Medium
S.42 on Vaillant ecoTEC plus 637

Your boiler has temporarily paused because a safety flap in the flue system is not providing the correct signal to allow the burner to start.

Book a service

This fault should be looked at by a Gas Safe engineer within the next week or two. It may get worse if left.

What the manual says

Manufacturer manual

Flue non return flap return signal blocks burner operation

From this model's manual
Verified against the Vaillant/Vaillant Ecotec Plus 637 4104465 installation & service manual, page 43.
Plain-English guidance below. Severity, DIY steps, costs and parts are our interpretation to help you act, not text from the manual.

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when a safety flap inside the flue system, designed to prevent exhaust gases from flowing back into the boiler, fails to open or close correctly. The boiler’s control board pauses operation because it cannot confirm the flap is in the safe position required to start the burner. This is often caused by a mechanical blockage, a stiff hinge on the flap, or a faulty sensor failing to send the correct signal.

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 →

Avoid the next call-out bill

A cover plan would handle faults like S.42: no call-out fees, no surprise bills.

Approved partner
Domestic Appliance Guard
Unlimited call-outs, 24/7 helpline, no price-hike promise
Get a quote →

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

Related fault codes

All 77 fault codes on the ecoTEC plus 637

Seeing a different code? Every code this model can display, in one place.

Related guides you might find useful