Baxi Boiler: Fan fault
The combustion fan sets the air–gas ratio on a Baxi boiler and proves safe airflow before the gas valve opens. A fan or fan-speed-feedback fault (or a fan that will not stop) blocks ignition by design — the boiler will not fire until it confirms the fan.
The combustion fan sets the air–gas ratio on a Baxi boiler and proves safe airflow before the gas valve opens. A fan or fan-speed-feedback fault (or a fan that will not stop) blocks ignition by design — the boiler will not fire until it confirms the fan. On Baxi boilers, this is linked to 1 fault code (E160). Below are the likely causes, the safe checks you can make, and exactly what our licensed BC gas technicians do — because boiler repair in British Columbia is licensed gas work, not a DIY job.
This is a gas-safety fault. Diagnosing ignition, flame, gas or venting problems requires combustion analysis and gas-pressure testing that, by BC law, only a licensed gas technician may perform. Never bypass a safety lockout. Smell gas? Leave the building and call 911 or FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 from outside.
What you might notice
- No heat or hot water
- Boiler will not begin its ignition sequence
- Unusual fan noise or no fan sound at all
Safe checks you can make first
These are the only steps a homeowner should take. If they don’t resolve it, stop — the rest is licensed gas work.
- 1Listen for the fan during the start sequence — silence or unusual noise is a clue
- 2Check the display for a fan or air-pressure fault code
- 3Reset once; if the fan fault returns, call a technician (fan replacement is gas work)
Related Baxi fault code
These Baxi codes are commonly behind “fan fault”. Tap any code for its full meaning, causes and fix.
What our licensed technicians do
- Test fan power, speed feedback (Hall sensor) and wiring
- Inspect the fan and venturi for debris, dust or seized bearings
- Check the control board fan-drive output
- Replace the fan if needed and re-run combustion analysis
Baxi fan fault — FAQ
What does a fan fault on my Baxi boiler mean?
The combustion fan sets the air–gas ratio on a Baxi boiler and proves safe airflow before the gas valve opens. A fan or fan-speed-feedback fault (or a fan that will not stop) blocks ignition by design — the boiler will not fire until it confirms the fan. The related Baxi fault code is E160. A licensed technician confirms the true root cause with the right instruments before any repair.
Is it safe to keep resetting my Baxi boiler when it shows "fan fault"?
No. A single reset after a one-off event is fine, but "fan fault" involves gas, ignition, flame or venting safety. Repeated resets without fixing the cause can be dangerous and can damage the boiler. If the fault returns, switch the boiler off and call GasBoilers.ca at 604-359-1081. If you ever smell gas, leave the building and call 911 or FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 from outside.
Can you repair a Baxi boiler with this problem in Greater Vancouver?
Yes. Our Red Seal–certified, TSBC gas-licensed technicians diagnose and repair Baxi combi and system condensing series across Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, the Tri-Cities and the rest of Greater Vancouver. Same-day appointments are often available — call 604-359-1081.
“Fan fault” on other boiler brands
Baxi boiler fan fault? We can help today.
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