Vaillant Boiler F61 Error Code - Gas Valve - PCB
The Vaillant fault code F61 boiler Gas Valve to PCB Q & A or require an engineer for an emergency boiler repair.
The Vaillant Boiler Fault Code F61 Error Common Q&A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the F61 fault code on the Vaillant boiler.
- What does the Vaillant F61 error code mean on my boiler?
- What can cause a F61 fault on a Vaillant boiler?
- Can this problem be fixed easily on a DIY basis?
- How can the gas valve cause my boiler to show the F61 fault code?
- What’s the process for figuring out if the gas valve is faulty?
- How much does it cost to fit a new gas valve, and how long will it take?
- Is a boiler showing a F61 fault code unsafe?
- Will resetting the boiler fix the F61 fault?
- How will the engineer know if the PCB has loose or damaged connections?
- Can faulty wiring on a PCB be fixed?
- What can cause damage to the PCB?
- How will an engineer know if a leak has affected the PCB?
- Will the engineer fix the PCB, or replace it?
- How much does it cost to fit a PCB on a Vaillant boiler, and how long will it take?
- If they find a leak, what can be done to stop them in future?
- Neither the gas valve or PCB are faulty, what’s next?
What does the Vaillant F61 error code mean on my boiler
According to Vaillant, the F61 fault code will be displayed when there is a gas valve fault.
The fault could lie with the gas valve itself, or its communication with the main PCB (printed circuit board).
What can cause a F61 fault on a Vaillant boiler
There are two likely causes for a gas valve fault which will cause your boiler to lockout, and display the F61 fault code:
- The gas valve is faulty
- There’s a fault with the PCB, and it’s not communicating with the gas valve correctly
Can this problem be fixed easily on a DIY basis
Always consult a Gas Safe engineer to diagnose and fix the problem.
Firstly, diagnosing and fixing a gas valve is not safe for those without appropriate accreditation.
Secondly, diagnosing the wrong part (the PCB for instance), could be extremely costly and not actually fix the problem.
How can the gas valve cause my boiler to show the F61 fault code
The gas valve will control the flow of gas to your boiler. This works in line with the thermostat and PCB to ensure water and heating temperature is correct.
If the PCB recognises that the gas valve isn’t providing the gas, it will shut the boiler down. This will lead to the F61 error code being shown on your Vaillant.
What’s the process for figuring out if the gas valve is faulty
Remember this is a job for a Gas Safe engineer.
The first point of call is for them to check that the adjustment on the gas valve is correct. If it’s too high or low the boiler will lockout, as it recognises a fault that could lead the boiler to be unsafe.
They’ll then check that the pilot light is on.
If the pilot light is on, that narrows down the problem. The engineer will need to test the thermocouple. This needs to be providing enough electricity to operate the gas valve.
If it’s not, it’s the thermocouple that needs replacing, not the gas valve.
But on occasion, both the thermocouple and gas valve will need replacing.
How much does it cost to fit a new gas valve, and how long will it take
A gas valve on a boiler can cost up to £300 to install.
The problem is, it’s highly unlikely an engineer will have one on their van ready to fit, as these are specialist parts.
Most plumbing merchants will be able to order a gas valve for your boiler on next day delivery (assuming they don’t have one in stock).
So, diagnosing the faulty gas valve could take 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
Fitting will take a similar amount of time. But, you’ll have to wait for a gas valve to be delivered.
Is a boiler showing a F61 fault code unsafe
Anything gas related could result in an unsafe boiler. If the fault lies with a completely failed gas valve that is leaking, you should switch off your gas immediately, and call an engineer.
Fortunately, a faulty valve rarely results in a leak. It usually just instructs the PCB there’s a fault, shows the F61 code and locks the boiler out (i.e. it won’t fire up).
Will resetting the boiler fix the F61 fault
Faults can sometimes be cleared temporarily with a reset. But, the boiler will recognise quickly that the problem is still present and show the F61 fault code again.
And, as this problem relates to gas, this is a potentially unsafe thing to be doing.
