Your boiler is struggling to detect a flame when it tries to start, which means it cannot fire up to provide heating or hot water.
Book a Gas Safe engineer within 24–48 hours. Your boiler may be unsafe or could break down completely if left.
Technical description: Flame monitoring
What causes this fault?
This fault occurs when the boiler's control system cannot confirm that a flame has been successfully lit after several attempts. It is usually caused by a buildup of carbon or debris on the sensing probe, or a failure in the components that deliver gas and sparks to the burner. Without this confirmation, the boiler will shut down as a safety precaution to prevent unburnt gas from accumulating.
This fault can be more frequent during the first cold snap of autumn when a boiler that has been idle all summer is suddenly forced to work at high capacity.
DIY fix possible
Check if other gas appliances, like a hob, are working to ensure a gas supply.Check that your gas pre-payment meter (if you have one) has credit.Press the Reset button on the boiler display panel and wait for it to restart.
Find a Gas Safe engineer
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Gas Safe Register →Protect yourself from future repair bills
A boiler cover plan would cover faults like 269 — no call-out fees, no surprises.
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Could it be time for a new boiler?
If repair costs are adding up, a new energy-efficient boiler could be the smarter long-term choice.
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