Common problems guide

The most common Johnson Starley C16d problems

The faults most likely to send a Johnson Starley C16d into lockout — with plain-English causes, what to check first, estimated repair costs and whether you need a Gas Safe engineer.

This model is discontinued. Parts can be harder to source and expensive. If repair costs are mounting, a new A-rated boiler may be the smarter choice.
13 documented codes
6 most common
0 DIY-safe checks
6 engineer needed

The 6 most common faults

01
21 High Engineer

Your boiler's internal computer is having trouble processing signals from its electronic sensors, which has caused the system to shut down for safety.

Est. cost
£180-350
Parts
Main PCB (Printed Circuit Board), Control Module
Full guide for 21
02
25 High Engineer

Your boiler's internal computer chips are failing to communicate correctly because of a software conflict or a hardware memory error.

Est. cost
£250-£450
Parts
ESYS Control Board, Main PCB
Full guide for 25
03
26 High Engineer

Your boiler is struggling to keep its flame lit and has shut down for safety after failing to stay ignited five times in a row.

Est. cost
£120-350
Parts
Flame sensing electrode, Ignition control board, Gas valve
Full guide for 26
04
30 High Engineer

Your boiler has stopped working because it has detected an electrical fault with the internal sensor that monitors air temperature.

Est. cost
£120-210
Parts
Duct air temperature sensor, Wiring harness
Full guide for 30
05
31 High Engineer

Your boiler has lost its connection to the sensor that monitors air temperature, preventing it from heating up safely.

Est. cost
£90-160
Parts
Duct air temperature sensor, Wiring harness
Full guide for 31
06
34 High Engineer

Your boiler is not receiving enough electrical power from your home's supply to operate safely.

Est. cost
£90-250
Parts
Printed Circuit Board (PCB), Electrical wiring harness, Voltage protector/regulator
Full guide for 34

on the Johnson Starley C16d

Main PCB (Printed Circuit Board)Control ModuleESYS Control BoardMain PCBFlame sensing electrodeIgnition control board

Based on parts cited in our fault code database. Your engineer will confirm what's actually needed after diagnosis.

Call a Gas Safe engineer if…

  • You can smell gas or see signs of a leak
  • The Johnson Starley shows an Emergency or High severity code
  • The boiler keeps locking out after repeated resets
  • You've tried the DIY checks and the fault hasn't cleared
  • There's visible water leaking from the boiler
  • The flame is yellow or orange instead of blue
See the full 13-code list for the Johnson Starley C16d