Boiler locks out with EA on display, burner does not ignite, you may hear clicking from the ignition but no flame established.
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Switch the boiler off at the fused spur and isolate the gas supply at the service valve before removing any covers. Only Gas Safe registered engineers should work on gas-carrying components, combustion chamber, or flue.
Basic user checks:
- Confirm gas supply is available: check other gas appliances (hob, fire) are working. If not, contact your gas supplier.
- Check the boiler pressure gauge is around 1.0–1.5 bar when cold. If low, top up via the filling loop according to the user manual, then reset the boiler.
- Inspect the flue terminal outside for obvious blockage (ice, debris, bird guard obstruction). Do not dismantle the flue.
- Press the reset button once and observe if the boiler lights.
Technical checks (engineer only):
- Remove the combustion cover and inspect the ignition and ionisation electrodes for cracks, heavy oxidation, or incorrect gap. Clean lightly with fine emery and refit, or replace as a set if worn.
- Check the ignition lead for damage, tracking marks, or loose connections at the PCB and electrode.
- Measure ionisation current during operation; compare with Worcester Bosch specifications. Replace the flame sensor/ionisation electrode if readings are low.
- Verify correct operation of the gas valve: check supply pressure, inlet filter, and that the valve opens on demand. Adjust or replace the gas valve as per manufacturer’s combustion settings using a flue gas analyser.
- Inspect the flue system for correct assembly, slope, and integrity; rectify any condensate pooling or restrictions.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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