What does Ideal L2 fault code mean on a Logic boiler?
Do you have an Ideal Logic boiler that is displaying an L2 fault code, and it won’t restart?
An Ideal L2 fault code indicates that there is an ignition problem with Ideal boilers
An Ideal boiler L2 fault can be caused by many components, including the following reasons. Some error codes can be fixed by you like low pressure or a frozen condensate pipe, however, some can only be fixed by a Gas Safe registered heating engineer.
You must not open your boiler or attempt to change or amend any parts unless qualified.
- Frozen condensate pipes if it’s really freezing outside
- Flame sensor
- Spark generator
- Gas valve
- Spark electrode
- Low gas pressure
- Gas Leaks
This code means that the boiler will not work if the problem isn’t fixed. This problem may also be called “ignition lockouts” or “ignition faults”. If this is the case your boiler and central heating system will not work at all. If you are unsure, always call a Gas Safe engineer as you could cause more problems than you already have.
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Which Ideal Logic Models Use L2 Fault Codes?
Ideal Heating’s range of popular boilers is the Logic. All of them use the standard Ideal boiler fault codes. There are three types of possible boilers that could be installed in your house within the Ideal Logic range. Combi boilers, system boilers, and heat only. If you have one of these you will see the f2 fault code on your boiler.
What causes the Ideal Logic L2 Fault code?
There are many things that could prevent your boiler’s ignition. While some problems can be fixed at home, most require the assistance of a Gas Safe engineer.
You may be able to identify the cause of the problem before you decide how to fix it. Here is a quick shortlist of why the fault code may be occurring.
An Intermittent Error
The L2 fault code is often resolved by itself. However, for safety reasons, the boiler will stop working immediately after the fault occurs.
Resetting the boiler can be enough to restart it. It’s worth doing this before you look into other problems. If the error persists, it is worth having the boiler serviced.
How to fix an intermittent error
- For older models, change the Mode dial on the boiler unit to the “Reset” position. Hold the button for three seconds.
- For new Ideal boilers, press the “Reset” button underneath the display screen
No power to the boiler
To run your boiler, you need electricity. The supply of electricity could be cut off if there was a power outage recently or if your fuse box tripped.
Also, you can check the thermostat to make sure it is not set to “error” or thinks that the house is at the desired temperature. This can cause the boiler from igniting.
How to fix no power to boiler
- Make sure you check your fusebox switches
- To return power to your appliances, push the switches to the top position
- Check that your thermostat is set at the right temperature
Gas Supply issue
Pre-pay meters can be checked to see how much credit you have. If there isn’t enough, the boiler may run out of gas. Gas may not be entering your home if you don’t have enough credit or if you don’t use pre-paid meters.
You can determine if there is a gas problem in your home by trying to turn on other gas appliances.
Check to make sure there is no gas coming into your home. Locate the isolation valve which is located near your gas meter. It’s the same valve that you use to cut off the gas supply in an emergency. So it is important to know how to locate it.
No Gas for the Boiler To Use
- Your pre-pay gas meter can be topped up
- Make sure you are paying your gas bill on time. If you have any questions, contact your supplier.
- Turn on the gas by turning the lever at the isolation valve
Engineers are required!
You may have another problem preventing gas from entering your property if you are current on your payments.
To diagnose the cause of the problem or fault, a Gas Safe engineer can inspect all isolation valves.
It’s more likely to be outside the meter box in newer homes, but it could also be elsewhere, such as in the garage or kitchen cabinets.
A lever will stick out of the pipe from the valve. The gas will flow if the lever is pointed in the same direction (parallel). The gas is turned off if the lever is 90 degrees from the pipe (perpendicular).
Gas pressure too low
The regulator of your outdoor gas meter can freeze in winter. This can cause gas flow to be restricted. Your main supply might need to be upgraded if your boiler has just been installed.
If none of these apply, it is possible that your gas supplier has a problem.
How to fix too low gas pressure
A professional engineer will check the pressure at your boiler and gas meter. They should be able to insulate the area if a frozen regulator is causing the problem. This may be called “lagging”.
They will have to replace the boiler with larger pipes if there is a problem such as a new boiler that produces more gas than your mains supply can handle. This will affect the cost of replacing pipes.
Frozen Condensate Pipe
In very cold temperatures, condensate pipes that are part of your boiler system can freeze, leading to a blockage.
Condensing technology has been used in boilers since 2005 to reduce heat loss. The boiler creates high-temperature water vapours and acidic carbon dioxide as it works.
Modern boilers condense the vapours so that they can return to water form and be used again for heating water. The flue pipe is rapidly cooled, creating litres per hour.
Condensate pipes drain this waste from boilers and work alongside flue pipes that transport exhaust gases away from your home. The condensate pipe will be the one that comes out of the boiler and is made from plastic.
This pipe will be found on the exterior of your home. It is located near the boiler and runs at an angle towards the drain. These pipes are connected to the wastewater pipes that leave your house.
You can often tell if an outside condensate pipe has frozen by touching it or seeing it. The most common place where water flows out is at the pipe’s end.
How to fix a frozen condensate pipe
- Find the outside condensate pipe
- Warm water can be used to warm the pipe and loosen the blockage.
- Be careful, boiling water can cause pipe damage. Only use warm water
Faulty Gas Valve
Each appliance has its own valve, in addition to the isolation valves that regulate the flow of gas throughout your home. The boiler’s valve opens only when the heating or hot water is turned on, which allows gas to enter the boiler.
How to fix faulty gas valve
The engineer might be able to dislodge the valve if it is stuck. The cost of replacing the entire valve will usually be around £350, with labor included.
The L2 fault code can be caused by the valve becoming stuck or rusted. This prevents the valve from fully opening, preventing gas from being ignited.
Faulty Flame Sensor
An electrode signals a Printed Circuit Board to light a flame when your boiler ignites.
This signal is only one step in the process. The PCB must sense that all stages have been completed before the process can continue.
The flame sensor will not send a signal to the PCB if it does not receive one. It will shut off the gas supply, and display an error code like L2.
A buildup of rust caused by prolonged moisture exposure in older boilers is the most common reason why a flame sensor fails.
A fault in the electrode itself could be caused by cracked insulation. This could have caused the short circuit via the PCB.
How to fix faulty flame sensor
An engineer will inspect the sensor for signs of corrosion or other issues that may have led to it not functioning properly. The cost to replace the sensor can reach PS300.
Faulty Generator
The spark generator could be a problem if the ignition process does not occur.
Over time, the electrode and ignition leads that create the spark that ignites the flame can become worn. This can be caused by moisture buildup in the unit.
How to fix a faulty generator
It is necessary to fix a boiler leak that has allowed moisture to cause internal damage.
It can damage other components and cause serious damage if it is not addressed immediately. Your engineer will determine the source of the leak before you can fix it.
What Do You Need to Replace Your Ideal Boiler?
If you get the L2 fault code, it’s unlikely that you will need to replace your boiler or any other L fault code or F1 fault code or common f2 fault code then it may be time to consider a new one.
If the gas valve fails (and a replacement is required at a cost of around £300), or if other parts are failing and your boiler is no longer under warranty, a new boiler replacement would be a better long-term solution.
