Remeha Avanta Issue.

[Dazz71]

Hi. Thanks in advance for reading.

Ok, here goes, and I am sorry if I take a bit of time replying, the boiler is about an hour away from me. My parents aren't the most savvy of people.

So my mum as the Avanta 18v boiler in her house and it has an error code of 44 pop up.

They had the pipework all re-done after getting another error code just before Christmas last year, and the boiler as been working fine since up until a few days ago.

I've looked around the net and on here looking for a bit more detailed information on Avanta error codes, specifically error 44 but all I am getting is the list from the manual.
The manual says it is something to do with parameter checks and automation settings.

I've had advice from these forums before which helped me with a Baxi 105 (all that needed was something resoldering). Hopefully you guys will come through again.

With not being near then the more info I have for when we call an engineer the better.

If error44 is just a case of resetting it and bleeding, pump turning up or down, or anything short of taking it to pieces then I will go down to do it.

If it is something important needs replacing then at least I can point the engineer in the right direction when I'm on the phone.

They don't really need the radiators on at the moment, it's more about making sure they don't get ripped off again.

Anyways, any help is appreciated.

Edit: Just had a text saying that DF is 21, they have tried to reset it to 1 and it goes back to 21. Or something like that.
I am trying to clarify what they have done, how they reset it or if they set it to factory settings, but they are not picking up the phone.

 

[D_Hailsham]

As the manual says, E44 means parameter errors and recommends re-inputting the dF and dU values. which you will find on the data plate underneath the boiler.

The manual tells you how to get into the parameters.

If that doesn't work, the engineer will need to contact Heateam, who are the Baxi/Remeha service engineers. If that's the case it probably means a new PCB.

How old is the boiler? It may be covered by a 5 year warranty. (Remeha changed the warranty period several times.)

 

[Dazz71]

As the manual says, E44 means parameter errors and recommends re-inputting the dF and dU values. which you will find on the data plate underneath the boiler.

The manual tells you how to get into the parameters.

If that doesn't work, the engineer will need to contact Heateam, who are the Baxi/Remeha service engineers. If that's the case it probably means a new PCB.

How old is the boiler? It may be covered by a 5 year warranty. (Remeha changed the warranty period several times.)

Hi, and thanks for the reply.

The next door neighbours friend is a gas safe engineer, he's just popped around. Input all the procedures and it still error44'd. Rang the remeha team and they have said the same thing as you, the PCB.
Estimated cost of 256 plus vat, about 450£ fitted etc.
Obviously this is disappointing.

 

[D_Hailsham]

Rang the remeha team and they have said the same thing as you, the PCB. Estimated cost of 256 plus vat, about 450£ fitted etc.

That's about £140 labour charge for one hour's work. Maybe your neighbours' friendly GSE could do the job; and charge less!

Did you check out the warranty?

 

[Dazz71]

That's about £140 labour charge for one hour's work. Maybe your neighbours' friendly GSE could do the job; and charge less!

Did you check out the warranty?

Hello. And once again, thanks.

That was the gse's estimate, what he said is it would be no more than £450. 256 plus vat plus postage, another part may need replacing, plus time etc.
Without the other part and extra time it would be cheaper.

Either way it's not a viable option. Nearly a grand on pipe alone as been shelled out since last December. Plus if the PCB breaks again in a few months then they may get another on warranty but they'd still have to pay to get it changed again. Just seems to risky to keep on throwing money at it.

Definitely no warranty on that boiler either, too old. Gse checked the serial number when he was there earlier.

Think we are going to have to look into other options for the time being, they have an immersion heater for hot water but other heating suggestions are very welcome.

 

[D_Hailsham]

Nearly a grand on pipe alone as been shelled out since last December.

Can you remember what the Error Code was which resulted in relacing the pipework?

Plus if the PCB breaks again in a few months

What makes you think it will break down so quickly? Presumably the current board has been in there since the boiler was installed; or is it the 2nd/3rd board?

What's the other part the GSE thinks might need replacing?

PS. There's a brand new board on Ebay for about £100.

 

[Dazz71]

Can you remember what the Error Code was which resulted in relacing the pipework?

What makes you think it will break down so quickly? Presumably the current board has been in there since the boiler was installed; or is it the 2nd/3rd board?

What's the other part the GSE thinks might need replacing?

PS. There's a brand new board on Ebay for about £100.

Hi.

Error code, I can't really remember which, e4 or e22. One of them codes meant they needed new pipe from gas to boiler and water pipe from boiler to immersion heater.

I'm hoping the PCB wouldn't break down so quickly, I'm just being cautious. With it being out of warranty and 'old' then maybe it's getting to the point where wear and tear are taking their toll and it's time to put it out of its misery.

The other part, I don't know. It sounds like a gasket when they explained it to me over the phone earlier. Don't know if that makes any sense to you.

Cheers, will have a look on eBay asap.

 

[D_Hailsham]

Cheers, will have a look on eBay asap.

Just be aware that the same board is used on several versions of the Avanta. The first thing to do, after installing it is to input the appropriate dF and dU values. This configures the board for your particular boiler.

PS You must use a GSR engineer to install the PCB as it requires opening up the boiler.

 

[Dazz71]

Cheers, will have a look on eBay asap.

Just be aware that the same board is used on several versions of the Avanta. The first thing to do, after installing it is to input the appropriate dF and dU values. This configures the board for your particular boiler.

PS You must use a GSR engineer to install the PCB as it requires opening up the boiler.

Hi again.

Well they didn't need to go on ebay, basically between the friendly GSE and Macmillan cancer charity they got some information about government grants and are going for a new boiler instead.

Thank you so much for your help.

 

[D_Hailsham]

That is a good result.

 

[Tibbot]

Well they didn't need to go on ebay, basically between the friendly GSE and Macmillan cancer charity they got some information about government grants and are going for a new boiler instead.

Remember when manufacturers used all that pathetic 'dispel the myths' publicity about modern condensing boilers. No myth, there's your reality. People seeing fit to replace boilers after a few short years service as no longer economical to repair. Environmentalists - I sh*t 'em.

 

[Dazz71]

People seeing fit to replace boilers after a few short years service.

Well it's all about the cost. £256 plus everything else = to £350 to nearly £400 for a fitted PCB, just a printed circuit board. The mark up on that must be astronomical.
Plus the PCB would only probably be guaranteed if fitted by a certified gse etc.

So basically we are either over a barrel getting shafted and taking the chance on the things not breaking down again for something that's not much cheaper, or we have to replace a 95% perfect boiler because it's just too pricey to take that chance again.

In my parents case the manufacturers (and some gse's) have priced themselves out of things. Is just to expensive to repair boilers.

 

[simond]

The Avanta - widely bigged up a few years back in this very forum by a few 'experts' - has turned out to be nowhere near as durable as it should be.

It is a not a little ironic that some Worcester Bosch haters get emotional on here about a few plastic internal parts, when the whole front case of an Avanta is made of plastic. Reminds me of a certain Disney watch.