BoilerFaultCodes.com
4 High Lockout

Your boiler is trying to start up but cannot successfully light the gas to create a flame.

Call an engineer soon

Book a Gas Safe engineer within 24–48 hours. Your boiler may be unsafe or could break down completely if left.

Technical description: Ignition generated

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the boiler completes its initial start-up sequence but fails to detect a sustained flame. The most common reasons are a lack of gas supply to the unit, a worn-out ignition spark electrode, or a blockage in the internal components that prevents the gas from reaching the burner.

This fault is slightly more common during the first cold snap of winter when internal components that have been idle all summer are tasked with high demand or when external gas regulators struggle with temperature drops.

Typical repair cost £100-£350 (including labour)

DIY fix possible

Check if other gas appliances, like a cooker, are working to ensure gas is reaching the property.Verify that your gas meter has credit if you use a pre-payment system.Ensure that the gas stopcock valve is fully open.Press the 'Reset' button on the boiler control panel.

Find a Gas Safe engineer

Search the official register for a qualified engineer in your area.

Gas Safe Register →

Protect yourself from future repair bills

A boiler cover plan would cover faults like 4 — no call-out fees, no surprises.

Top rated
OpenFix
Boiler & heating care plans
Get a quote →
Hometree
from £12.95/month
Get a quote →
HomeServe
from £8.00/month
Get a quote →

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Could it be time for a new boiler?

If repair costs are adding up, a new energy-efficient boiler could be the smarter long-term choice.

UK's #1 online installer
Boxt
Fixed-price online quotes. Next-day installation.
Get a free quote →
Heatable
Instant online boiler quotes from £1,499.
Get a free quote →
iHeat
Fast installation. Price match guarantee.
Get a free quote →

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Related fault codes