High
F.20 on Vaillant ecoTEC exclusive System

Your boiler has shut down because it has detected an unsafe increase in internal temperature, likely caused by a sensor fault or an issue with water flow.

Call an engineer soon

Book a Gas Safe engineer within 24 to 48 hours. Your boiler may be unsafe or could break down completely if left.

What the manual says

Manufacturer manual

Safetyswitch-off:Temperaturelimiter | Incorrectearthconnectionbetweencableharnessandproduct,flowor returnNTCdefective(looseconnection),straysparkviaignitioncable, ignitionplugorignitionelectrode

From this model's manual
Verified against the Vaillant Ecotec Exclusive Combi installation & service manual, page 43.
Plain-English guidance below. Severity, DIY steps, costs and parts are our interpretation to help you act, not text from the manual.

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs because the boiler's internal sensors have detected that the water temperature has risen too quickly or exceeded a safe limit. It is usually caused by a lack of water flow, often due to a pump failure or a blockage, which prevents the heat from being carried away from the heat exchanger. In some cases, the sensor itself may have become detached or faulty, sending an incorrect reading to the control board.

This fault is more common in autumn when heating systems are first turned on after summer, as circulation pumps can seize due to months of inactivity.

Engineer required

This is a high severity fault. Stop using the boiler and call a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not attempt gas-related repairs yourself.

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