Common problems guide

The most common Johnson Starley C16u problems

The faults most likely to send a Johnson Starley C16u 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.
14 documented codes
6 most common
0 DIY-safe checks
6 engineer needed

The 6 most common faults

01
13 High Engineer

Your boiler has disabled the reset button because it was pressed too many times in a short period, likely due to an underlying fault causing repeated lockouts.

Est. cost
£90-250
Parts
Ignition Lead, Spark Electrode, Flame Sensing Probe
Full guide for 13
02
21 High Engineer

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

Est. cost
£180-350
Parts
Main PCB (Printed Circuit Board), Wiring harness
Full guide for 21
03
25 High Engineer

Your boiler's internal computer parts are having trouble communicating because they are running mismatched software programs.

Est. cost
£250-450
Parts
Main PCB (Control Board), Interface PCB
Full guide for 25
04
26 High Engineer

Your boiler is repeatedly struggling to keep the flame lit and has safely shut down to prevent damage.

Est. cost
£150-£450
Parts
Flame sensing electrode, Gas valve, Fan
Full guide for 26
05
30 High Engineer

Your boiler has detected a fault with the sensor that monitors air temperature within the ducting, causing it to stop running for safety.

Est. cost
£120-190
Parts
Duct air temperature sensor (thermistor), Wiring harness
Full guide for 30
06
31 High Engineer

Your boiler has lost its connection to the sensor that monitors air temperature inside the ducting, causing the system to stop working for safety.

Est. cost
£120-210
Parts
Duct air temperature sensor (thermistor), Wiring harness / connector
Full guide for 31

on the Johnson Starley C16u

Ignition LeadSpark ElectrodeFlame Sensing ProbeGas ValveMain PCB (Printed Circuit Board)Wiring harness

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 14-code list for the Johnson Starley C16u