Ideal E 38 Fault Code
Also written as E38 — same fault.
The Ideal E 38 fault code means: your boiler has lost the connection to the temperature sensor inside your hot water cylinder, meaning it cannot currently heat your stored hot water.. It appears on 1 Ideal model in our database.
Technical description: Tank sensor open circuit
Engineer required
This fault requires a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not attempt gas-related repairs yourself.
Find a Gas Safe engineer
Search the official register for a qualified engineer in your area.
Gas Safe Register →Ideal models that show the E 38 fault code
Click a model for the full fault code list and model-specific repair notes.
Source
Ideal E 38 fault code information on this page is sourced and cross-checked against the official Ideal service / installation manuals for each affected model.
Reviewed by the BoilerFaultCodes Editorial Team · Last reviewed 27 April 2026