Flame loss Manual
The E012 error code on Navien boilers indicates flame loss manual. Symptoms include counts the incidents of flame loss, and if the incident occurs 20 times consecutively displays 012e (manually.
Navien E012 means: flame loss manual. The usual causes are faulty or worn ignition electrode, cracked or dirty ignition lead or gas supply interruption or low gas pressure. A Gas Safe registered engineer should diagnose the root cause.
What Does E012 Mean
The E012 code is shown by the boiler’s control board when it detects flame loss manual. The boiler then stops instead of continuing to run in that condition: the code is the appliance reporting a problem, not proof that the boiler is broken.
| What you see on the boiler |
|---|
| counts the incidents of flame loss |
| and if the incident occurs 20 times consecutively displays 012E (manually |
Common Causes
Causes documented in 2 technical sources.
| Cause |
|---|
| Faulty or worn ignition electrode |
| cracked or dirty ignition lead |
| gas supply interruption or low gas pressure |
| blocked condensate drain preventing ignition |
| defective gas valve not opening |
| faulty PCB (printed circuit board) not sending ignition signal |
Safety Warning
E012 is a gas-related fault. Never attempt to repair or adjust the gas valve, burner assembly, or flue system yourself. All gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer (UK) or licensed HVAC technician (US). Repeated resets after ignition failure can cause unburnt gas to accumulate inside the combustion chamber — this is a serious safety hazard. If you smell gas at any point, turn off the gas supply at the meter, open windows, leave the property, and call your gas emergency service immediately. Warning: this fault code may relate to gas supply, flue or combustion issues. Do not attempt repair — contact a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately.
Parts & Prices
Prices shown are indicative. Actual prices and availability vary by region.
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Verify gas supply — check gas meter is on and other gas appliances work
Inspect the ignition electrode — look for cracks, carbon build-up, or incorrect gap (typically 3-4mm)
Check the ignition lead — ensure it is securely connected and not damaged
Test the gas valve — measure voltage at the gas valve terminals during ignition attempt (should read 24V AC or mains depending on model)
Inspect the flue system — check for blockages, birds' nests, or debris
Check the condensate trap and drain — a blocked condensate pipe can prevent ignition
Verify the ionisation probe is clean and correctly positioned
If all above pass, test the PCB by measuring outputs during ignition sequence
How to Fix It
Bleed the system of air
flush the heating system if sludge is present (consider a power flush)
replace the pump if it is not circulating
descale or replace the heat exchanger if blocked with limescale
open any closed valves
replace faulty thermistors
Refer to the Navien service documentation for the detailed procedure. Only a qualified engineer should carry out these repairs.
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Affected Models
Navien models that can display fault code E012:
| Model Family | Output Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| All Navien models | — | Possible |
Frequently Asked Questions
Bleed the system of air. According to the technical documentation, this is the first check on the list for E012.
E012 is classified as a high-severity fault: it involves gas, combustion or flue components. Do not keep resetting the boiler and do not attempt the repair yourself — call a Gas Safe registered engineer.