Error L6

{ "ai_overview": "L6 on an Ideal Logic Max / Logic Plus boiler is a false flame lockout. It means the boiler control detected a flame signal at an unexpected time (for example flame present before the gas valve opens) or is receiving an erroneous flame signal from the flame detection circuit. Because this is a safety condition the boiler locks out to prevent unsafe operation.\n\nThis fault can be caused by a number of things: a faulty or contaminated flame sensor/ionisation probe, damaged or loose wiring or earth/ground connections on the flame sensing circuit, a failing PCB or boiler control, or intermittent electrical noise/voltage feeding the flame detection input. It can also follow recent power interruptions, incorrect PCB/chip card changes, or water/condensate ingress affecting sensors. Severity is medium–high because it is a safety lockout; the boiler should not be forced to run while the fault persists. Some simple checks can be carried out by the homeowner, but most corrective work (sensor replacement, wiring repair, PCB replacement) should be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.\n\nIf the fault clears after a single reset you may not need immediate engineer attendance, but if L6 returns, is repeated, or anything smells of gas, leave the boiler off and call a qualified engineer. Repeated false flame lockouts indicate an electrical or component fault that requires professional diagnosis and repair.", "troubleshooting": "Safety precautions:\n- If you smell gas anywhere in the house, do not operate electrical switches or the boiler. Turn off the gas at the meter if you can safely do so, ventilate the area, leave the property, and call your gas emergency number immediately.\n- Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer for internal boiler work and any gas-related repairs. Do not open the boiler casing or attempt to replace gas components or the PCB yourself.\n- Before doing any basic checks, switch the boiler to standby and isolate the electrical supply at the fused spur if you will be touching any external wiring or visible terminals.\n\nInitial homeowner checks (safe, non-invasive):\n1. Note exactly when L6 appeared and whether you attempted a reset. Record any other behaviour (noise, flicker, other codes, recent power cuts or work on the property).\n2. Try a single reset: press the boiler reset button or switch the boiler off at the fused spur for 30 seconds and turn it back on. If the code does not return, monitor the boiler. One isolated reset that clears and does not reappear can be a transient fault.\n3. Check the gas supply: confirm other gas appliances work and that the yellow gas isolation valve under the boiler (if accessible) is in the open position (handle parallel to pipe). If other appliances are off or there is an interruption, contact your gas supplier.\n4. Visually inspect the external flue termination and condensate pipe for obvious blockages, water/ice or signs of damage. Do not probe inside the flue. Blocked flue or condensate issues are more commonly linked to ignition or flame loss faults, but it's useful to rule out obvious external causes.\n5. Check boiler pressure gauge and any obvious water leaks. Normally L6 is flame-detection related, but any recent servicing, low pressure events or water ingress may be relevant to the engineer.\n\nIf L6 persists after the reset or recurs:\n- Leave the boiler turned off and contact a Gas Safe registered engineer. Provide them with the boiler model, serial number, the L6 code, whether it cleared with reset, and any recent events (power cuts, electrical work, plumbing work, condensate freezing, chip card or PCB replacement).\n\nInformation for the engineer (diagnostic and likely fix steps they will carry out):\n1. Carry out safe isolation and then verify live voltages and earth continuity to rule out mains/low-voltage issues and stray voltages that could cause false flame signals.\n2. Inspect the flame detection circuit: check the ionisation/flame probe condition and mounting; clean or replace the probe if contaminated or corroded. Verify probe earth/ground connection and continuity back to the boiler earth.\n3. Check wiring and connectors for the flame sensor and ignition system for loose, corroded, or damaged cables and repair or replace as required.\n4. Test the gas valve operation and ignition sequence under controlled conditions to ensure the valve and ignition electrode are functioning correctly and that flame detection behaves correctly during ignition.\n5. Check for signs of PCB faults or noise on the flame detection input. If the PCB or chip card is suspect, verify correct chip card configuration and, if needed, replace the PCB or faulty control components per manufacturer guidance.\n6. Inspect for condensate or moisture ingress near sensors or wiring which can cause intermittent faults and take remedial action (seal, replace components, improve routing).\n7. After repairs, engineer will run multiple controlled ignition cycles and monitor flame detection stability to ensure the fault is resolved and confirm safe operation.\n\nFinal notes and when to call a professional:\n- L6 is a safety lockout related to flame sensing; while homeowners can perform basic checks and a single reset, internal electrical and gas component diagnosis and repairs must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.\n- If the code returns repeatedly, do not continue to reset and operate the boiler. Turn the boiler off and arrange professional service. Provide the engineer with the exact error code, any symptoms and recent events to speed diagnosis.\n- Keep a record of any resets and the conditions when the fault occurred—this helps the engineer identify intermittent faults.