If your Ideal Logic, Logic+, Logic Max, Vogue MAX, Independent or older Mexico boiler is flashing F2 on the display (often with a red light and no heating or hot water), you’ve got a classic flame loss issue.
F2 means the boiler successfully lit the flame but then lost it during operation, so the PCB (the boiler’s brain) has locked everything out for safety.
This fault is super common on Ideal boilers across the UK, especially in winter when demand spikes or after years of hard running. It’s not the same as FD (no flame at all) or L2 (ignition failure) – this is the flame flickering out mid-burn.
What Actually Causes F2 on Ideal Boilers
Stuck or Faulty Gas Valve
The number-one culprit. The valve gets gummed up with debris or the solenoid sticks, so it doesn’t supply steady gas – the flame lights but starves and dies.
Frozen Condensate Pipe
On a frosty morning, the external white pipe blocks solid, backing up water and disrupting the burner. Very common on Logic and Vogue combis.
Low or Fluctuating Gas Pressure
Street supply dips when everyone cranks the heating, or the meter regulator ices up – the flame can’t stay lit.
Blocked Flue or Fan Issues
Leaves, snow or a clogged venturi (dust/spiders) restrict airflow, starving the flame of oxygen.
Worn Flame Detection Electrode
The probe gets coated or cracks after 8–10 years, so the PCB thinks the flame has gone even if it hasn’t.
Safe DIY Checks You Can Do Right Now
Reset the boiler – hold the reset button or spanner symbol for 5 seconds. If it fires and runs steady, you dodged a bullet.
Thaw a frozen condensate pipe – pour warm (not boiling) water over the external white pipe until it drains, then reset.
Check your gas meter – ensure the emergency valve is open (handle parallel to the pipe) and no recent supply work has trapped air.
That’s your lot – no poking around inside.
When You Must Call a Gas Safe Engineer (Nearly Always with F2)
F2 is a gas and flame safety fault. Only a registered engineer can test gas pressure, free or replace the valve, clean the burner, or check the electrode. Attempting it yourself is illegal and risky.
Verify they’re Gas Safe at www.gassaferegister.co.uk – bonus if they’re Ideal-trained for quicker diagnosis.
Typical 2025 Repair Costs for Ideal F2
- Gas valve clean or repair: £200–£320
- New gas valve (most common): £320–£480 fitted
- Flame electrode replacement: £140–£220
- Condensate trap/siphon fix: £120–£180
- Fixed-price “F2 flame loss” repair: £280–£420 (widely available now)
How to Prevent F2 Coming Back
Annual service – the engineer checks the gas valve and electrode gaps every year.
Upgrade the condensate pipe to 32 mm or add trace heating if freezing is recurrent.
Fit a magnetic filter and inhibitor from the start to keep debris out of the valve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ideal F2
What’s the difference between F2 and FD?
F2 = flame lit then lost during run. FD = no flame detected at all (ignition failure).
Will resetting fix F2 permanently?
Only for temporary glitches like a brief pressure dip. If it returns, there’s a real fault.
Is F2 covered by Ideal warranty?
Yes – if still in the 7–12 year period with full annual services by an approved installer.
My boiler is 5 years old – why F2 so soon?
Often a stuck valve from poor water quality or frozen pipe – still fully warrantied.
F2 or L2 – how do I know?
L2 is on older models for the same flame loss; F2 is the current code on Logic+ and Vogue.
Staring at F2 right now? Drop your exact model (Logic+ 24, Vogue MAX 26, Independent C35 etc.) and symptoms in the comments and we’ll pinpoint the likely cause and cost.
Stay warm,
The Boilers2Go Team
With years of experience in boilers and home improvements in general, Myles Robinson is a passionate advocate for making home heating simpler, safer, and more affordable for households across the UK. With years of experience in the heating industry, Myles combines hands-on knowledge with a focus on customer-first service, helping homeowners choose the right boiler, understand their systems, and keep their heating running efficiently all year round. His articles break down complex topics into clear, practical advice you can trust.