Vaillant ecoTEC plus 938 VUI 286/5-5 R6 Fault codes & diagnostics

59 fault codes with plain-English explanations, severity ratings, DIY guidance, and repair cost estimates.

Combi Natural Gas 2017-present
GC Number 47-044-87
Download the Vaillant ecoTEC plus 938 VUI 286/5-5 R6 manualThe official installation and service manual (PDF), the document these fault codes were read from. PDF

The fault code is already on your display

Note it down before pressing reset — resetting clears the code immediately. How to read fault codes →

Severity at a glance

Each cell = one fault code. Hover to identify.
6 Emergency 34 High 10 Medium 9 Low

All 59 documented codes

Tap any card for details

F.00

Your boiler has lost its connection to the temperature sensor, meaning it no longer knows how hot the water is and has stopped working to keep you safe.

High Engineer only £120-220

Parts commonly replaced

  • Flow temperature sensor (NTC)
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.01

Your boiler has lost the connection to the sensor that monitors the temperature of the water returning to the unit, causing it to stop working for safety reasons.

High Engineer only £120-220

Parts commonly replaced

  • Return temperature sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.02

Your boiler has temporarily lost the signal from the sensor that monitors your hot water temperature.

Medium Engineer only £90-180

Parts commonly replaced

  • DHW outlet temperature sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.03

Your boiler has lost connection to the temperature sensor inside its built-in hot water storage tank, meaning it cannot properly monitor or heat your stored hot water.

Medium Engineer only £120-£250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Hot water cylinder temperature sensor
  • Internal wiring harness

Related codes

F.10

Your boiler has stopped working because a sensor that measures water temperature is providing an incorrect signal, so the system has safely shut down to prevent overheating.

High Engineer only £120-220

Parts commonly replaced

  • NTC flow temperature sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.11

Your boiler has detected a faulty signal from a heat sensor, causing it to shut down for safety to prevent overheating.

High Engineer only £120-220

Parts commonly replaced

  • Return NTC thermistor sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.12

Your boiler has lost the ability to accurately measure your hot water temperature because of an electrical short in the temperature sensor.

Medium Engineer only £100-£180

Parts commonly replaced

  • DHW NTC Temperature Sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.13

Your boiler has detected an electrical fault with the sensor that measures the temperature of the internal hot water storage cylinder.

Medium Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Cylinder temperature sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.20

Your boiler has detected that it is getting too hot and has automatically shut down to prevent damage or overheating.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • NTC Thermistor
  • Pump
  • Heat Exchanger
  • PCB

Related codes

F.22

Your boiler has temporarily stopped working because the internal water pressure has dropped too low.

High DIY-safe

What to check first

  1. Locate the filling loop (two valves connected by a flexible silver hose under the boiler).
  2. Slowly open both valves until you hear water entering the system.
  3. Watch the pressure gauge on the front panel rise until the needle is in the green zone (between 1.0 and 1.5 bar).
  4. Firmly close both valves and check the pressure holds.

Parts commonly replaced

  • Filling loop valve
  • Pressure sensor
  • Expansion vessel

Related codes

Showing 11–20 of 59
F.23

Your boiler has shut down because the water inside is getting too hot too quickly, usually caused by a blockage or trapped air preventing proper flow.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Circulation Pump
  • NTC Thermistor
  • Plate Heat Exchanger

Related codes

F.24

Your boiler is shutting down because the water inside is heating up much faster than normal, which usually points to a blockage preventing proper water flow.

High DIY-safe £150-350

What to check first

  1. Check that your system pressure is at the correct level (around 1 to 1.5 bar).
  2. Ensure your heating radiators are turned on and their valves are fully open to allow water to circulate.
  3. Try resetting the boiler using the reset button on the control panel.

Parts commonly replaced

  • Pump
  • Heat exchanger
  • Bypass valve

Related codes

F.25

Your boiler has automatically shut down because the exhaust gases leaving the system are dangerously hot.

Emergency Engineer only £150-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Flue gas safety sensor
  • Main heat exchanger
  • Printed circuit board (PCB)

Related codes

F.26

Your boiler has detected an issue with the gas valve that controls the fuel supply, meaning it cannot safely ignite.

Emergency Engineer only £180-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Gas valve
  • Main PCB
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.27

Your boiler has detected a signal that suggests a flame is present even when the burner is turned off, causing it to shut down for your safety.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
  • Flame detection probe

Related codes

F.28

Your boiler is trying to start up and ignite the gas, but the flame is failing to light.

High DIY-safe £100-250

What to check first

  1. Check if your gas supply is working properly by testing another gas appliance like a hob.
  2. Check if your pre-payment gas meter has run out of credit if you use one.
  3. Press the reset button (a flame symbol with a cross through it) on your boiler to try clearing the error.

Parts commonly replaced

  • Ignition electrode
  • Gas valve
  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Related codes

F.29

Your boiler tried to light its flame several times but couldn't stay lit, so it has locked itself out for safety.

