Worcester Bosch 28 RSF Fault codes & diagnostics

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

Combi Natural Gas 28 kW 1997-2005 Discontinued

Replaced by: 28i Junior

This boiler uses LED flash patterns

Count the flashes in one repeating group before the pause. That number is your fault code. Do not reset until you have noted it. How to read fault codes →

Severity at a glance

Each cell = one fault code. Hover to identify.
1 Emergency 17 High 1 Medium 4 Low

All 23 documented codes

Tap any card for details

2 lights flashing fast

Your boiler has detected an internal fault preventing it from lighting, most likely caused by a failed safety sensor or a malfunction in the ignition sequence.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Air pressure switch
  • Flue fan
  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
CH light flashing

Your boiler is currently taking a mandatory rest period to prevent the system from overheating, and it will attempt to restart automatically once the internal temperature has dropped.

Low Engineer only

Parts commonly replaced

  • NTC Thermistor
  • Primary Flow Switch
  • Pump
Fast flash

Your boiler has detected an internal safety lockout error, causing it to stop operating to prevent potential damage or overheating.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
  • Air pressure switch
  • Flue fan

Related codes

Slow flash

Your boiler has detected a safety concern or internal fault and has automatically shut down to protect itself, requiring you to attempt a manual reset.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Printed circuit board
  • Ignition electrode
  • Flame rectification probe
Two red lights flash rapidly

Your boiler is currently stuck in a manual service mode used by engineers to perform system tests, rather than experiencing an actual breakdown.

Low DIY-safe

What to check first

  1. Locate the service mode switch or dial on the boiler control panel.
  2. Ensure it is set back to the 'Auto' or 'Normal' operating position.
  3. Switch the boiler off at the fused spur for 30 seconds and switch it back on to reset the control board.
Autofrostat Function

Your boiler has detected that the internal temperature is very low and has automatically activated its built-in frost protection mode to prevent the system from freezing.

Low Engineer only

Parts commonly replaced

  • NTC Temperature Sensor
  • PCB
CH light On

Your boiler has automatically turned itself off because the water inside it is getting too hot, likely due to a circulation problem.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Pump
  • Heat exchanger
  • NTC sensor
DHW light

Your boiler has automatically turned off because the hot water inside it has become dangerously hot.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • NTC Temperature Sensor
  • DHW Heat Exchanger
  • Diverter Valve
FAIL POINT A

Your boiler is not receiving any power, meaning it cannot start up to provide your home with heating or hot water.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Control PCB
  • Main Fuse
Showing 11–20 of 23
FAIL POINT D

Your boiler's electronic control system is experiencing a fault, which is preventing it from starting up or operating correctly.

High Engineer only £200-400

Parts commonly replaced

  • Programmer module
  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Related codes

FAIL POINT E

Your boiler is failing to detect that water is moving through the system, which is preventing it from safely starting your heating or hot water.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Flow switch assembly
  • Control PCB
FAIL POINT F

Your boiler is struggling because the surrounding area is freezing, which has triggered a built-in safety mode to prevent internal pipes from icing up.

Medium Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
  • Frost Thermostat
  • External Temperature Sensor
FAIL POINT G

Your boiler has detected that it is getting too hot and has automatically shut down to prevent damage to its internal components.

High Engineer only £150-£300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Central Heating Pump
  • Overheat Thermostat
  • Primary Temperature Sensor

Related codes

FAIL POINT H

Your boiler is failing to light the internal flame, which means it has safely shut itself down to prevent a gas build-up.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Ignition electrode
  • Gas valve
  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
  • HT lead
FAIL POINT I

Your boiler has detected an issue with its internal sensors or electrical connections, which has caused it to stop working to avoid potential damage.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • NTC Temperature Sensor
  • Wiring Harness/ST16 Connector
  • Gas Valve Solenoid
FAIL POINT J

Your boiler is having trouble breathing, likely because air isn't moving through the flue correctly or a sensor is misreading the airflow.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Air pressure switch
  • Fan assembly
  • venturi
FAIL POINT K

Your boiler is failing to light the gas burner because it is not receiving the correct signal to start the heating process.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Gas valve
  • Wiring harness
  • PCB
FAIL POINT L

Your boiler's electronic command center has encountered a serious internal error and is unable to safely control the unit's operation.

High Engineer only £250-450

Parts commonly replaced

  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
  • Wiring harness
Showing 21–23 of 23
Lock-out

Your boiler is failing to light the flame properly, so it has purposefully shut down to prevent gas from building up inside.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Ignition electrode
  • Gas valve
  • Ignition lead
Pump runs

Your boiler has sensed that it is dangerously overheating and is running the pump constantly to try and cool itself down.

Emergency Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Overheat thermostat
  • Central heating pump
  • Heat exchanger