Error S.32

Safety first: If you smell gas, switch off the gas supply at the meter, do not operate electrical switches, ventilate rooms and call your gas emergency number immediately. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect combustion products entering the room, evacuate and call emergency services. Before doing any checks on the boiler, switch off electrical power to the boiler at the isolator and at the fuse box if unsure. Do not open the boiler casing or attempt internal repairs unless you are a qualified engineer.

Initial homeowner checks (safe, non-invasive):

1) Note the exact code, any accompanying lights and whether the boiler is in a temporary waiting state or showing a permanent lockout. Write down how often the code appears and when (e.g. on start-up, after a reset, during windy weather).

2) Try a simple reset per the boiler manual: switch off at the mains/isolation for 1–2 minutes, then power back on and attempt to restart the boiler. Observe whether S.32 clears and whether normal operation resumes.

3) Inspect the external flue terminal and air intake area (outside the building) for obvious blockages: leaves, bird nesting, debris, soot or ice. Remove external obstructions safely (use a ladder with care or ask someone to help) and ensure nothing is restricting airflow.

4) Check for signs of water ingress or condensate issues around the flue, boiler top or fan area (visible from the outside). If there is evidence of water or dampness near the flue/termination, note it for the engineer.

5) Listen: when the boiler tries to start, is there an unusual noise, stalling or no sound from the fan? Also check the boiler pressure gauge—very low system pressure can cause multiple problems; top-up instructions are in the manual if pressure is below recommended levels (and you are comfortable doing so).

6) Make sure the external environment isn’t temporarily causing the issue (strong wind, heavy rain, or recent building work that might have blocked the terminal).

If initial checks don’t clear it or S.32 returns:

1) Record the occurrence pattern and any conditions (weather, time of day, after long downtime, after power surges). This information helps the engineer diagnose intermittent faults.

2) Do not attempt to access the fan assembly, wiring, or circuit board unless you are a registered boiler engineer. Internal checks and repairs involve live electrical parts, gas components, and potentially voided warranties.

3) Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer or Vaillant-authorised service partner. Tell them the boiler model, that you have an S.32 waiting-period code (and whether it escalated to F.32), what you have already checked (flue clear, reset attempted, any signs of water ingress), and any other symptoms (noise, smell, frequent lockouts).

4) What the engineer will likely do: check fan motor and impeller, measure fan speed and feedback signal, inspect fan wiring and connectors, check for moisture or condensate paths into the fan/electronics, test the PCB and sensors, inspect the flue installation for backflow or leaks, and replace the fan assembly if it is confirmed faulty. They will also investigate root causes (e.g., water ingress from poor flue joints or external damage) to avoid repeat failure.

Final notes: S.32 can be a temporary, recoverable condition, but recurring or persistent S.32 requires professional diagnosis and probably repair. Do not attempt internal repairs yourself. If the boiler locks out, or you detect gas smells or CO alarm activity, take emergency action as above and call a qualified engineer immediately.