Baxi E160 Fault Code: Fan Fault
Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire
E160 on a Baxi is a fan fault. The boiler is not seeing the fan run the way it expects, so it will not light.
There is nothing safe for a homeowner to check inside the appliance here. The one thing worth a look is the flue terminal outside.
What E160 actually means
The fan drives combustion air in and flue gases out. The control board watches its speed and will not allow the burner to light without proof the fan is running properly.
That is a good thing. A boiler that burned gas without proven ventilation would be dangerous, so it refuses.
What you can safely check yourself
Do not remove the boiler casing. The combustion chamber is sealed for a reason.
Look at the flue terminal outside for obvious obstruction, nesting material, leaves, heavy snow. Clearing that is reasonable.
Beyond that, the fan is inside the sealed combustion circuit and it is Gas Safe work.
When to stop, and why
Stop after checking the flue terminal.
What causes it beyond the simple checks
A worn or failed fan bearing, a loose or corroded fan connector, damaged wiring, a blocked or restricted flue, or a control board not reading the fan signal correctly. The connector and the supply get checked before the fan is condemned, because those are cheaper and surprisingly common.
How Vantage can help
We are Gas Safe registered under 956889 and cover Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, with an emergency line answered 24 hours a day. Call us on 01462 506374. See also boiler repair and boiler servicing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run the boiler with E160?
No, and that is deliberate.
Is it always the fan?
No. A loose connector or a flue restriction produces the same code.
How much is a fan?
It is a common part and generally straightforward to change. You get the price before work starts.
Related fault codes
Other Baxi codes: E09 · E10 · E20 · E28 · E110 · E119 · E125 · E128 · E133 · all boiler advice. See also boiler repair. The same fault on other makes: Worcester Bosch C6 · Ideal F3 · Glow-worm F.32.
In Baxi’s own words
The Baxi error code table lists E160 as: Fan fault
Baxi use different code sets across their ranges and generations. The definition above comes from The Baxi error code table. If your boiler is a different model and the code behaves differently, check the manual for your appliance or ring us and we will tell you what it means on your unit.
When to call an engineer
If the checks above have not cleared it, the next steps are engineer work and the boiler should not be reset repeatedly in the meantime. Call Vantage Plumbing and Heating on 01462 506374. We are Gas Safe registered under 956889, the line is answered by a person at any hour of any day, and you get a price before anyone starts.
Need help today?
Call and speak to a person, any hour, any day of the year. Get a fixed price quote or call 01462 506374.
Need help today?
Call and speak to a person, any hour, any day of the year, or get a fixed price quote online.
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Vantage Plumbing and Heating covers Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas. Call and talk to an engineer, or send us the details and we will come back to you with a price.
Gas Safe registered, number 956889. Emergency line answered 24/7.