High Engineer only £150-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Ignition electrode
  • Gas valve
  • Circuit board (PCB)

Related codes

F.32

Your boiler has stopped working because it cannot detect that the internal fan, which safely pushes harmful gases outside, is spinning correctly.

High Engineer only £150-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Fan assembly
  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.42

Your boiler has lost the digital signal from a key internal component, meaning it cannot safely recognise its own setup and has stopped working to protect itself.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
  • Coding resistor / Wiring harness

Related codes

F.49

Your boiler is having trouble communicating with its external controllers or thermostats, preventing it from receiving instructions to heat your home.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • eBUS interface card
  • PCB
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

Showing 21–30 of 59
F.52

Your boiler has temporarily stopped working because it cannot properly detect the flow of water and air through the system.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Mass flow sensor
  • Wiring harness
  • Main PCB

Related codes

F.53

Your boiler has detected an unexpected flow of gas through the internal valve, meaning it has safely shut down to prevent any risk.

Emergency Engineer only £200-£400

Parts commonly replaced

  • Gas valve assembly
  • Main printed circuit board (PCB)

Related codes

F.54

Your boiler is having trouble starting up because it is not receiving enough gas to ignite properly.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Gas valve
  • Gas meter regulator
  • Main printed circuit board

Related codes

F.55

Your boiler has detected an issue with its internal carbon monoxide monitoring sensor, so it has safely shut down to protect you.

Emergency Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • CO sensor
  • Main printed circuit board (PCB)
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.56

Your boiler has automatically shut down because it detected a dangerous level of combustion gases, which requires immediate attention from a qualified professional to ensure your safety.

Emergency Engineer only £150-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Flue system
  • Gas valve
  • Burner seal
  • Air pressure switch

Related codes

F.57

Your boiler has temporarily stopped because it is running a specific sensor or calibration measuring test, which usually resolves itself or requires an engineer to complete the setup.

Low Engineer only
F.61

Your boiler has detected an issue with the internal gas valve control, meaning it cannot safely release gas to light the burner.

High Engineer only £200-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Gas valve
  • Main printed circuit board (PCB)

Related codes

F.62

Your boiler has detected an issue with the gas valve shutting down properly, meaning it is safely locking itself out to prevent any potential safety hazards.

Emergency Engineer only £150-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Gas valve
  • Main printed circuit board (PCB)

Related codes

F.63

Your boiler's internal computer has encountered a memory error and cannot read the essential configuration data required to operate safely.

High Engineer only £300-600

Parts commonly replaced

  • Main PCB
  • Display PCB

Related codes

F.64

Your boiler has detected an internal electronic or sensor glitch and has safely shut down to prevent damage.

High Engineer only £150-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Main printed circuit board (PCB)
  • Temperature sensors

Related codes

Showing 31–40 of 59
F.65

Your boiler has detected that the temperature of its internal electronic components is too high, so it has safely shut down to prevent permanent damage.

High Engineer only £150-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
  • Main Electronic Control Unit

Related codes

F.67

Your boiler has detected an internal communication problem with its electronic control system, meaning it cannot safely confirm the flame is burning correctly.

High Engineer only £250-500

Parts commonly replaced

  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
  • Flame rectification sensor

Related codes

F.68

Your boiler has lost the ability to reliably detect the burner flame, so it has safely shut down to prevent unburnt gas from building up.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Flame sensor electrode
  • Ignition lead
  • Main printed circuit board (PCB)

Related codes

F.70

Your boiler has lost its electronic identity because a replacement part's memory chip wasn't programmed correctly during a recent repair or the main control board has suffered a memory error.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Main PCB
  • Display PCB
  • Coding resistor

Related codes

F.71

Your boiler is temporarily shutting down because a temperature sensor inside is reporting confusing or contradictory readings.

Medium Engineer only £90-180

Parts commonly replaced

  • Flow temperature sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.72

Your boiler has detected an unusual temperature difference between the water leaving it and the water returning, which usually points to a faulty temperature sensor.

Medium Engineer only £120-£250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Flow temperature sensor
  • Return temperature sensor
  • NTC thermistor harness

Related codes

F.73

Your boiler has detected that the water pressure inside the heating system is too low, so it has safely locked out to prevent damage.

High DIY-safe £80-150

What to check first

  1. Locate the filling loop valves underneath your boiler or near the hot water cylinder.
  2. Open the valves gradually to let water into the system until the pressure gauge on the front of the boiler reads between 1.0 and 1.5 bar.
  3. Close both valves tightly and press the reset button on your boiler.

Parts commonly replaced

  • Water pressure sensor
  • Pressure sensor wiring harness

Related codes

F.74

Your boiler has detected that the internal water pressure is currently set much too high.

Medium DIY-safe £90-180

What to check first

  1. Locate a radiator in your home and grab a radiator bleed key and a small cloth.
  2. Hold the cloth under the radiator bleed valve and gently open it until water starts to escape.
  3. Watch your boiler's pressure gauge drop until it sits in the normal green zone (usually between 1.0 and 1.5 bar).
  4. Firmly close the radiator bleed valve and check your boiler display to see if the code clears.

