Ideal Boiler L2 Fault Code
The Ideal fault code L2 lock out Q & A or require an engineer for an emergency boiler repair.
The Ideal Boiler Fault Code L2 Error Common Q & A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the L2 fault code on the Ideal boiler.
- What does it mean when my Ideal boiler locks out and shows the L2 fault code?
- Can the L2 fault code be fixed on a DIY basis?
- Is it likely that my boiler will need replacing if the L2 fault code is being displayed?
- If I can smell gas, is my boiler dangerous?
- How will an engineer fix my boiler if there is a gas leak?
- Where can the boiler engineer start, to try and diagnose the issue that’s causing the L2 fault code to be displayed?
- What would cause my boiler to have low gas pressure?
- How would a partially blocked flue cause issues that lead to the L2 fault code being displayed?
- What could cause a blockage in a flue?
- How could the gas valve be causing problems that lead to the L2 fault code being displayed on my Ideal boiler?
- Can the gas valve be adjusted, or will I need a new one?
- How will my boiler engineer know if it’s a faulty gas valve that’s causing the problems with my boiler?
- How much will a new gas valve cost, and how long will it take to fit?
- What happens if the burner is clogged up with debris?
- How does moisture get onto the electrode and ignition lead?
What does it mean when my Ideal boiler locks out and shows the L2 fault code
All modern boilers have a lock out function. This is designed as a safety feature.
There are two scenarios where a boiler will lock out, because continued operation would:
- Cause damage to boiler parts
- Make the boiler dangerous
Most boiler fault codes will result in a lock out. In this case (L2 fault code), the problem relates to a flame loss during operation.
Can the L2 fault code be fixed on a DIY basis
No, the L2 fault code relates to internal boiler parts, and removing the boiler’s casing is classed on working a gas appliance.
The only people allowed to work on gas appliances are Gas Safe registered technicians.
Is it likely that my boiler will need replacing if the L2 fault code is being displayed
On most occasions, it’s unlikely that the L2 fault code on your Ideal boiler is going to mean that you need a new boiler.
Most of the potential problems and therefore fixes, can be diagnosed and fixed within 1 working day.
If I can smell gas, is my boiler dangerous
Switch off your boiler and gas immediately and leave your property. Then call an emergency boiler engineer.
It’s not always the case, but the L2 fault code on Ideal boilers can be linked to small gas leaks.
How will an engineer fix my boiler if there is a gas leak
First, they’ll need to fix the gas leak. They can run what’s known as a tightness test which checks to first see, if gas is leaking. To do this they’ll use a manometer which will pick up on any gas leaks.
If the gas run is leaking, the next step is to find the source of the leak.
It might be something as simple as a loose copper connection, but could be something more serious, like a gas valve that is letting-by, even when it’s not being told to open by the printed circuit board (PCB).
Once the leak is fixed, the boiler will then be safe to work on.
Where can the boiler engineer start, to try and diagnose the issue that’s causing the L2 fault code to be displayed
First, it’s important they identify the fault code as being a flame failure during operation. This means focusing on a separate set of problems in comparison to other fault codes that relate to lack of flame (i.e. the boiler won’t ignite, rather than shutting down after ignition).
There’s a range of things that can cause this to happen, including:
- The gas pressure into your property (or boiler) is too low
- The flue is blocked
- Incorrect gas valve adjustment, or a faulty valve
- The burner is clogged up with debris
- The electrode and/or ignition lead is faulty, or they have moisture on them
What would cause my boiler to have low gas pressure
If it’s winter, the gas regulator on the meter is likely to be the issue. These regulators are prone to freezing. When they do, they’re going to restrict the flow of gas to the boiler to an unsafe level.
Your boiler engineer will be able to run a pressure test at the meter and boiler to determine if this is the problem. If it is, they’ll be able to lag the gas meter (assuming it’s outside). This should stop the gas meter freezing again.
But, if that’s not the case, it might be that you’ve had a new boiler fitted and the gas main can’t deal with extra gas demand. If so, the gas main will need to be upgraded with larger diameter pipe (for instance, 28mm and 35mm).
