Regardless of the degree of complexity and build quality of technical devices, any of them can malfunction during operation. The cause of violations is trivial wear and tear, factory defects or incorrect operation. Let's look at what the E4 error in a gas boiler means and what threatens, and we will analyze the typical ways to fix it.
In our article you will find tips for diagnosing a gas heater and a step-by-step description of troubleshooting methods with the indicated alphanumeric designation.
Our recommendations will help you choose the right path to restore the boiler's performance. You can decide whether it is worth correcting the situation on your own or it is better to call the gas workers.
The content of the article:
- Violations in work with the E4 code
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Correcting the situation in the boilers Electrolux
- Diagnostic restart
- Search and elimination of leaks
- Is it the pressure sensor?
- Disturbances in the operation of the circulation pump
- Variations of breakdowns with E4 code
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Violations in work with the E4 code
Domestic gas equipment requires regular inspection and close attention from the owners. After all, the slightest malfunction can turn into a serious disaster. From irretrievably lost equipment to various degrees of poisoning and explosions with fires - all these are the consequences of seemingly insignificant breakdowns.
Manufacturers of units for servicing private heating and hot water circuits were well aware that not all of the owners of the equipment would be prepared for their operation at a professional level. Therefore, a system of warnings was developed that are highlighted on the displays of boilers.
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In order for the user to cope with the control and adjustment of the new generation boilers without specialized education and training, the units are equipped with electronic control devices with displays
During setup, functions and parameters are displayed on the electronic screen of the gas boiler, making it much easier for the user to select the mode he needs
The owner of a gas boiler has the ability to constantly monitor the performance of gas equipment in order to take timely measures in case of maturing or a breakdown.
In the event of a malfunction of the gas appliance, the user will immediately receive a signal in the form of a set of numbers and letters, which in fact are an automatic self-diagnosis
New generation gas boilers
Facilitating the process of setting parameters
Demonstration of performance
Timely error signal
One thing is bad: almost all brands have their own alphanumeric designation of boiler breakdown. In some ways, decryption systems have something in common, but mostly differ. Hardware error codes with the Bosch logo, for example, are completely unacceptable for diagnosis. breakdowns of Viessmann boilers or Ariston appliances.
What to do in a difficult situation if your gas water heater stubbornly beeps, highlighting the E4 error? It’s as easy as shelling pears to disassemble all the typical malfunctions of heating equipment, most often purchased by our compatriots.
Correcting the situation in the boilers Electrolux
As an example, consider the Swedish-made wall models with the Elektrolux logo. More precisely, let us analyze the violations in the functionality of the units with the indicated type of error.
The renowned supplier of quality and reliable technology has developed a unified error reporting system for single-circuit devices with closed combustion chamber (Basic S Fi), for dual-circuit models with closed (Basic Space Fi, Basic X Fi) and open (Basic Space i) chambers combustion.
Similar codes are used in reporting and decoding errors of Electrolux units of the Magnum, Basic Duo, Quantum series.
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Under the Electrolux brand, floor and wall types of gas boilers are produced and supplied to the world market. These include models with a closed and open combustion chamber
The assortment of the manufacturer Electrolux includes boilers with mechanical push-button and remote control. All units are equipped with LCD display
The system of symbols for setting up and the system of codes for identifying errors for all models of the Electrolux brand is the same
Regardless of the complexity of the control system and equipment of the Electrolux boiler, they show the same codes when violations occur
Wall mounted gas boiler from Electrolux
Remote controlled gas heater
Unified error detection system
Boiler with push-button control
The reasons for displaying the E4 code on the electronic board in the listed models include:
- Low pressure in the heating circuit connected to the boiler.
- Lack of contact between the pressure sensor and the internal wiring of the boiler.
- Breakdown of the circulation pump.
In all these cases, the pressure sensor gave the command to block the operation of the boiler. There are two options: either the coolant is poorly circulating along the circuit, or he himself incorrectly took the readings. We will start looking for the cause with the most common violation - we will check the pressure in the heating circuit served by the boiler.
Diagnostic restart
If the electronic display of the boiler shows a pressure of 0.5 bar, try to restart the boiler first. It is possible that there is no pressure sufficient for the normal movement of the coolant through the heat exchanger due to a disruption in the electrical circuit or a breakdown of the pump.