Let the engineer diagnose and fix the problem; they will reset the boiler for you.
How will the engineer know if the PCB has loose or damaged connections
The first step is to start dismantling the boiler. And Gas Safe aside, this is why you should leave this to your engineer.
Knocking the wrong wire or electrical component could cause further damage, a longer diagnostic process, and more expensive repair bill.
The first thing they’ll do is a visual inspection of the wiring to the PCB.
Damaged and loose connections are usually obvious.
If there’s no sign of faulty wiring, they can run electrical tests using a multi-meter to figure out where the problem is really coming from.
Can faulty wiring on a PCB be fixed
If the wiring has come loose, it can usually be repaired. However, when wiring to the boiler’s PCB has been damaged, this can have a detrimental impact on the PCB unit.
An engineer will advise on the best route forward, but there’s a good chance that the PCB will need to be replaced.
What can cause damage to the PCB
An overload of electricity, or a PCB that has succumbed to old age.
But, a typical culprit for broken PCBs is a leaking boiler.
Many older boilers don’t have sealed electrical units like the newer ones do. And, that leaves these electrical components completely exposed; not just to heat and dust.
How will an engineer know if a leak has affected the PCB
The boiler might not have a visible leak (i.e. it’s not dripping from the casing), but that doesn’t mean internal parts are not leaking.
An engineer will be able to inspect parts like the heat exchanger (these can crack, and leak) and the boiler’s pump.
If there’s even a small sign of weeping, this can create enough condensation to penetrate electrical components like the PCB.
A typical sign would be burnt out sections of the PCB. If this is the case, you’ll likely have noticed this burning smell shortly before the boiler began to play up, and show the F61 fault code.
Will the engineer fix the PCB, or replace it
On newer boilers, whereby all other parts are in good condition and leaks haven’t caused damaged elsewhere, the engineer will replace the PCB.
Older boilers will likely have excessive wear on other expensive parts such as the heat exchanger and burner. If the PCB has failed, it’s likely they will fail soon too.
The cost of replacing these three parts alone, could almost match the installation cost of a brand-new boiler.
So, in this case, it’s likely the engineer will suggest a new boiler.
How much does it cost to fit a PCB on a Vaillant boiler, and how long will it take
Depending on the model of boiler, and the time spent on diagnostics, expect to pay around £400-500. This will cover all parts and labour to fit a PCB.
The job including the diagnostic, collecting necessary parts, and labour for installation, could take a full day.
If they find a leak, what can be done to stop them in future
Firstly, where is the leak coming from?
Let’s start with the heat exchanger. If this has cracked, it’s most likely one of two things:
- Limescale build-up
- General wear and tear
Unfortunately, a cracked heat exchanger needs to be replaced. Once it’s been replaced, fitting a scale reducer will prevent limescale build-up and prolong its life.
Another common place for a boiler to leak is the pump. If the pump is relatively new, usually just replacing the seals will fix the leak.
However, if it’s old, it might be worth considering a replacement.
In either case, the engineer will check the speed setting on the pump.
If you have a small property and the pump has been set to high, there’s a chance that’s contributed to the pump’s seals being blown.
Neither the gas valve or PCB are faulty, what’s next
Boiler fault codes are rarely perfect, especially on older units. They provide engineers with an indication of where the problem lies, which allows the diagnostic process to be a lot quicker.
But, they don’t highlight the exact fault.
If the gas valve and PCB are not faulty, there’s a chance that gas supply is the issue.
This will cause the boiler not to detect a flame, or fail during ignition.
If your boiler can show multiple fault codes, it’s likely it will show an F61 alongside either F28 or F29.
This would lead an engineer to fault find further, looking for:
- Incorrect gas pressure
- A blocked flue
- Heat exchanger full of dirt
- Ignition lead or electrode failure
As you can imagine, this all gets extremely complicated!
Other Vaillant Fault Codes And Error
If your looking for the list of error codes relating to the Vaillant boiler then please read the article Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes And Cures