Baxi E160 Fault Code: Causes, Fixes & Repair Costs
What does the Baxi E160 fault code mean?
The E160 code on a Baxi boiler indicates a fan fault. Specifically, the boiler's control board has detected that the flue fan is either not spinning at all, or is running at the wrong speed. Because the fan is responsible for safely venting combustion gases out through the flue and drawing in the correct amount of fresh air for burning, the boiler locks itself out as a safety measure rather than attempt to fire without it working properly. The fault will not clear on its own — the underlying issue must be addressed before the boiler will operate again.
General guidance only — not a substitute for professional advice, and not certified by a Gas Safe engineer. Always have your specific appliance assessed by a qualified professional. Any gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999.
Common causes
- Failed or worn fan motor Common
By far the most common reason for an E160 on a Baxi boiler. The fan motor wears over time and eventually burns out or seizes. When the PCB sends a signal to run the fan and gets no response — or a speed reading that is out of range — it triggers the lockout. In practice, engineers find a dead fan motor behind the vast majority of E160 faults.
- Fan wiring or connector fault Sometimes
Loose terminals, corroded connectors, or damaged wiring between the fan and the PCB can interrupt the speed-feedback signal. The board interprets the loss of signal as the fan not running and shuts the boiler down. Wiring faults are sometimes found alongside an ageing fan rather than in isolation.
- Flue or air-intake blockage Sometimes
If the flue terminal outside is blocked by a bird's nest, leaves, ice, or other debris, back-pressure builds up and the fan struggles to reach or maintain its target speed. The PCB detects the deviation and faults to E160. Checking the external flue outlet is a straightforward first step.
- Fan contaminated with debris or dust Sometimes
A heavy build-up of dust or fluff on the fan blades can unbalance the impeller or create enough drag to slow it below the required speed. This is more likely on older boilers or installations in dusty environments such as workshops or kitchens.
- PCB (printed circuit board) fault Rare
The PCB both commands the fan and reads back its speed signal. If the board develops a fault on the fan-control circuit, it may fail to drive the fan correctly or misread a perfectly healthy fan as faulty. PCB issues are relatively rare but should be considered once the fan and wiring have been confirmed as sound.
How to fix it
- Check that your gas supply is working DIY safe
Make sure other gas appliances in your home — such as a gas hob or fire — are working normally. If there is no gas supply, contact your gas supplier rather than resetting the boiler.
- Inspect the external flue terminal for obvious blockages DIY safe
Go outside and look at the point where the flue exits the building. Check for visible obstructions such as a bird's nest, accumulated leaves, ice build-up in very cold weather, or anything resting against the vent. Do not attempt to dismantle the flue — just clear anything that is clearly blocking the opening from the outside.
- Reset the boiler once DIY safe
Press and hold the reset button (usually marked with a flame or 'R' symbol) for around 3 seconds, then release. Wait for the boiler to attempt a start-up sequence. If the E160 returns immediately or within a short time, do not continue resetting — repeated resets will not fix a mechanical fault and may mask the severity of the problem.
- Do not attempt to access or test the fan yourself Gas Safe engineer
The fan sits inside the boiler casing and is connected to both the gas combustion circuit and the electrical system. Removing boiler panels, testing the fan motor, or inspecting internal wiring must only be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Have a Gas Safe engineer inspect and diagnose the fan system Gas Safe engineer
An engineer will remove the boiler casing, check the fan for physical damage, measure its electrical supply and speed-feedback signal, and inspect the wiring harness and connectors. Most engineers can complete a full diagnosis on a single visit and will advise whether the fan needs cleaning, repair, or outright replacement.
- Fan replacement if required Gas Safe engineer
If the motor has failed, the engineer will fit a replacement fan matched to your specific Baxi model. This is the most common outcome for an E160 fault. The work typically takes one to two hours including testing.
- PCB investigation if the fan tests healthy Gas Safe engineer
Where the fan and wiring are found to be in good order, the engineer will assess the PCB for faults on the fan-control circuit. Depending on findings, the board may need to be replaced — your engineer will quote for this separately before proceeding.
Parts you may need
- Baxi replacement flue fan / fan motor assembly · from £85
- Fan wiring harness / connector set · from £25
- PCB (printed circuit board) · from £180
The exact spare depends on your boiler's GC number (on the data badge). Check this against the part before buying.
Typical repair cost
Expect to pay roughly £120–£320, depending on the underlying cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fix the Baxi E160 fault myself?
Not in most cases. The basic homeowner checks — confirming your gas supply, inspecting the external flue for obvious blockages, and attempting a single reset — are safe to try. However, the fan itself is an internal component connected to gas pathways and electrical circuits, so hands-on repair or replacement must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Attempting DIY work on the fan could be dangerous and will typically invalidate your boiler warranty.
Will resetting the boiler clear the E160 code permanently?
Occasionally a one-off reset clears a transient signal error, but in the vast majority of cases the E160 returns straight away because the fan has actually failed or there is a genuine wiring problem. If the code comes back after a single reset, stop resetting and book an engineer — repeated resets do not fix mechanical faults and can mask how serious the problem is.
How much does it cost to repair a Baxi E160 fault?
Most E160 repairs fall in the range of £120–£320. A straightforward fan replacement including parts and labour typically costs £150–£300 depending on your Baxi model and your location in the UK. A wiring or connector fault may come in at the lower end if it is caught early. PCB replacement is a less common outcome but can push costs noticeably higher — typically £300–£500 all-in — and your engineer will confirm whether this is needed before starting the work.
Why does the Baxi E160 keep coming back after it has been repaired?
If the code reappears shortly after a repair, it is worth checking whether all the root causes were addressed. For example, if a flue blockage was causing the fan to overheat and the blockage was not cleared, the replacement fan may fail prematurely. An intermittent PCB fault can also cause recurring E160 codes even after a new fan has been fitted. Ask your engineer to confirm that both the fan speed-feedback signal and the wiring integrity were tested as part of the repair.