On the display of Electrolux boilers, the E04 code appears if the circulation of heated water is impeded or the data logging and control devices are not working correctly
The fact that the pump or the electrical wiring connected to it deserves attention, repair / replacement will be indicated by an increase in the pressure value after a restart by at least 0.1 bar. In both cases, you should contact gas workers with whom contract signed for the supply of gaseous fuel and maintenance of the unit.
Search and elimination of leaks
If the restart did not give the above results, we will continue the diagnosis by inspecting the heating circuit. The most common reason for the appearance of an error with the E04 code on the electronic display of a gas boiler is a drop in coolant pressure due to an elementary leak.
To identify a leak, let's examine:
- Joints of pipes with radiators and fittings. We visually examine the floor under the system, looking for drops and puddles.
- Safety valve installation area. In the wall-mounted Electrolux models, it is built-in, located in the lower part behind the circulation pump. Dripping water will tell you about the presence of a leak in the area of its location, this is from the bottom of the case closer to the back wall.
We eliminate leaks in the external circuit using an accessible plumbing method: tighten the connections, change the seal or pipes, if the need to replace them is ripe. With leaks in the area of the safety valve, things are a little more complicated.
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The most common cause of pressure drop in the heating circuit is leaks. For example, due to loss of tightness in the joints
Illiterately selected heating devices may not withstand the load and leak. They need to be purchased taking into account the pressure in the system.
Another common cause is air locks in the heating system. Air can enter during filling or be released during the heating of the heating medium.
In "home" heating, all components are interconnected. Leakage with characteristic consequences can occur due to the safety valve built into the boiler (devices with a red cap)
Elimination of leaks in the pipeline
Loss of tightness of the heating device
Bleeding air lock from batteries
Safety valve in a gas boiler
To accurately determine the cause of the pressure drop, we call a foreman from GorGaz, who must check the pressure in the expansion tank. For this, the coolant from the system will have to be drained completely. Without it, in the cooled state, the pressure in the expander must be at least 1 bar.
If not, then:
- It is either the fault or the safety valve that will have to be changed.
- The diaphragm of the expansion tank is damaged. It will be necessary to change it, but most often they just put a new tank together with a new membrane. Especially if the warranty period has not yet expired.
- The expansion tank nipple spool is leaking. In such situations, the assembled spool-nipple assembly is completely changed.
After all the manipulations with the expansion tank, the master is simply obliged to pump a mixture of nitrogen and air into it to working values.
All the operations described above were carried out with an empty heating circuit. Therefore, after repairs, the pipeline, heating radiators and the unit itself must be refilled with coolant. The pressure in the ready-to-operate system must be between 0.8 and 1.2 bar.
A drop in pressure in the heating circuit can occur due to a malfunction of the expansion tank. If the membrane or the unit for connecting it to the pipeline is damaged, the tank of the gas boiler must be completely replaced.
If the pressure in the circuit filled after repair is not enough for the normal functionality of the system, we add the coolant volume through the make-up valve located at the base of the body.
By the way, the volume of the coolant is replenished through the make-up valve if the pressure drop has occurred due to the presence of air locks in the circuit. They need to be vented using Mayevsky's crane.
Start off air release follows from the device farthest from the boiler. After releasing the air, make up and slightly loosen the air vent in the boiler.
Is it the pressure sensor?
Suppose no leak is found, the pressure reading is normal, and the display stubbornly shows E04. What should be checked and changed now? You should look for a malfunction associated with the pressure sensor or its electrical connection.
In order to check the electrical circuit between the pressure sensor and the electronic board, you need a multimeter. If the device detects a break, the connection should be restored by replacing the damaged wire.
Incorrect readings of the pressure sensor can be a consequence of oxidation or contact failure, wire breakage or damage to the insulation of the wiring.
If everything is in order with the wiring between the pressure sensor and the control board, you need to check the contacts. If they become loose, tighten, if they are oxidized or rusted, remove the plaque that hinders contact with sandpaper.
In the event of a breakdown of the electronic board, it is completely changed, there is no point in restoring it. If the owner expresses a desire, then only the relay on the board, the burned-out transistor or the power supply unit are changed
Disturbances in the operation of the circulation pump
All of the above actions were carried out, but the result is disappointing? What to do if your gas boiler shows the E4 error, despite all the efforts made? What's the catch?
List of reasons for figuring out paths gas boiler repair is already significantly limited due to the method of eliminating probable breakdowns. Now all that remains is to examine the built-in circulation pump and the electrical wiring connected to it.
