Emergency
F3 on Viessmann Vitodens 242-F FB2B

Your boiler has detected a flame signal when it shouldn't be there, which means it cannot safely start up as it believes the fire is already lit.

Act immediately

Turn off your boiler and stop using gas appliances. Call a Gas Safe engineer now. This fault can be dangerous if ignored.

What the manual says

Manufacturer manual

Flame signal is already present at burner start

From this model's manual
Verified against the Viessmann Vitodens 242 F B2ua installation & service manual, page 35.
Plain-English guidance below. Severity, DIY steps, costs and parts are our interpretation to help you act, not text from the manual.

Engineer required

This is a emergency severity fault. Stop using the boiler and call a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not attempt gas-related repairs yourself.

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Avoid the next call-out bill

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