Error 160

Safety first

- If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide (CO), stop using the boiler, turn off the gas supply at the meter if it is safe to do so, evacuate the property immediately and call the gas emergency number and/or emergency services. Do not attempt any internal checks if you smell gas or CO. If a CO alarm is sounding, treat it as an emergency.

- Do not remove the boiler casing or attempt to replace the fan or any sealed combustion parts yourself. The fan and its sealing are part of the gas system and require correct installation and safety testing by a Gas Safe engineer.

Initial homeowner checks you can safely do

1. Confirm the display: note the exact code (E160), any accompanying lights and when it first appeared. Take a photo of the display and any labels/serial numbers for the engineer.

2. Reset the boiler once: switch the boiler off at the isolator or turn the power off at the fused spur for 30–60 seconds, then restore power and try to restart. If the code returns immediately or after one restart, stop further resets and call a professional.

3. Check the external flue terminal: from outside, visually inspect for obvious blockages (bird nest, leaves, snow, debris). If there is an obvious obstruction you can safely remove it from outside, but do not poke into the flue or force items in.

4. Listen: when the boiler tries to start, listen for the fan. You should hear air movement after the pump starts. If you hear no fan noise or grinding/scraping, that supports a fan fault.

5. Check basic services: ensure the boiler has electrical power and the mains gas supply to the property is on. Check central heating demand (thermostat set higher than room temp) so the boiler is being asked to fire.

6. Keep the area around the boiler dry and clear. Do not run the boiler if there are signs of water ingress inside the casing (visible moisture, corrosion) — note this for the engineer.

Diagnostic information to gather before calling an engineer

- Exact error code and any other codes displayed, when it happens (on CH call, hot water call, intermittent), and whether a reset temporarily clears it.

- Any unusual sounds (grinding, rattling), smells, or visible signs of damage/corrosion around the flue, fan harness cable or boiler case.

- Photos of the flue terminal, the boiler display, and any visible wiring or damage (without removing the casing).

What a professional will do (so you know what to expect)

- A Gas Safe engineer will perform safe checks: verify voltages and control signals to the fan, test continuity of the harness, inspect the fan motor and electronics, check for blockages in the flue and signs of water ingress, and check the boiler PCB outputs. They may measure fan speed and replace the fan assembly if necessary, then re-commission the boiler and perform combustion/CO checks and sealing tests.

When to call a Gas Safe registered engineer

- If the E160 code persists after one safe reset, if you hear no fan noise or hear grinding, if there is visible wiring damage, water ingress or corrosion, or if the fault is intermittent/reoccurs. Also call immediately if you smell gas or CO. Because the fan affects safe combustion and flue evacuation, do not attempt internal repairs yourself.

Final note

- E160 is an important safety lockout. Carry out only the safe visual checks listed above and gather information for the engineer. Replace or internal electrical repairs must be completed and tested by a qualified Gas Safe engineer.