After restarting the boiler, select in the settings the speed of rotation of the "compass" impeller, indicated by III. Remember that all test and repair activities, for which you need to remove the casing of the unit, must be performed by the master of GorGas or a similar service.
It often happens that the E04 code appears on the screen of the Electrolux gas boiler due to irregularities in the operation of the pump. It is located at the bottom of the unit. Problems can be either with the device itself or with the wiring connected to it.
To study the technical condition of the pump, the gasman must:
- Test the pump performance using a magnetic detector.
- Check the pump "manually" if there is no magnetic device. For this, the end screw is removed from the front panel of the pump, behind which the end of the shaft with a longitudinal recess is located. A screwdriver is inserted into it and the shaft is turned.
If the shaft does not turn, check the integrity of the impeller. It is possible that it was jammed by a splinter blade or a cracked part. There is only one way out - to replace the entire pump.
With a free rotation of the circulation pump shaft, you will have to continue diagnostics, for this you need to:
- Inspect and ring the wiring with a multimeter, check the wire itself and the terminals for violations / disconnections / damage. They are eliminated as soon as they are discovered.
- Check the voltage in the power supply. If the problem is in it, all questions, including about the repair of the boiler, are referred to the structure of the centralized power supply. To protect the equipment from power surges and similar "surprises", it is better to connect it through a voltage stabilizer with a minimum power of 0.4 kW.
- Perform a functional test of the pump itself. To make sure that the circulating device is in good condition or malfunctioning, remove the terminal box and check the voltage on the windings of the device in phase and zero, changing the speed of rotation of the impeller.
If the resistance during the rotation of the impeller at the first speed is 440 ohms, and at the second and third - 220 ohms, you will need to repeat the procedure. If the resistance values do not correspond to the standards specified by the manufacturer in the technical documentation, the device must be replaced.
Variations of breakdowns with E4 code
Not all manufacturers of equipment for heating coolant and water in mixers adhere to the error coding and decoding system developed by Electrolux. For example, work heaters brand Baxi are blocked for a completely different reason.
When error 04 appears on the display, the boiler operation is interrupted due to the command given by the flame monitoring electrode. If the sensor responsible for this process detects a flame, the size of which is six times smaller than the standard, the supply of fuel to the gas burner stops.
The blocking of the Baksi brand gas heater is due to the command given by the flame fixing sensor. The device registers a decrease in combustion and a color change
The reasons for the drop in combustion intensity include:
- Violations in the smoke exhaust system. If flue gases are poorly discharged from the combustion chamber, the detector will detect a color change or a reduction in the size of the flame tongue.
- Clogged electrode of the ignition device. It must be regularly cleaned of carbon deposits and dust.
- Lack of contact between the sensor and the electronic board that controls it.
Of course, in addition to the indicated reasons, the failure of the control board or sensor can cause blocking of the boiler operation.
In order not to be mistaken in the diagnosis of gas boiler malfunctions, carefully study the device of your model and the technical documentation attached to it. It tells you what happened to the equipment and how to fix it.
To the owners of the Gazlux and Neva Lux boilers, the E4 error displayed on the display will inform about the heat exchanger overheating. This is caused both by irregularities in the operation of the temperature sensor, and by a reduction in the flow of water passing through the heat exchanger.
When the speed of movement and the volume of water passing through the heat exchanger drop, it is necessary:
- Clean the heating circuit filter. The device clogged with scale and mineral sediment significantly complicates the movement of water through a closed pipeline.
- Check the pressure in the water supply system. It is possible that these are punctures in the work of public utilities.
- Install the filter on the water supply line supplying water to the heater.
If the above measures did not help, they check the performance of the sensor and the board, and also test the electrical connections.
But the flashing of the error 04 on the display of the Navien Ace units is associated with the fixation of a false flame or a short circuit of the electrical connection of the flame sensor with the control board. In 99% of cases, you end up having to change the board.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Video instruction will help you to clearly understand the essence of the problem and understand the methods of its elimination:
Information on the decryption of a malfunction in the operation of gas equipment encoded by the manufacturer will help prevent negative consequences in a timely manner. All owners of units that consume gaseous fuel in their work need to know what they mean. It is a pity that almost all boilers do not have the same error values.
However, the reasons for the occurrence of violations are almost always identical. The main thing is to understand what is connected with what and choose the appropriate diagnostic path. We have sorted out a significant number of problems in the presented article, with most of them you can cope on your own.