How could the gas valve be causing problems that lead to the L2 fault code being displayed on my Ideal boiler
The flue is the large (usually white) pipe on the exterior of your property. The job of the flue is to take harmful gases that are created by the boiler, out of your property.
For this to happen, the fan needs to be working. This creates a draught that pushes the gases up the flue.
If there is even the smallest blockage, the air pressure switch will notice the fluctuation in air pressure. When it does, it recognises that the boiler could be dangerous, and locks out.
What could cause a blockage in a flue
It’s very rare that a horizontal flue (coming from the side of your property) will get blocked.
However, if you have a vertical flue (coming through the roof), these can get partially blocked with objects as simple as leaves.
Usually, the flue will be protected by a flue guard. So, if one hasn’t been fitted, the boiler engineer will need to clear the blockage and fit a flue guard.
The less frequent problem, is the flue has deteriorated and is starting to break apart. This will act as a blockage and the same scenario will play out as a above (an air pressure fluctuation, and a boiler lock out).
How could the gas valve be causing problems that lead to the L2 fault code being displayed on my Ideal boiler
The gas valve needs to supply a steady flow of gas to your boiler. That means when you turn heating down slightly, gas supply needs to be reduced (by the gas valve) too.
If a gas valve isn’t adjusted correctly, it could be supplying too little/too much gas in these scenarios. The boiler’s sensors will notice that the level of gas being supplied isn’t correct and will lock out the boiler.
Can the gas valve be adjusted, or will I need a new one
You won’t need a new gas valve if the problem is a simple case of readjustment.
Your boiler engineer will be able to adjust the gas valve, so the flow of gas matches the demand from the burner.
How will my boiler engineer know if it’s a faulty gas valve that’s causing the problems with my boiler
The first thing your boiler engineer is going to check for is that the gas valve isn’t stuck or getting stuck. For instance, when the PCB demands it to open to supply the burner with gas, is it opening as much as it should? Or, is it opening too much?
Generally, a stuck gas valve can be freed.
However, if the problem can’t be fixed, it’s likely that the gas valve is letting gas by. It’s leaking gas into the burner, even when it shouldn’t be, and this is potentially dangerous.
If the valve can’t be freed, it will need to be replaced to fix the problem and clear the L2 fault code.
How much will a new gas valve cost, and how long will it take to fit
You should expect your new gas valve to cost in the region of £300 and take 1 working day to fit.
However, it’s worth noting that repair engineers are unlikely to have spare gas valves on their van. So, they’ll need to order one from a local plumbing spares merchant (usually next day delivery).
What happens if the burner is clogged up with debris
The burner gets clogged up with debris (such as carbon) very easily. If this debris isn’t being cleared, it’s building up, and that’s going to lead to problems.
The most obvious problem to look out for is a blocked jet. Jets are tiny, and that means even the smallest amount of debris is going to cause problems.
A small amount of debris blocking the burner and jet can lead to a lack of gas supply and the flame fluctuating, and eventually going out completely.
Usually, the burner can be cleaned, as can the jet. It’s unlikely a replacement will be needed, so in terms of boiler repairs, this is an inexpensive fix.
How does moisture get onto the electrode and ignition lead
Moisture can find it’s way into boilers in a range of ways. The most obvious is a small boiler leak.
This might be a loose connection, or a leaking heating pump. As the boiler’s components heat up, tiny amounts of condensation can settle on parts (including the electrode and ignition lead), and this will make the boiler work intermittently.
In this case, unless the electrode/ignition lead are damaged, they won’t need to be replaced.
Instead, it’s the boiler leak that needs to be fixed. And not for the sake of just clearing the L2 fault code.
Boiler leaks can cause a whole host of problems. If left, it’s likely they’ll damage parts such as the fan, sensors and more importantly, the PCB.
These are expensive parts to fix, and a handful of these parts being subject to water damage, could end up with you needing an entire new boiler.
So, if you suspect a leak, get a Gas Safe engineer to come and rectify the problem as soon as possible.
Other Ideal boiler issues
For more boiler issues regarding the Idea Boiler then please visit the Ideal Boiler Problems And Cures page.