Navien · Boiler

E003 Ignition failure

High severity Navien NHB-HNavien NFB-H

What the control is telling you

The burner did not light during the ignition attempts. Manual action: check the gas supply valve and the igniter.

Applies to: Navien NHB-H (NHB-055H/080H/110H/150H) and NFB-H fire-tube (NFB-175H/200H) condensing boilers

Likely causes

  • Manual gas valve closed or gas supply interrupted
  • Inlet gas pressure outside the allowed range
  • Gas type DIP switch or orifice does not match the gas supplied
  • Dirty or damaged igniter / flame rod, poor ignition ground
  • Blocked air intake filter, vent or condensate trap

Test and repair steps

  1. Make sure the manual gas valve is open and other gas appliances have gas.
  2. Measure inlet gas pressure with the boiler at maximum fire (Special Operations > 2nd MAX): NG 3.5-10.5 in WC, LP 8.0-13.0 in WC (NHB-H spec table lists LP max 13.5 in WC).
  3. Confirm DIP SW2 #1 matches the gas (OFF = NG, ON = LP) and that the correct orifice / conversion kit is installed for the gas and altitude.
  4. Purge air from a new gas line before the first start (the manual has you run space heating until it shuts down from lack of gas, then restart).
  5. Warning: Turn off power and gas. Remove and clean the igniter and flame rod; replace if they cannot be cleaned, and check the gasket.
  6. Check the ignition ground wire is tight to the casing and has continuity.
  7. Check the air intake filter, vent terminations and condensate trap (filled with water and draining).
  8. Check the ignition attempt counters in Service Status Info, then verify CO2 against the combustion table after repairs.

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Source: Navien NHB-H Installation and Operation Manual, 11.14 Understanding Error Codes, p.119; Navien NFB-H Installation Manual, 11.7 Understanding Error Codes, p.116; NHB-H User's Information Manual (V1.0 Apr 2024), 5.2, p.24. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.

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For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.