What the E160 code means
Across current and older Baxi ranges, including the Baxi 100 and 600 series, EcoBlue, Duo-tec and Platinum models, E160 is listed as "fan or fan wiring fault". Every modern condensing boiler has a fan that mixes air with gas for the burner and pushes the waste gases out through the flue. The boiler will not light unless it can confirm the fan is running at the speed it has asked for.
The fan reports its speed back to the control board. If the fan does not start, runs too slowly, runs erratically or the speed signal does not arrive, the board cannot be sure the flue gases are being cleared safely, so it stops and shows E160. That is why this is treated as a safety lockout rather than a nuisance fault.
Because the fan, its wiring and the control board are all inside the sealed casing, E160 is not a code a homeowner can fix. The checks below are about ruling out a simple power problem before you book an engineer.
Common causes of E160
Worn or failing fan motor
Fan bearings wear with age. A failing fan often gets noisier first, with a whine, rattle or grinding sound when the boiler starts. Eventually it slows down or stops.
Loose or damaged wiring
The fan has a power lead and a separate signal lead. A loose plug, a damaged wire or corrosion on a connector can cut the speed signal even if the fan itself is fine.
Water damage
A leak inside the boiler, or condensate backing up, can reach the fan or its connectors and cause a fault. If you have seen water under the boiler, mention it when you book.
Control board problem
If the fan and wiring test fine, the printed circuit board (PCB) that drives the fan may be at fault.
Power supply problems
A brief power cut or an unstable supply can sometimes cause a one-off E160 that clears with a reset.
| Cause | Typical sign | Who fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Brief power interruption | One-off code after a power cut, clears on reset | You, by resetting |
| Worn fan bearings | Whining, rattling or grinding on start-up | Gas Safe engineer |
| Loose or damaged fan wiring | Intermittent E160, fan sounds normal | Gas Safe engineer |
| Water on the fan or connectors | Recent leak or water under the boiler | Gas Safe engineer |
| Faulty control board | Fan and wiring test fine, fault persists | Gas Safe engineer |
Safe checks you can do yourself
- Check the fused spur that powers the boiler is switched on, and that nothing else in the house has lost power.
- If there has been a power cut, wait until the supply is steady before trying the boiler again.
- Check the thermostat and timer are calling for heat, so you can tell whether the boiler is trying to start.
- Press reset as your manual describes. Stop after two or three attempts.
- Listen as the boiler tries to start. Note any whining, rattling or grinding, and whether the noise is new. Do not open the boiler to look.
- Check under the boiler for water and note anything you find.
Never remove the casing to look at or spin the fan. The fan is part of the sealed combustion system, and disturbing it or its seals can let flue gases escape. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm, and if you smell gas call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
When to call a Gas Safe engineer
If E160 comes back after two or three resets, or the boiler is making new noises, book a Gas Safe registered engineer. They will usually check the voltage reaching the fan, test the fan and its speed signal, inspect the wiring and connectors, and check the control board. After replacing a fan they will also check the combustion readings with a flue gas analyser to make sure the boiler is burning cleanly.
If your Baxi is still under its manufacturer warranty, contact Baxi before booking anyone else, as a fan replacement is often covered.
Can I keep using the boiler?
No. While E160 is showing, the boiler will not light, so there is nothing to use. If a reset brings it back to life but the fault returns every day or two, do not keep resetting it to get by. A fan that is struggling can fail completely at any time, and repeated lockouts put extra strain on the other parts. Book the repair and use electric heaters or an immersion heater, if you have one, in the meantime.
Typical repair costs in the UK
Typical ranges only. The final cost depends on the model, the part and your area.
| Job | Typical UK cost |
|---|---|
| Engineer call-out and diagnosis | Typically £80 to £150 |
| Fan wiring or connector repair | Typically £80 to £150 |
| Fan replacement | Typically £200 to £400 fitted |
| Control board (PCB) replacement | Typically £300 to £500 fitted |
If the boiler is old and needs a fan and a board at the same time, ask the engineer for a combined price and for an honest view on whether repair still makes sense.
How to stop E160 coming back
An annual service is the best protection. The engineer can listen to the fan, check its connections and spot early wear before the fan fails completely. Get any leaks from the boiler fixed promptly, as water reaching electrical parts is a common cause of fan and board faults. If your area has frequent power cuts, mention it to your engineer. Our boiler service cost guide covers what a service includes. For ignition problems that are not fan related, see our page on Baxi E133, and for general faults after a series of lockouts, see Baxi E168.