Intergas Boiler Fault Code 6
The Intergas fault code 6 relates to flame problem and here we have Q & A. We could also offer you a service by you clicking on our emergency boiler repair booking.
The Intergas Boiler Fault Code 6 Error Common Q & A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the fault code 6 on the Intergas Boiler.
- If my Intergas boiler is displaying fault code 6, what does it mean?
- If I reset my Intergas boiler, will this fix the problem that’s causing fault code 6 to be displayed?
- What is the most likely cause of a flame detection fault?
- What else can cause a flame fault on my Intergas boiler?
- How could the gas valve cause fault code 6 to be displayed on the control panel?
- How will my boiler repair company know if the gas valve needs replacing?
- What do the electrode and ignition lead have to do with fault code 6 being displayed?
- How does water damage occur in a boiler?
- If the PCB is at fault, how is my boiler engineer going to know?
- If I need a replacement PCB in my Intergas boiler, how much will it cost?
If my Intergas boiler is displaying fault code 6, what does it mean
When your Intergas boiler develops a problem, a fault code is going to be displayed on the control panel. The fault code helps your Gas Safe boiler repair company narrow down the issue behind the fault, making the fix quicker and in turn, much cheaper.
You might also notice that the boiler goes into a locked out state; it won’t work until the problem has been fixed and the boiler has been reset.
Fault code 6 on Intergas boilers relates to a flame detection fault. Your boiler’s printed circuit board (PCB) is seeing/not seeing a flame at the right times.
If I reset my Intergas boiler, will this fix the problem that’s causing fault code 6 to be displayed
Resetting your boiler isn’t going to get your appliance out of its locked out state. The reason boilers lockout in the first place, is to isolate them from being dangerous, as well as protecting internal components from further damage.
Although the problem here could be a sensing issue, it could be a gas related fault too, and that’s potentially dangerous.
So, you shouldn’t try to reset your boiler to clear the fault code. Instead, call an emergency boiler repair company. They’ll be able to find the fault and fix it. Once they have, they’ll reset your Intergas boiler on your behalf.
What is the most likely cause of a flame detection fault
The first component your repair company will want to test, is the flame sensor on your Intergas boiler. Like many other sensors on your boiler, the flame sensor gives signals to the PCB.
Once you call for heating or hot water, the boiler needs to ignite. Before this happens, the PCB wants to see that the fan is working, ready to take harmful gases up and out of the flue. All being well, it will tell the gas valve to open, and the burner to ignite.
On ignition, the PCB expects the flame sensor to give a positive signal; suggesting that the flame isn’t just established, but it’s stable.
But, if the flame sensor is faulty, it might be telling the PCB that there isn’t a flame present, even when there is.
Your boiler engineer will want to test the flame sensor to power, as well as checking wires and connections. If the flame sensor is faulty, a replacement will be needed, otherwise the PCB won’t be able to recognise that a flame is present.
What else can cause a flame fault on my Intergas boiler
After checking the most obvious part, the flame sensor, your boiler repair company will start testing other parts in your boiler, including the:
- Gas valve
- Ignition related parts such as the electrode and ignition lead
- Electronics, looking for water damage
- Boiler’s main PCB.
How could the gas valve cause fault code 6 to be displayed on the control panel
For a flame to be present in your boiler, the burner needs a steady flow of gas. And, the component that controls the flow of gas into the burner is the gas valve. This opens and closes, depending on your demand for hot water and heating.
Your boiler engineer can test the gas valve using a multi-meter to ensure that the valve is receiving power. If it’s not, it won’t be giving or receiving the correct signals from the PCB. Or, it won’t be able to open/close correctly, contributing to a flame detection fault.
Not all gas valves with low or intermittent power need replacing. It may be that your engineer can fix the valve by securing connections and repairing sections of wiring.
How will my boiler repair company know if the gas valve needs replacing
On some occasions, the gas valve is going to be need replacing. Typically, worn and damaged valves will work intermittently, as fixes are temporary solutions.
As an example, gas valves can stick over time. This might mean they stick partially open (allowing gas into the burner when they shouldn’t be), or partially closed (not allowing enough gas into the burner).
Although valves can sometimes be freed, on most occasions the safest option is to simply replace the valve.
And, when a gas valve needs replacing, you should expect to pay somewhere in the region of £300.
What do the electrode and ignition lead have to do with fault code 6 being displayed
If the flame sensor isn’t faulty, there’s a chance it’s suggesting a flame isn’t present. And, it’s likely that ignition related parts are to blame; that includes the electrode and ignition lead.
To ensure that these parts aren’t causing the issue, your boiler engineer will need to test them. And, they’ll want to ensure that both parts are free from moisture. Even the slightest sign of moisture on ignition related parts is going to cause a failure.
How does water damage occur in a boiler
Water damage in boilers is a major killer. Typically, we find that most instances of water damage stem from blown pump seals. Over time, they degrade and eventually start to leak. If the pump’s seals aren’t replaced, water is going to build-up in your boiler.
Unfortunately, older boiler’s electronic parts, aren’t particularly well sealed. So, even the smallest of leaks from your boiler’s pump could result in a huge failure. In this case, it could affect parts like the flame sensor, PCB, gas valve and even the burner.
If water damage has occurred on your boiler, it’s the leak that needs to be fixed first. Then, your boiler engineer will need to assess the condition of all electronic components, fixing any that have been exposed to moisture.
After doing so, they’ll be able to reset your boiler to clear the 6 fault code from the display panel.
If the PCB is at fault, how is my boiler engineer going to know
As with any boiler fault code, the PCB needs to be checked. It’s the PCB that controls every aspect of your boiler. That means everything from telling the gas valve when to open, through to determining what the flame sensor’s signals mean. And, it even determines which fault code needs to be displayed on the control panel when there’s a fault.
So, it goes without saying that if there’s a problem with the boiler’s PCB, the appliance is going to work intermittently.
Like other electronic components, your boiler repair company will be able to test the PCB using a multi-meter. This ensures that the PCB has power and can give/receive signals to/from all components in your boiler.
If the PCB doesn’t have power, or power is intermittent, further checks need to be carried out. Your boiler repair company will need to pinpoint the sections of wiring and/or connections that are causing the issue.
On most occasions, small repairs can be made on the spot. However, it might be that your boiler engineer suggests a replacement PCB.
If I need a replacement PCB in my Intergas boiler, how much will it cost
The cost of a replacement PCB will vary depending on the model of Intergas boiler you own. However, typically estimates will sit in the region of £400-500; that’s the cost including parts and labour.
In boiler repair terms, this is one of the most expensive repairs. For that reason, it makes sense to ask your engineer to give your boiler a general health check. If multiple expensive components are likely to need replacing soon, or already need replacing, it might be worth considering getting a quote for a repair but comparing that directly to a replacement boiler that will come with a long warranty.
Other Intergas boiler issues
For more boiler issues regarding the Intergas boiler then please visit the Intergas Boiler Problems And Cures page.