Soft Lockout
Weil-McLain
Temporary Ignition or Flame Supervision Lockout
Boiler stops firing and displays 'Soft Lockout' or 'Lockout – Retry' but may automatically reset after a timeout.
Advertisements
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Advertisements
Possible Causes
Momentary flame loss during run, low gas pressure, intermittent flame sensor signal, brief vent or intake blockage
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power if you remove any covers. If you smell gas, do not attempt to restart the boiler.
- 1. Observe the pattern: Note when the soft lockout occurs (startup, mid-cycle, windy conditions). This helps identify venting or gas supply issues.
- 2. Check vent terminations: Go outside and inspect the Weil-McLain boiler's exhaust and intake terminations. Remove snow, ice, or debris. Ensure clearances per the installation manual.
- 3. Inspect flame sensor: With power off, remove the flame sensor/igniter assembly. Clean the flame rod with fine abrasive pad and reinstall, ensuring proper positioning in the flame.
- 4. Verify condensate drainage: On condensing models, check the condensate trap and drain tubing for blockage or freezing, which can affect combustion and cause flame instability. Clean the trap and ensure proper slope.
- 5. Allow auto reset: Many controls will automatically retry after a soft lockout. After addressing obvious issues, restore power and monitor operation.
Call a technician if: Soft lockouts occur daily or multiple times per day, or if you suspect low gas pressure or combustion tuning issues.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Advertisements