Parts commonly replaced

  • Water pressure sensor
  • Filling loop valve

Related codes

F.75

Your boiler has temporarily stopped because it cannot detect enough water pressure when the internal pump tries to start.

High DIY-safe £120-250

What to check first

  1. Check the pressure gauge on the front of your boiler to see if it has dropped below 1 bar.
  2. Use the filling loop underneath the boiler to top up the system pressure until the needle sits between 1 and 1.5 bars.
  3. Reset the boiler using the reset button or turning the power off and on again.

Parts commonly replaced

  • Central heating pump
  • Pressure sensor
  • Automatic air vent

Related codes

F.77

Your boiler has detected an issue with either the flap that controls exhaust gases or the pump that removes wastewater, leading to a potential blockage or overflow.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Condensate pump
  • Flue non-return flap sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

Showing 41–50 of 59
F.78

Your boiler has lost communication with an accessory sensor used for controlling your hot water.

Medium Engineer only £90-180

Parts commonly replaced

  • UK Link Box
  • DHW NTC Sensor
  • Wiring Harness

Related codes

F.80

Your boiler has detected an issue with the sensor that measures the incoming water temperature for its built-in hot water storage tank.

Medium Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • actoSTOR inlet temperature sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.81

Your boiler is struggling to heat up your built-in hot water tank within the expected time, which usually affects your hot water supply.

High Engineer only £150-£350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Cylinder charging pump
  • Internal diverter valve
  • Flow sensor

Related codes

F.82

Your boiler has detected an issue with the special electrical anti-corrosion system inside the hot water cylinder, meaning it needs a professional inspection to prevent internal wear.

Low Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • External current anode
  • Anode power supply cable
  • Main PCB

Related codes

F.83

Your boiler has detected that the water inside the system is not circulating properly because the temperature sensors are not registering the correct difference between the flow and return pipes.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Flow temperature sensor
  • Return temperature sensor
  • Central heating pump
  • Main PCB

Related codes

F.84

Your boiler has detected an unusual mismatch between its internal temperature sensors, so it has safely stopped working to prevent damage.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • NTC Temperature Sensor
  • Main Heat Exchanger Thermistor
  • Wiring Harness

Related codes

F.85

Your boiler has temporarily stopped working because its temperature sensors are detecting confusing readings and need to be checked by a professional.

High Engineer only £90-180

Parts commonly replaced

  • Flow temperature sensor
  • Return temperature sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.90

Your boiler has lost its connection to the built-in hot water storage tank, meaning it cannot properly manage your hot water supply.

High Engineer only £100-£250

Parts commonly replaced

  • actoSTOR communication cable
  • Main PCB
  • actoSTOR control board

Related codes

F.91

Your boiler's built-in hot water storage tank has a faulty temperature sensor, meaning it cannot accurately monitor or regulate your hot water.

Medium Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • actoSTOR temperature sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

F.92

Your boiler has detected an issue with the gas valve feedback or calibration, meaning it has safely shut down to prevent incorrect combustion.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Gas valve
  • Main printed circuit board (PCB)

Related codes

Showing 51–59 of 59
F.93

Your boiler has detected an internal configuration error, meaning the main control board and gas valve settings do not match correctly.

High Engineer only £150-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Main PCB
  • Gas Valve

Related codes

F.94

Your boiler has detected that the water flow and pressure sensors are sending confusing signals, which causes the system to stop operating for safety reasons.

High Engineer only £150-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Vortex sensor
  • Differential pressure sensor
  • Main printed circuit board (PCB)

Related codes

S.88

Your boiler is currently running an automatic program to clear air bubbles out of the internal pipework and does not require a repair.

Low DIY-safe

What to check first

  1. Wait approximately 5 to 10 minutes for the purge cycle to finish automatically.
  2. Ensure all radiator valves are open to help move air through the system.
  3. Check that the boiler pressure is between 1.0 and 1.5 bar on the display.

Related codes

S.92

Your boiler is currently running a routine check of the water flow inside the system to ensure it is operating safely and effectively.

Low Engineer only
S.96

Your boiler is currently running an internal self-test and is temporarily paused because it is checking the sensor that monitors water coming back into the system.

Low Engineer only £90-180

Parts commonly replaced

  • Return temperature sensor
  • NTC thermistor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

S.97

Your boiler is currently running a routine internal check on its water pressure sensor to ensure it is working correctly.

Low DIY-safe

What to check first

  1. Wait a few minutes to see if the status code clears itself once the self-test finishes.
  2. If the code remains or locks out the boiler, try a simple soft reset using the power button.

Parts commonly replaced

  • Water pressure sensor
  • Main printed circuit board (PCB)

Related codes

S.98

Your boiler is performing a routine internal check on its temperature sensors, which is normally a temporary diagnostic message.

Low Engineer only £90-180

Parts commonly replaced

  • Flow temperature sensor
  • Return temperature sensor
  • Wiring harness

Related codes

S.99

Your boiler is simply running a routine internal check on its main computer and safety systems, which is completely normal.

Low Engineer only

Avoid the next call-out bill

Monthly cover means no unexpected bills when your boiler breaks down.

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.