Glow-worm F.32 Fault Code: Fan Speed Fault
Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire
F.32 on a Glow-worm means the fan speed is outside the tolerance values the boiler expects.
Nothing safe for a homeowner inside the appliance. The one thing worth checking is the flue terminal outside.
What F.32 actually means
The fan drives combustion air in and flue gases out, and the control board monitors its speed. The burner will not light without the fan proven to be running correctly.
If the speed is outside tolerance, the boiler stops rather than burn gas without proven ventilation.
What you can safely check yourself
Do not remove the boiler casing.
Look at the flue terminal outside for obstruction, nesting material, leaves or heavy snow.
Beyond that, the fan is in 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 fan bearing, a failed fan, a loose or corroded connector, damaged wiring, a restricted flue, or a board not reading the signal correctly. Glow-worm is part of the Vaillant Group and the Energy range shares its fault code structure with Vaillant appliances.
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 F.32?
No, and that is deliberate.
Is it always the fan?
No. Connectors and flue restrictions produce the same code, so they get checked first.
Is a fan expensive?
It is a common part and generally straightforward. You get a price before work starts.
Related fault codes
Other Glow-worm codes: F.20 · F.22 · F.23 · F.24 · F.25 · F.27 · F.28 · F.29 · F.61 · F.75 · all boiler advice. See also boiler repair. The same fault on other makes: Worcester Bosch C6 · Ideal F3 · Baxi E160.
In Glow-worm’s own words
The Glow-worm Energy range fault finding table lists F.32 as: Fan frost protection function active: Fan speed outside the tolerance values
Glow-worm use different code sets across their ranges and generations. The definition above comes from The Glow-worm Energy range fault finding 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.