Ideal Logic F2 Boiler Fault Code: What Fresh Hell Is This?

Has your Ideal boiler locked out and presented you with the F2 error code? Find out what it means with costs to fix in this handy guide.

As with most boiler brands, Ideal’s boilers come with a whole host of built-in fault codes (a.k.a., error codes).

These fault codes are designed to inform homeowners as to particular issues such as flame loss, outside sensor fault, and ignition lockout.

By turning to your Ideal boiler’s manual, you’ll be able to uncover the meaning behind any given fault for an Ideal Logic appliance.

But what about the Ideal Logic F2 boiler fault specifically? What does it mean and how might it be solved?

Let’s take a closer look!

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What Does the Ideal Logic F2 Error Mean?

Put simply an Ideal Logic F2 fault means that the boiler flame has gone out.

This shouldn’t be confused with a case where the boiler flame can’t ignite to start with, which would be signified by an L2 symbol on your boiler’s control panel.

More specifically, an Ideal Logic F2 error involves the boiler flame going out (after it has successfully ignited) when you try to turn the heating or hot water on.

What Can Cause a Boiler Flame to Go Out?

In the case of an F2 fault, there are four primary reasons why a boiler flame would go out when you ask for heating or hot water.

Those reasons are as follows:

Gas valve
The most likely reason for an Ideal Logic F2 fault is an issue with your gas valve. It’s possible that the valve has become stuck. If this is the case and it cannot rotate, fuel won’t have access to the pilot jet and the burner required to keep the flame alight. If this problem arises and the flame goes out, an F2 fault code will be triggered. Other issues including loose/damaged wiring can lead to a gas valve issue that ultimately results in an F2 error.
Low gas pressure
How strong your boiler flame will be will depend on the level of gas pressure. Should gas pressure drop to a sufficiently low level, it won’t be enough to keep the flame lit, thus causing it to go out and causing an F2 fault. There are, of course, numerous reasons why your gas pressure could drop off.
Blocked flue
It’s also possible that your boiler flue has become blocked. Of course, flue gases require a solid airway to escape. If this isn’t possible (such as because of a boiler flue blockage), the flame will go out. This issue is most likely to arise if your boiler features a vertical flue but lacks a flue guard.
Faulty fan
A working fan must keep a boiler flame active. The draught created by the fan is used to eject harmful gases via the flue pipe. If this happens, the boiler flame will go out and won’t fire back up for safety purposes. After all, the build-up of harmful gases can be extremely dangerous.

Can I Fix an F2 Fault DIY?

Unfortunately, none of the potential fixes for an F2 fault can be fixed DIY. Only a Gas Safe Register engineer may diagnose and fix an F2.

In general, a small number of boiler tasks can be undertaken DIY (e.g., topping up your boiler’s water pressure).

However, in the case of an F2 fault, any possible solution would involve working with gas-related components.

Therefore, it is not only unsafe to attempt to fix an F2 by yourself but also against the law.

Cost of Hiring a Heating Engineer

It costs approximately £30 to £60 per hour to hire a qualified heating engineer in the UK.

With that said, the exact cost would depend on a range of factors including your location.

The reason that location is important is due to varying labour prices across the UK. On the one hand, labour costs tend to be higher in the southeast of England (London is a particularly standout example).

However, costs are usually below the national average in northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Here are the estimated costs of specific repairs/replacement work for fixing an F2 fault:

Fixing or replacing a faulty gas valve
£230 to £420
Fixing low gas pressure
£30 to £120
Unblocking or replacing a flue
£30 to £210
Fixing a faulty PCB
£60 to £240
Replacing a faulty PCB
£490 to £800
Replacing an entire boiler
£800 to £2,800 *

*The reason we’ve mentioned ‘replacing an entire boiler’ is that in many cases, it will make more sense financially to have a new boiler installed simply.

For example, if you need to have your PCB replaced or even a new gas valve installed, you’d be looking at spending hundreds of pounds either way.

Therefore, it might be best to have your boiler replaced, especially if it’s worn down or/and particularly old.

Of course, for many homeowners right now, spending the thousands of pounds needed to have a new boiler installed would be unthinkable.

However, there is an alternative approach that might interest you.

Depending on your credit history, you may be able to purchase a boiler on finance. In other words, you can buy a boiler now and pay for it later.

In most cases, this would mean you’d need to pay interest, although interest-free options are out there.

Ideal boiler displaying the FD fault code? Find out how to fix it here.

You may be interested in Gas Engineer Allen Hart explaining the most common boiler problems and how you can resolve them in the video below:

Will my Warranty Cover Repairs or Replacement Work for an F2 Fault?

Ideal’s warranty only applies to manufacturing errors.

In other words, your warranty (if active) will only cover repairs/replacement jobs if the initial cause was the result of a manufacturing defect.

Of course, even if this is the case, you’d need to verify that your boiler warranty is currently active.

Aside from the length of time, your boiler warranty is due to last, you shouldn’t forget about any relevant Ts and Cs.

For example, your Ideal boiler must be serviced by a Gas Safe Register engineer annually.

So, all in all, it’s unlikely that your Ideal warranty will apply but if in doubt, you can consult a professional.

Related boiler troubleshooting guides:

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