Ideal [F2] fault codewhat it means and how to fix it

Ideal split their codes into two families and the prefix tells you how serious the appliance considers the fault. An L code is a lockout that will not clear until somebody resets it. An F code is an operational fault the appliance may recover from by itself. F2 is flame loss: the burner lit and then the flame signal disappeared during the cycle. The fact that Ideal classify this as F rather than L is informative — the appliance expects to be able to retry. What separates F2 from the L2 ignition lockout is that on an F2 combustion definitely started, so the ignition electrode worked and gas reached the burner. Ideal's own user guide sends you straight to the gas supply: check other appliances in the house, then the meter and any prepayment credit. That order is right, because an intermittent or under-pressure supply is the most common reason a flame that lit does not stay lit.

1. 1

   Check other gas appliances in the property are working. Ideal make this step one, and it separates a supply problem from a boiler problem in under a minute.

2. 2

   If nothing else runs on gas, check the supply is on at the meter and that any prepayment meter has credit.

3. 3

   Time how long the appliance runs before F2 appears, over two or three attempts. A consistent interval suggests condensate; an unpredictable one suggests supply.

4. 4

   In cold weather, check the external condensate pipe for ice and thaw it with hand-hot water if you find any.

   Never use boiling water or a heat gun on a condensate pipe — cold plastic splits easily.
5. 5

   If the appliance is still under Ideal warranty, contact Ideal directly rather than an independent engineer, or you may invalidate the cover.