the boiler’s installation area, it will either come out the side of your property (a horizontal flue) or out of the roof (vertical flue).
It’s not common that flues get blocked, but when they do, they will cause the boiler to lock out.
It’s most common with vertical flues, whereby the flue hasn’t been fitted with a flue guard. The smallest piece of debris will interrupt air flow in such a way that the boiler locks out.
Your boiler engineer will need to inspect and test the pressure in the flue. If there is a blockage, it needs to be cleared, and a flue guard will need to be fitted.
What happens if the flue is deteriorating
If the blockage has been caused by parts of a deteriorating flue breaking off, the flue is going to need to be replaced.
The cost of a flue replacement can be as little as £100, up to around £300.
That’s because different flues cost different amounts of money. It’s also because some properties will need to use one or two flue extensions, which are around £45 each. On the other hand, some will need none.
What does the gas valve do on my Ideal boiler
The gas valve on a boiler regulates that the flow of gas at the point where it enters the burner. This is different to the regulator on the gas meter which simply allows a flow of gas to the boiler.
The gas valve allows the exact amount of gas demanded into your boiler, as you change the temperature on your thermostat or turn on hot taps/showers.
Why would the gas valve on my boiler be causing the F2 fault code to be displayed
One of the common faults we find with gas valves is that they don’t open or close correctly.
For instance, they might not open fully. When you’re demanding for the maximum amount of gas possible, they’re not able to supply it.
As the flame doesn’t have enough fuel, it goes out. And as a safety precaution when the boiler’s PCB recognises this, it locks out the boiler and displays the F2 fault code.
Can the gas valve be fixed if it’s stuck
Sometimes gas valves can be removed and freed, rather than replaced. However, if the operation of the gas valve isn’t smooth, it’s worth having it replaced. Otherwise it’s likely that the issue will arise again soon.
How much does it cost to fit a new gas valve
Gas valves are one of the most expensive parts on a boiler. You should budget around £300 for a replacement, and that’s going to include parts and labour.
Considering the time to diagnose the problem, source parts and replace the valve – expect the job to take around a day.
What does the fan have to do with flame loss on a boiler
The fan on a boiler isn’t designed to cool down internal components. Instead, it’s designed to help harmful flue gases to be vented out of the flue.
When the fan isn’t working correctly, flue gases aren’t being vented from the boiler.
The fan is connected to an air pressure switch. If it recognises the air pressure is incorrect due to gases not being vented, this signals the PCB and the boiler will lock out.
What causes the fan to malfunction
The first thing a Gas Safe engineer will need to check is that the fan speed isn’t set too low. If it is, the fan has no chance of venting these gases correctly.
However, they can test the fan itself for faults. First, they can use a multi-meter to check all the wiring and connections to and from the fan. If any of these are the problem, they can be replaced to fix the fan and clear the F2 fault.
If this isn’t the problem, the engineer will need to check the operation of the fan. If the bearings and other parts in the fan are in poor condition due to old age, it might be that the fan needs to be replaced.
How much does it cost to replace a fan on an Ideal boiler
You should expect to pay somewhere in the region of £250-300 for a replacement fan on your ideal boiler.
What else could be to blame for the F2 fault
Always get your engineer to test your PCB when you have an electrical boiler fault. It’s the PCB that decides which fault code needs to be displayed.
If the PCB itself is faulty, there’s a good chance that the code being displayed isn’t correct in the first place.
Other Ideal boiler issues
For more boiler issues regarding the Idea Boiler then please visit the Ideal Boiler Problems And Cures page.