Vokera Vibe Max 30C Boiler Service in Grimsby

Appliance Details

• Job Type: Boiler Service
• Manufacturer: Vokera
• Model: Vibe Max 30C
• GC Number: 47-364-70

Findings & Diagnostics

Reported/Observed Symptom:
Booking was for a Vokera Vibe 30C Boiler Service in Grimsby. Customer reported the boiler kept beeping during use and was flashing with a CFS (or CF5) fault code. The customer also stated the boiler was a fairly new 12-18 month old install.

Fault Code: CFS

Diagnosis/Notes:
On the Vokera Vibe Max 30C combi boiler, the CFS fault code is actually a notification for "call for service".

Whilst I've worked on many Vokera models over the years, they're also a very niche manufacturer across Lincolnshire. For all my career within the gas engineering industry, Vokera have been known for producing budget combi boilers which used slightly older technology. All domestic combi boilers work on similar principles, once you've learned how they work, you're comfortable working on them all. But this was the first occasion I've performed a boiler service on the Vokera Vibe 30C.

Generally most boiler manufacturers advocate having their boilers main heat exchanger (or "heat engine") cleaned annually, so I checked the local stock for burner gaskets. No local boiler wholesaler parts database recognised this models GC number. I couldn't find 1 single part for this model available locally when searching manually either. Due to it being the first occasion I've been asked to service this model, I've read the Vokera Vibe Max service manual before attending the property. Vokera specify not cleaning the HEx unless specified within the fault menu.

Resetting the CFS notification was an overly complicated process. Unless an engineer worked on Vokera boilers constantly, there is no chance they'll remember the process until next occasion. You actually need the boiler service manual available to guide you through all the levels of passwords and numbered menu selections before being able to reset the service period notification interval.

Resolution

• Outcome: Boiler is safe to use.
• Parts Replaced: None

Additional Comments

Whilst this Vokera Vibe Max boiler is only 12-18 months old and will still be covered by manufacturers warranty, I find the lack of local parts availability concerning.

If each basic £10 part turns into a 5 day "mail order" or warranty claim process, it'll be massive inconvenience for households without a "power shower" or alternative methods of heating their home. Hopefully parts availability will improve over time.