Ferroli F68 Fault Code: Causes, Fixes & Repair Costs
What does the Ferroli F68 fault code mean?
The F68 fault code (and its lockout variant A68) indicates that the boiler's control board has failed to read or load the configuration data from the BCC (Boiler Chip Card) — a small programmable module that stores the boiler's operational settings and parameters. In plain terms, the electronics at the heart of the boiler cannot communicate properly with this card, so the boiler refuses to run as a safety precaution. Ferroli uses two prefix formats: codes starting with 'F' are blocking faults that may clear once the underlying problem is resolved, while codes starting with 'A' indicate a full lockout that requires a manual reset before the boiler will attempt to fire again. A68 is therefore the harder lockout version of the same underlying fault. Either way, this is an electronics-level problem that sits firmly in engineer territory — there is no homeowner fix beyond a single reset attempt.
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
- Corrupted or failed BCC chip card Common
The BCC card itself may have developed an internal fault, become corrupted over time, or suffered physical damage. When the control board attempts to load the configuration file from the card at startup and finds the data unreadable or absent, F68 or A68 is triggered. This is the most frequently identified root cause on this fault code.
- Loose or poor connection between BCC card and PCB Common
The BCC card slots into a connector on the printed circuit board. Vibration, thermal cycling, or a previous service visit can leave the card slightly unseated, causing intermittent or total communication failure. The fault may appear and disappear if the connection is borderline.
- Faulty or damaged PCB Sometimes
If the PCB itself has developed a fault — for example, a failed component or a hairline break in a circuit track — it may be unable to read the BCC card even if the card is perfectly healthy. An engineer will use a multimeter to test the board and identify whether any circuit paths are broken. Minor wiring faults can sometimes be repaired; a board that has failed internally usually needs replacing.
- Incorrectly fitted or mismatched BCC card Sometimes
If a replacement BCC card was fitted during a previous service and it was either the wrong specification for this boiler model or was not seated fully into its connector, the control board will reject it. This cause is worth flagging to an engineer if any recent work was carried out on the boiler.
- Firmware or software corruption on the control board Rare
The F68 code sits alongside related codes such as F66 (firmware not loaded) and F67 (configuration file error), which together suggest that the broader software environment on the PCB can become corrupted. A corruption affecting the service key file specifically produces F68. This is less common but harder to resolve without specialist Ferroli diagnostic tools.
How to fix it
- Check whether the boiler displays A68 or F68 DIY safe
Note exactly what the display shows. F68 is a blocking fault and may clear on its own if the cause is transient; A68 is a full lockout and will not restart without a manual reset. Either way, work through the steps below before calling an engineer.
- Attempt a single manual reset DIY safe
Locate the reset button — usually labelled with an 'R' or a flame symbol on the boiler's fascia. Hold it for approximately 5–10 seconds until the boiler attempts to restart. If it fires up and runs normally, monitor it over the next hour or two. If F68 or A68 returns, do not keep resetting. Repeated forced restarts on an electronics fault will not help and can potentially cause further damage.
- Do not attempt to access internal components Gas Safe engineer
The BCC chip card and PCB are located inside the boiler casing. Removing the casing, touching the chip card, or handling the PCB requires electrical competence and knowledge of the specific model. This is not a homeowner task — leave internal inspection to a qualified engineer.
- Call a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect the BCC card and PCB Gas Safe engineer
An engineer will remove the boiler casing, locate the BCC chip card, and check that it is correctly and securely seated in its connector on the PCB. They will test the card itself to determine whether it has failed. If the card is fine, they will run electrical diagnostics on the PCB using a multimeter to check for broken circuit tracks or failed components. Depending on findings, the repair will be either a BCC card replacement or a PCB replacement. You can contact Ferroli's own approved engineer network on 0330 205 0005 or book online via the Ferroli website if you would prefer a manufacturer-trained engineer.
Parts you may need
- Ferroli BCC Chip Card (Boiler Configuration Card) · from £60
- Ferroli PCB (Printed Circuit Board) · from £130
- PCB connector / wiring harness · from £25
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 £100–£300, depending on the underlying cause.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between F68 and A68 on a Ferroli boiler?
Both codes point to the same underlying fault — an error loading the BCC chip card configuration file — but they behave differently. F68 is a 'blocking' fault, meaning the boiler halts but may attempt to recover automatically once the condition clears. A68 is a 'lockout' fault, meaning the boiler will not restart at all until you press the reset button manually. If you see A68, try one reset; if the code returns, the problem is persistent and an engineer is needed.
Can I fix F68 myself by reseating the BCC card?
It might be tempting to open the casing and push the chip card back in, but we strongly advise against it. The boiler casing encloses live electrical components, and disturbing the PCB or wiring without the right knowledge can create new faults or a safety hazard. More importantly, if the card itself has corrupted or the PCB has failed, reseating the card will make no difference. A Gas Safe registered engineer has the diagnostic tools to pinpoint the actual cause and fix it correctly first time.
How much does it cost to fix a Ferroli F68 fault?
The most common outcomes are a BCC chip card replacement or a PCB replacement. A card replacement including parts and labour typically runs to around £100–£200, while a full PCB replacement is usually in the £200–£300 range, again all-in. An initial diagnosis visit where the engineer reseats the card and resets the boiler might cost £80–£150 if that turns out to be all that is needed. In rare cases where the fault is tied to a deeper firmware issue requiring specialist Ferroli tools, costs can be higher — worth asking about when you get a quote.
My Ferroli is over 10 years old and has come up with F68 — is it worth repairing?
As a rough rule of thumb, if the estimated repair cost is approaching 30–40% of what a new boiler would cost, replacement often makes better long-term financial sense — particularly on an older Ferroli where parts availability can add to lead times and costs. A Gas Safe engineer can give you an honest assessment once they have diagnosed the exact fault. If the fix is a BCC card at around £100–£200 and the boiler is otherwise in good condition, repair is usually worthwhile. If the PCB has failed on a 12-year-old boiler, it may be the point to start getting replacement quotes.