Ideal Boiler FA Fault Code
The Ideal fault code FA flow and return reversed Q & A or require an engineer for an emergency boiler repair.
The Ideal Boiler Fault Code FA Error Common Q & A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the FA fault code on the Ideal boiler.
- What does the FA fault code mean on my Ideal boiler?
- Is my Ideal boiler dangerous if it’s displaying the FA fault code?
- Can I reset my boiler to fix the FA fault code?
- What does the pump do on my Ideal boiler?
- What does it mean if the flow and return are reversed?
- What is the fix for the FA fault code on Ideal boilers?
- My boiler engineer thinks the pump is faulty, what is the cheapest fix?
- My pump’s wiring and connections were loose, is there anything else that needs to be checked?
- The pump is faulty, what is the fix?
- How much does it cost to replace the pump on an Ideal boiler?
- The pump works and is fitted correctly, what else could be the problem?
- How can a boiler engineer test the PCB to check that this isn’t the problem causing the FA fault code to be displayed?
- What happens if the PCB on my boiler is faulty?
- Why would my pump and PCB fail?
What does the FA fault code mean on my Ideal boiler
According to Ideal, the FA fault code will be displayed when the flow and return are reversed, and the most probable cause is the pump.
Is my Ideal boiler dangerous if it’s displaying the FA fault code
There are lots of fault codes that lead to boilers being dangerous. But, this is exactly why manufacturers integrate a lock out function into their boilers.
The lock out function helps to secure the boiler and isolate it from being dangerous. In cases where a boiler isn’t dangerous, the lock out protects internal boiler components.
The idea behind that is to stop parts getting damaged, which would otherwise lead to expensive repair bills.
Can I reset my boiler to fix the FA fault code
There’s a good chance that resetting your boiler is going to temporarily trick your boiler into thinking the problem causing the FA fault code to be displayed has been fixed, even though it hasn’t.
As this is unlikely a dangerous fault, tricking the boiler’s PCB in this manner is going to potentially lead to damage.
For that reason, call a Gas Safe emergency boiler engineer. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and fix the fault.
When they’re happy the problem has been resolved, they’ll reset your boiler, test it, and that will clear the FA fault code.
What does the pump do on my Ideal boiler
All parts in your boiler are controlled by the printed circuit board (PCB). When you demand for heat or hot water, the PCB waits to see the fan is running, fires up the burner and water is heated via the heat exchanger.
Once water is up to temperature, the pump kicks in and circulates water around your central heating system, to taps and showers.
What does it mean if the flow and return are reversed
The flow is where hot water leaves the boiler. The return is water that has been circulated around the heating system and is coming back to be reheated again.
When the flow and return are reversed, the boiler won’t work correctly. It’s trying to circulate water the wrong way.
The boiler’s PCB recognises this and locks out the boiler.
According to Ideal the most probable cause of a reversed flow and return when the FA fault code is displayed, is the pump has been installed the wrong way around.
What is the fix for the FA fault code on Ideal boilers
As the flow and return are reversed, the pump has been fitted incorrectly.
The pump needs to be removed and re-installed so that the flow and return are the right way around. During the installation, your boiler engineer will need to ensure that the pump’s shaft is perfectly horizontal.
If a pump’s shaft isn’t set horizontal, both the shaft and bearings will wear out quickly, the pump will become noisy and eventually these parts will need replacing.
My boiler engineer thinks the pump is faulty, what is the cheapest fix
Unfortunately, fault finding takes a lot of time and therefore, costs money. But rather than just replacing the pump, it’s worth doing some quick visual inspections, and a test with a multi-meter.
Boiler vibrations could have quite easily led to the pump’s connections and/or wiring breaking loose. Simply re-securing these wires/connections could be all the pump needs to work again.
Essentially, the signals the PCB is receiving from the pump could be incorrect due to this wiring fault. It could think that the pump has been fitted incorrectly, even when the cause is a wiring issue.
My pump’s wiring and connections were loose, is there anything else that needs to be checked
When fixing boilers, it’s not just the faulty part that needs to be fixed, the root cause of the problem needs to be found too.
Naturally, boilers will vibrate. But, has your boiler been vibrating more than usual?
If it has, this could have contributed to the FA fault, but could also contribute to additional faults over time.
When a boiler vibrates more than usual, the most obvious parts to inspect are both the pump and the fan.
If the bearings have worn on either of these parts, this is likely what’s causing the issue. So, whilst the engineer is fixing the wiring/connections on your boiler, they should also consider replacing the culprit bearings.
The pump is faulty, what is the fix
If re-securing wiring and connections doesn’t work, there’s a chance that the pump needs replacing.
Grundfos make high-quality central heating pumps. So, if you need a replacement, there’s a good chance this is the brand your engineer is going to fit.
How much does it cost to replace the pump on an Ideal boiler
The cost of a replacement pump will depend on your model of boiler. Larger boilers require larger pumps, and larger pumps cost much more than smaller pumps.
As a guideline, you should expect to pay somewhere in the region of £250 for a new central heating pump.
The pump works and is fitted correctly, what else could be the problem
As the FA fault code relates directly to the pump, that’s where an emergency repair engineer is going to start.
However, when there are any faults that relate to electrical parts, the next component that needs to be ruled out is the boiler’s PCB.
The boiler’s PCB controls the pump (as well as other electronic components). So, if the PCB is malfunctioning, it might not be receiving (or giving) the correct signals to the pump.
How can a boiler engineer test the PCB to check that this isn’t the problem causing the FA fault code to be displayed
The first step is to check the PCB has power. And, a boiler engineer will be able to do that using a multi-meter.
If you’ve noticed the display panel flickering on and off, this is a sure-sign of a boiler that’s receiving intermittent power.
What happens if the PCB on my boiler is faulty
A replacement is going to be needed, and they’re not cheap. Depending on your exact boiler, you should expect to pay around £500.
And if you also need a pump (approximately £250), it might be worth considering investing that cash in a new boiler, rather than an old and unreliable one.
Why would my pump and PCB fail
Besides old age, water damage is the biggest killer of boilers. If you suspect a boiler leak (for instance, you’ve noticed pooling below your boiler), ask your boiler engineer to check internal boiler components for leaks.
The most common parts to leak in a boiler are the pump and heat exchanger. They’ll need to be fixed alongside any fault that relates to the FA fault code to prevent them from occurring again.
Other Ideal boiler issues
For more boiler issues regarding the Idea Boiler then please visit the Ideal Boiler Problems And Cures page.