How to Fix Error 18 (Er18) – Hopper Out of Fuel Warning on WES E-Compact, Trianco Greenflame, Bioflame, and Greenflame Boilers

If your boiler displays 'Er18’, it means the system has detected that the hopper is empty of fuel. To prevent the auger from emptying completely, the boiler will shut down.

This guide will help you troubleshoot, reset, and recalibrate the fuel sensor if necessary.

Step 1: Check the Fuel Level

✅ Issue: The boiler shuts down when it detects low fuel.
🔧 Fix:

• Locate the orange rectangular sensor inside the hopper. It is positioned about ¾ of the way down.
• If you can see the sensor, the fuel level is too low.
• Top up the hopper with pellets, ensuring the sensor is covered.
• Add extra fuel to prevent the issue from reoccurring soon after.

Step 2: Reset the Error Code

After adding fuel, reset the error on the boiler:

1. Hold the power ON/OFF button for 3 seconds to clear the error.
2. Press the ON/OFF button again for 3 seconds to restart the boiler.

If the error disappears and the boiler functions normally, no further action is required. If the error remains, continue troubleshooting.

Step 3: Check the Fuel Sensor

If the hopper is full, but the error still won’t clear, the sensor may be faulty or misaligned.

🔍 What to Check:

• Look for damage to the sensor.
• Ensure the sensor is securely fixed in its bracket.
• If the sensor has come loose or shifted, it might be detecting the bracket or hopper wall instead of the pellets.
• In rare cases, the sensor might have fallen off completely or become unplugged and needs to be reinstalled.

Step 4: Recalibrate the Sensor

If the sensor appears undamaged but still isn’t working, you may need to recalibrate it.

🔧 How to Calibrate the Sensor:

1. Remove the sensor from its holder.
2. Hold it using pliers, but only grip the black plastic.
• ❌ Do not hold the orange part, or the sensor may incorrectly detect the pliers instead of pellets.
3. Hold the sensor horizontally, ensuring the black side faces you, with the wire pointing to the right.
4. Position the sensor about 10mm (1cm) from a solid surface (e.g., the boiler casing).
5. While keeping the sensor steady, press and hold the uppermost button until the orange light flashes.
6. Immediately release the button when the light flashes.
7. Move the sensor away and cover the orange face with your hand.

Now, try resetting the error again.

Step 5: Test the Sensor

✔️ If the error disappears when you cover the sensor’s orange face, the calibration was successful.
✔️ Place the sensor back in its bracket.
✔️ Test its function by uncovering and covering it with pellets.
✔️ If the ‘out of fuel’ message appears and disappears correctly, the issue is resolved.

🚨 If the error still won’t clear, repeat Step 4 but press the lower black button instead of the upper one.

Step 6: Replace the Sensor if Needed

If the sensor still doesn’t work after recalibration, it may be damaged or the cable is faulty. In this case, it will need replacing.

🔧 Need a replacement sensor or cable?
👉 Order spare parts here

📞 Need Professional Help?
🔧 Book a boiler engineer

Key Takeaways

✔️ Er18 means the boiler thinks the hopper is empty.
✔️ First, check the fuel level and top it up.
✔️ Reset the error by holding the ON/OFF button for 3 seconds.
✔️ If the error persists, inspect and recalibrate the sensor.
✔️ If the sensor is faulty, replace it to restore normal function.

 

 

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