Error 268

Safety first

1) If you smell gas, or suspect a gas leak, evacuate the property immediately, do not operate electrical switches, and call the gas emergency number and a Gas Safe engineer.

2) If you or anyone feels unwell with headache, dizziness, nausea or flu-like symptoms, get fresh air and seek immediate medical help – these can be signs of carbon monoxide. Stop using the appliance and call an engineer.

3) Do not open the boiler casing, attempt internal repairs or swap gas-related components yourself. Only a qualified engineer should work on gas and sealed components.

Initial checks a homeowner can do

1) Look at the display carefully and note any other codes or symbols shown with the 268. A lone 268 that clears is different to 268 followed by EA/CE/E9 type fault codes or a flashing triangle (lockout).

2) Has the boiler just been serviced, had power removed/restored, or had controls changed/updated? Component tests commonly run at startup or after module replacement.

3) Check the boiler mode and room thermostat: ensure the boiler is set to CH or DHW as required and the room thermostat or programmer is calling for heat (turn up the thermostat temporarily to force a demand).

4) Check mains power and the boiler’s on/off switch. Confirm household fuses/trip switches haven’t operated.

5) Check boiler pressure on the gauge. If pressure is very low (below about 0.7 bar) the boiler may not operate correctly; if pressure is very high, turn off and call an engineer.

6) In cold weather check condensate pipe for freezing or blockages (common EA 227 fault). If frozen, thaw with hot water applied externally and then reset the boiler.

Simple restart/reset steps

1) If the display is static on 268 and the boiler is not running, try a controlled reset: press and hold the Reset button for approximately 5 seconds. The display should show "/r/e" while resetting; then wait 2–3 minutes to see if normal operation resumes.

2) You may repeat the reset a second time, but avoid repeatedly resetting more than 2–3 times. Make a note of any additional codes or messages that appear after reset because these indicate the failing component.

3) If the boiler was recently put into manual/service mode, follow the manufacturer guidance to exit manual operation (for GB162 this involves holding the appropriate control button for a couple of seconds) and then try a reset.

Targeted diagnostic checks to report to an engineer (do not open the boiler)

1) Note any secondary fault codes that appear after 268 (examples: CE codes for pressure, E2/E9 for sensors, C6 for fan, F0 for control unit). These are important clues for an engineer.

2) Note the sequence of events: did 268 appear after a power cut, after pressing buttons, after servicing, or before loss of heat/hot water? Time and sequence help diagnose communication or intermittent faults.

3) If you have access to the system controller/thermostat, check wiring and battery status (for wireless thermostats) and ensure the controller is actually calling for heat. Wireless RF communication errors can prevent the boiler from proceeding beyond tests.

4) If the boiler behaves normally in manual operation mode (pump and burner run when forced), but not under normal control, this points to an external control/thermostat/communication issue rather than a primary burner component failure.

When to call a professional

1) Call a Gas Safe registered engineer or Worcester Bosch service if: the boiler remains stuck on 268 and will not run after a reset; additional fault codes appear; the boiler locks out (flashing triangle or lockout symbol); you suspect a failed fan, pump, sensor, burner control unit or KIM/UBA communication issue; or if there are safety concerns (gas smell, leaks, CO symptoms).

2) Provide the engineer with the exact display codes, the timing of events, and what you have already tried (resets, checks). This helps speed diagnostics.

What the engineer will likely do

1) The engineer will read the service log and live diagnostics to see which component failed its test (fan, pump, sensors, ignition device, control module communications). They will check wiring, connectors, sensor resistances, fan/pump operation and may replace faulty modules if required.

2) If the issue is a communication fault between the boiler control modules, the engineer will check the code plug/KIM/UBA and BC10 connections or replace the appropriate control unit.

Important final notes

1) A brief 268 during startup is normal. Persistent 268 or 268 accompanied by other fault codes indicates a fault that needs professional attention. 2) Do not attempt internal repairs on gas, sealed or electrical components. 3) Record codes, times and any symptoms and pass these to the engineer — it will reduce diagnosis time and prevent unnecessary parts replacement.