F3 Ideal fault code on the boiler, meaning, causes & fixes

f the Ideal boiler displays F3 on its screen, it is likely that there is a problem with its fan, and unfortunately, because the fan is so important in keeping your boiler running safely, you may need to contact a Gas Safe engineer to help you with the Ideal F3 fault code and get your hot water and central heating system back up and running.

This guide will explain the role of the fan, the common causes it can become faulty and what you should do next to fix it.

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Is the Ideal F3 fault code a big problem?

Yes, and like most Ideal boiler error codes it will need fixing by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

The one that is installed in your boiler does not cool it down like other fans as the flue is a pipe that blows the heat-related waste gases away from your boiler and a fan fault will stop this from happening.

It is therefore one of the most critical components for safety. Gasses that linger in the boiler could cause damage to the components or gas leaks that could be hazardous to people.

This is why the fan turning on is the first stage of the heating process.

The boiler will not function if the printed circuit board (PCB), that controls the whole process, can’t verify that the fan is on.

What causes the F3 Fault code?

Fan Speed Is Too Low

The fan must be running at a high enough speed to allow harmful gases to escape from the flue pipe.

This speed makes sure that outside winds and draughts don’t send gas back into your boiler.

It’s possible for the fan to not have been set at the right speed when the boiler was installed.

Older boilers are more susceptible to fan speed loss due to failure or damage of the fan components.

If Fan Speed Is Too Low

The engineer or company that did the work will be able adjust the fan speed if the boiler was recently installed or moved.

In this instance, a replacement fan will not be required. You will pay only for labour.

If the boiler is older or the fan speed is reduced by another fault, an engineer can replace the entire fan unit.

Fan fault due to worn bearings or has become jammed

If your boiler was already noisy before the F3 fault codes appeared, it is likely that your fan bearings have failed to function properly.

Bearings are small parts made of metal that allow the fan’s shaft to turn.

Fan will not be able to complete a turn if any one of them becomes stuck.

Due to the high levels vibration and friction, these parts can wear down over time.

If the Fan’s Bearings Are Broken or Jammed

An engineer can loosen the bearings of your fan without replacing them.

These parts are usually very affordable, often under PS1 per bearing. Therefore, they might choose to update them.

If the bearings are worn completely and the fan unit is in good condition, this will be the case.

Boiler Wiring is Broken or Loose

The components must be connected via a wiring harness to enable the PCB to recognize that the fan is operating properly.

It is possible that wiring was not properly installed if the boiler was recently fitted.

These components can become loose because of the boiler’s high vibration, especially around the fan or system pump.

This can occur over long periods of times, but it can also indicate that other parts are not working optimally.

Boiler Wiring Broken or Loose

An engineer will check the wiring harness connecting the fan to the PCB in boilers that were recently installed.

Rewiring the unit will fix it if necessary. They will need to inspect other parts of the unit if the F3 fault occurs after some time.

This will ensure that there is no excessive vibration. This may be due to a fan or other component.

This will cost you depending on what the problem is. It could be as simple as rewiring or as expensive as a new pump.

Boiler Wiring is Wet – Potentially due to a leak

Leakage within the boiler unit could cause damage to all components and lead to various fault codes. The PCB controls the fault codes system and may show incorrect codes if it is damaged by water.

Although the Ideal F3 fault might not be indicative of a fan problem, any damage to the PCB will need to still be investigated.

If the fault code is correct, it could be that the fan’s wiring and connections to the PCB have become wet or damaged. The heat exchanger or pump are often responsible for leaks in boiler units.

Heat exchangers are the components that allow hot gas to be converted into hot water without mixing.

This area is more susceptible to limescale buildup, especially in areas with hardwater. The heat exchanger can crack from the pressure built up over time. At that point, water can escape.

If a pump leaks, it is a sign that the seal has failed. This can happen due to old age, prolonged use at high pressure, or other factors.

You may also experience blockages or damage due to heating sludge (a mixture of dirt and rust) that builds up in pipes throughout your house.

Boiler Wiring has Become Wet

A multimeter is a tool used by engineers to check if wiring is not functioning properly due to water damage.

Repairing connections and rewiring will not require expensive parts. However, the source of the leakage must be identified to avoid further damage.

Your engineer may perform a chemical flush to get rid of limescale buildup on your heat exchanger.

This part will need to be replaced as well, since the heat exchanger is cracked to the point that water escapes.

This is the most expensive part of the boiler. It’s important to have limescale removed in your boiler service.

If heating sludge has damaged the seals or the pump, it can be flushed out.

If the pump has suffered severe damage or is failing due to age, it may be necessary to replace it. This will vary depending on your Ideal boiler model, but once installed, a new pump should last ten years.

Broken fan

It is possible that your boiler was installed many years ago and the fan unit has become worn to the point of failing.

If the Ideal F3 fault code has been appearing intermittently or if previous attempts to resolve the problem have failed, this could be an indication that it is possible.

If the fan is no longer functional

An engineer will replace the fan if it is beyond repair or the problem is only temporary.

This service costs will vary depending on the year and model of your boiler. Also, the cost of the parts can be quite different across the Ideal range.

How can I fix my own boiler using the F3 fault code?

A common misconception is that you can change the fan unit on your boiler.

A registered Gas Safe engineer must legally perform any work that could affect your house’s gas supply or involve gas contact.

This law applies to the boiler fan because it is part of a combustion process. There may be issues such as the release of hazardous gases.

How to Fix an ideal F3 Fault Code

All work must be performed by a Gas Safe Engineer and not you. As you can see there are numerous reasons as to why the Ideal boiler is showing the F3 fault code and an expert will easily be able to pinpoint the reason. Attempting to do so with any gas appliances when you are not trained is illegal and wreckless. It could lead to a gas leak if you have a faulty gas valve or an explosion.

Which Ideal Models Use F3 Fault Codes?

Although the F3 fault code is not present on older boilers from the Ideal range, it’s now one of their standardised codes on the Ideal Logic boilers. The F3 fault code indicates a fan problem and if you have an old boiler it could be the start of more issues. If your boiler is over 10 years old we strongly suggest a new boiler to make sure that your gas and energy bills are as low as possible as old boilers become much less energy efficient and start to cost money in terms of breakdowns too.

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