Ideal Classic RS Fault codes & diagnostics

9 fault codes with plain-English explanations, severity ratings, DIY guidance, and repair cost estimates.

Regular Natural Gas 1994-2002 Discontinued

Replaced by: Ideal Classic SE

Download the Ideal Classic RS manual The official installation & service manual (PDF) — the exact document these fault codes were verified against. PDF

The fault code is already on your display

Note it down before pressing reset — resetting clears the code immediately. How to read fault codes →

Severity at a glance

Each cell = one fault code. Hover to identify.
9 High

All 9 documented codes

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25

Your boiler is unable to start because the small ignition flame is not lighting, which is preventing the main burner from firing up.

High Engineer only £90-210

Parts commonly replaced

  • Pilot Injector
  • Thermocouple
  • Gas Valve
  • Ignition Electrode
26

Your boiler's pilot light is going out as soon as you let go of the ignition button, meaning the main burner cannot start.

High Engineer only £90-180

Parts commonly replaced

  • Thermocouple
  • Gas Valve
  • Pilot injector
27

Your boiler has started an initial pilot flame, but the main burner is failing to ignite to provide heat.

High Engineer only £120-280

Parts commonly replaced

  • Gas control valve
  • Main burner injector
  • Thermocouple
28

Your boiler has switched itself off because it has become too hot inside, likely due to a circulation problem or a component failure.

High DIY-safe £120-280

What to check first

  1. Check that all radiator valves are fully open
  2. Ensure the system water pressure is at roughly 1.5 bar
  3. Once the boiler has cooled down, press the overheat reset button located on the controls

Parts commonly replaced

  • Overheat Thermostat
  • Central Heating Pump
  • Thermistor
51

Your boiler is failing to start because it cannot successfully ignite its starting flame, meaning your heating and hot water will not turn on.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Pilot injector
  • Thermocouple
  • Spark generator

Related codes

52

Your boiler's small pilot flame is failing to stay on, which prevents the system from firing up to provide heating or hot water.

High Engineer only £90-180

Parts commonly replaced

  • Thermocouple
  • Gas Valve
  • Pilot injector
53

Your boiler's small pilot light is working, but the main burner is failing to ignite to provide heat or hot water.

High Engineer only £120-280

Parts commonly replaced

  • Gas Valve
  • Solenoid
  • Control PCB
BOILER OVERHEAT THERMOSTAT

Your boiler has switched itself off completely because it has gotten too hot, which is a safety feature designed to prevent damage.

High DIY-safe £90-180

What to check first

  1. Check that all radiator valves are fully open to allow water to flow.
  2. Wait 30 minutes for the boiler to cool down completely.
  3. Press the small reset button located on the overheat thermostat (usually found behind the front bottom panel).

Parts commonly replaced

  • Overheat Thermostat
  • Circulation Pump
  • Thermistor
Loss of system water pressure

Your boiler is losing the water pressure it needs to work properly, which usually means there is a leak somewhere in your radiators, pipes, or the boiler itself.

High DIY-safe £100-350

What to check first

  1. Check all visible radiator valves and pipework for signs of dampness or drips
  2. Locate your filling loop (usually a silver flexible hose) and carefully turn the valves to top up the pressure back to 1.5 bar
  3. Monitor the pressure gauge over the next 24 hours to see if the needle drops again

Parts commonly replaced

  • Automatic Air Vent
  • Expansion Vessel
  • Pressure Relief Valve
  • Radiator Valve Tails

1 operating states & engineer diagnostics

Not faults — these are normal operating states. Tap to expand.