How To Reset an Ideal Boiler

Most modern boilers, including Ideal’s range, have a safety mechanism to trigger lockout mode. Once you’ve figured out what the error message means, you will want to reset the boiler.

However, every boiler brand has its methods of being reset. If you own an Ideal boiler, there are some differences between the models..

With Ideal boilers, several error codes indicate that it has shut down or initiated lockout mode, which requires fixing the problem before resetting the unit.

Some of these codes include:

• L1 — Flow Temperature Overheat or No Water Flow: This indicates that the boiler has overheated or insufficient water flow.
• L2 — Ignition Lockout: The boiler has failed to ignite.
• L6 — False Flame Lockout: The boiler detects a flame when there shouldn’t be one.​
• F1 — Low Water Pressure: The system’s water pressure has dropped too low.​
• F2 — Flame Loss: The flame has been lost during operation.​
• F3 — Fan Fault: There’s an issue with the boiler’s fan.
• F4 — Flow Thermistor Fault: A problem with the flow thermistor has been detected.​
• F5 — Return Thermistor Fault: An issue with the return thermistor.

These error codes can differ depending on your boiler’s model and year, so it is always best to check the unit’s manual for the meaning.

Resetting your Ideal boiler is done mainly to restart the unit and get it out of lockout mode.

As you can imagine, resetting your boiler is usually a straightforward task, but there are some general steps you can follow to ensure you’re doing it correctly.

Performing A Reset Of A Ideal Boiler

For Ideal boilers, there are three main reset procedures. These include:

• Ideal boilers with reset buttons, but some require holding the button for two seconds (Ideal Mexico, Isar and Icos) or a single press (Ideal Logic+ and Mini)
• Ideal boilers, where you need to press the selection button (up and down) simultaneously for two seconds (Ideal Esprit Eco 2)
• Ideal boilers with dial with a marked reset position (Ideal Logic)

While each reset procedure will differ slightly, the general steps are ultimately the same.

Step One: Error Code

Before you reset your Ideal boiler, make sure to take note of the error code. You can do this by snapping a photo or jotting down a note in your boiler’s manual.

Missing this step won’t affect the reset process; it is just in case the issue reoccurs or you need to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Step Two: Reset Boiler

With two different methods to reset your Ideal boilers, the reset via button is very easy.

To use the reset button, press and hold the reset button for 3-5 seconds until the error message stops flashing. After releasing the button, see if the boiler reboots and the error clears. As mentioned, specific models will only require a single press of the restart button.

With the mentioned Ideal Esprit Eco 2, simultaneously hold down the up and down buttons alongside the unit’s screen for two seconds.

For Ideal boilers with a selector dial, turn it to the reset position and immediately return it to your desired temperature. This should reset the boiler and clear the error code on the screen.

If everything has gone perfectly, reigniting the boiler will take a minute or two.

After the boiler has returned to its usual state, check that the hot water and heating systems are working correctly.

However, if this has not removed the error code and it has reappeared, you can consider doing a manual reset.

Step Three: Turn Off The Power

While this additional step won’t be in the manual, you might need to turn off your boiler at its power source.

Close to your boiler should be a fuse spur. If you’re uncertain what a fuse spur is, it’s a square white box with a large switch in the middle.

Flip this switch on and off. You should allow a few seconds for the boiler to shut down.

Sometimes, a boiler is simply plugged into a socket, requiring you to flip the switch.

If you cannot locate your boiler’s plug point, try switching it off and on at the distribution board, also known as:

• Panelboard
• Circuit breaker panel
• Breaker panel
• Electric panel,
• Fuse box,
• Or DB board/box.

Once you’ve turned the power back on, your Ideal boiler should be reset successfully.

But if you still get the same error message, you will want to do some more troubleshooting.

Further Troubleshooting If Your Boiler Fails To Reset

As with everything in life, the simplest tasks can become more complicated. If you’ve reset your Ideal boiler and you’re still getting error codes, you will want to perform a few quick checks:

Identify The Error Code

You only want to reset your Ideal boiler if it is in lockout mode. Make sure to double-check what the error code means.

Usually, the manufacturer will include a comprehensive list of error codes in their manual.

If you’ve lost your manual or are struggling to find a solid answer, you can do some simple checks before calling in a professional.

Check The Gas Supply

A simple check is to see if your home’s main gas supply valve is fully open. Your home’s gas mains should be fully open.

Another way to check for a gas supply issue in your home is to turn on other gas appliances, such as a kitchen stove.

If you suspect a gas supply issue, contact your gas provider. There might be a local supply issue in your area.

However, if you smell gas, turn off the supply immediately and call for help.

Check Water Pressure

Most Ideal boilers have a pressure gauge on the front panel as a dial or analog gauge, a digital screen, or, on older models, a physical gauge under the unit.

The ideal reading is between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when the system is cold.

If the water pressure reading is below 1.0 bar, your boiler might need to be repressurised.

On the other side of the scale, if your Ideal boiler’s reading is too high, above 2.5 bar, you will want to bleed a radiator in your home to lower the pressure.

Check The Power Supply

It could be an electrical issue if your boiler has not turned back on after the reset.

Ensure the boiler is plugged into a working power socket and no circuit breakers have tripped.

For those who turned off their boiler via the fuse spur switch, a fuse could have blown if flipping the switch had not resulted in power feeding to the boiler.

While most of these checks can be completed relatively quickly, if you’re struggling to reset your boiler, we highly recommend calling an expert for help.

Call WarmZilla’s Professionals For A Chat

Rather than struggling to reset your Ideal boiler, you can call one of our professionals to troubleshoot the problem.

However, if you both discover a more substantial issue, the professional on the phone will suggest sending a Gas Safe registered engineer to your home within 48 hours to reset your boiler.