Baxi E167 Fault Code: Causes, Fixes & Repair Costs
What does the Baxi E167 fault code mean?
The E167 code on a Baxi boiler signals a fault with the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) — the electronic brain that coordinates every function of the boiler, from ignition and heat output to safety shutdowns. When the PCB develops an internal error it cannot recover from, it triggers this lockout code and prevents the boiler from firing. Unlike temporary status codes that clear on their own, Baxi's E-prefix codes represent hard lockouts: the boiler will stay off until the fault is diagnosed and resolved. The closely related E168 code is a PCB lockout variant and is treated in the same way by engineers — both point firmly at the control board and require professional diagnosis.
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
- PCB internal component failure Common
Over time, capacitors, relays, and other components on the PCB degrade through normal wear, age, or manufacturing defects. When a critical component fails, the board can no longer regulate boiler functions correctly and triggers the E167 lockout. This is the most frequent root cause on boilers over five years old.
- Electrical surge or power spike Common
A sudden surge in the mains supply — during a power cut restoration, for example — can send excess voltage through the PCB, burning out sensitive circuits. If the E167 appeared shortly after a power interruption or storm, this is a likely culprit. A surge may simultaneously damage other components such as the fan or ignition module.
- Loose or corroded wiring connections Sometimes
Vibration over time can loosen connector plugs leading to the PCB, or moisture ingress can cause corrosion on terminals. Poor electrical contact can mimic a full board failure or cause intermittent faults that eventually become permanent lockouts.
- Overheating damage to the PCB Sometimes
If the boiler has been running hot due to poor ventilation, a blocked heat exchanger, or a failed pump, the sustained high temperatures can degrade the PCB's insulation and solder joints, leading to progressive failure. The E167 may appear after a period of other heat-related faults.
- Water or condensation ingress Rare
A slow internal leak from a heat exchanger, pump seal, or pipework joint can allow moisture to reach the PCB over months. Even small amounts of water on circuit board components can cause shorts and permanent damage.
How to fix it
- Attempt a single boiler reset DIY safe
Locate the reset button on your Baxi boiler — it is typically marked with a flame symbol or labelled 'Reset'. Press and hold it for around 5–10 seconds, then release and allow the boiler to attempt a restart. A genuine PCB fault will almost always return immediately or within a short time. Do not reset the boiler more than two or three times in total, as repeated resets on a faulty PCB can cause further damage.
- Check your mains electricity and gas supply DIY safe
Confirm the boiler is receiving power (check your consumer unit for a tripped breaker) and that the gas supply to other appliances in the property — such as the hob — is working normally. A loss of gas supply will not cause E167 specifically, but it is a quick check to rule out a broader supply problem before calling an engineer.
- Note any recent events that may have caused the fault DIY safe
Consider whether the fault appeared after a power cut, a period of very cold weather, any recent plumbing work, or an unusual boiler noise beforehand. This information is genuinely useful to give the engineer before they arrive, as it can significantly speed up diagnosis.
- Do not attempt to open the boiler casing or inspect the PCB yourself Gas Safe engineer
The PCB sits inside the sealed boiler casing alongside live electrical components and gas-carrying parts. Opening the casing, probing connectors, or attempting to replace the board without Gas Safe registration and specialist diagnostic tools is unsafe, likely to void any remaining warranty, and illegal in the context of gas appliance work. Leave all internal investigation to a qualified engineer.
- Call a Gas Safe registered engineer to diagnose and repair the fault Gas Safe engineer
An engineer will use dedicated diagnostic equipment to confirm whether the PCB itself has failed, whether a secondary component (such as the fan or ignition board) triggered the lockout, or whether wiring is at fault. They will advise on repair versus replacement of the board, and check for any collateral damage to other components. Always verify Gas Safe registration at gassaferegister.co.uk before booking. If your Baxi boiler is within its warranty period and has been serviced annually, contact Baxi directly first — the repair may be covered.
Parts you may need
- Baxi PCB (main control board) · from £220
- PCB connector wiring loom · from £35
- Boiler fan (if damaged alongside PCB) · from £85
- Ignition module · from £65
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 £280–£450, depending on the underlying cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fix the Baxi E167 myself?
No. The E167 is a PCB lockout fault involving internal electronics inside the boiler casing. The only action a homeowner should safely take is a single reset attempt. All diagnosis, wiring inspection, and component replacement must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Attempting to open the boiler or tamper with the control board is unsafe and will void your warranty.
How much does it cost to fix a Baxi E167 in the UK?
Most homeowners pay between £280 and £450 for a PCB repair or replacement on a Baxi boiler, covering parts and labour. The PCB itself typically costs £200–£300 depending on the specific model, with labour adding £80–£150 on top. Engineers in London and the South East tend to sit at the higher end of that range. In rare cases where additional components such as the fan or ignition module were damaged at the same time, costs can rise further — get a full itemised quote before authorising any work. If your boiler is still under Baxi's warranty and has had annual services, some or all of the cost may be covered.
What is the difference between Baxi E167 and E168?
Both codes point to a problem with the PCB. E167 indicates a PCB error — the board has detected an internal fault it cannot recover from. E168 is specifically a PCB lockout, meaning the board has shut down the boiler as a safety measure in response to that error. In practice, engineers treat both codes the same way: the PCB needs to be diagnosed and either repaired or replaced. If you see E168 after a reset attempt that initially cleared E167, this is consistent with a genuine board failure.
Is it worth repairing a Baxi boiler showing E167, or should I replace it?
If your Baxi boiler is under seven or eight years old and otherwise in good condition, a PCB replacement is usually the more cost-effective option. However, if the boiler is over ten years old, has had repeated faults, or is approaching the end of its warranty, the repair cost may be difficult to justify against the price of a new A-rated boiler. A Gas Safe engineer can give you an honest assessment once they have diagnosed whether the fault is isolated to the PCB or whether other components have also been affected.