E4
Utica
Exhaust / Flue Temperature Fault
Boiler shows E4 and shuts down before or during ignition
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Blocked vent or intake, Failed flue temperature sensor, Incorrect vent length or slope, Recirculation of flue gases at termination
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power and gas. Flue components may be hot and flue gas can be hazardous.
- Inspect venting system: Follow the PVC/CPVC/PP vent and intake pipes from the Utica boiler to the outside. Look for sags holding condensate, disconnections, or crushed sections. Correct any visible issues.
- Check termination: Outside, verify that the vent and intake terminations are not blocked by snow, leaves, nests, or debris. Clear any obstructions and maintain required clearances per Utica manual.
- Examine flue temperature sensor: Locate the flue gas temperature sensor (usually clipped to or inserted into the exhaust outlet near the heat exchanger). Inspect wiring and connector. If the sensor is loose from the flue surface, reattach securely.
- Test sensor continuity: With power off, disconnect the flue sensor and measure resistance with a multimeter. Compare to Utica's temperature/resistance chart. Replace if open, shorted, or far out of range.
- Reset and test: Restore power and gas, reset the boiler, and observe operation. If E4 recurs quickly, vent design or combustion issues may exist and require a professional with combustion analysis tools.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Flue Temperature Sensor
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