Navien · Boiler

E109 Fan motor fault

High severity Navien NHB-HNavien NFB-H

What the control is telling you

The combustion fan is not reaching or holding the target speed. Manual action: check the fan and venting.

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

Likely causes

  • Fan wiring or hall sensor fault
  • Fan motor failure
  • Excessive vent restriction or blocked intake

Test and repair steps

  1. Run Test Mode > 1. Fan Motor; the fan should ramp up to top speed then back down.
  2. Compare Fan Target RPM with Fan Current RPM and Target/Current APS voltage in Status Info.
  3. Inspect venting and intake for blockage and confirm length/elbows are within limits.
  4. Clean the air intake filter.
  5. Warning: Power off, then check the fan connector and harness; replace the fan if it fails the test.

Settings for these units

Installation clearances (indoor) · Navien NHB-H

SideMinimum clearance
Top9 in (229 mm)
Back0.5 in (13 mm)
Front4 in (100 mm)
Sides3 in (76 mm)
Bottom12 in (300 mm)
Vent to combustibles0 in

Bracket gives 5/8 in (16 mm) from the wall; studs at 16 in on centre.

Common vent installs: 36 in above the top and 24 in in front are recommended for service.

Installation clearances (indoor) · Navien NFB-H

SideMinimum clearance
Top9 in (229 mm)
Back0.5 in (13 mm)
Front4 in (100 mm)
Sides3 in (76 mm)
Bottom12 in (300 mm)
Vent to combustibles0 in

Do not install on carpet; indoors only.

Remove the wood pallet and refit the 6 screws to keep the cabinet airtight.

Models that show this code

6 models in Navien NHB-H, Navien NFB-H

NFB-175HNFB-200HNHB-055HNHB-080HNHB-110HNHB-150H

Other codes on the same units

  • E031 Burner overheat
  • E046 Heat exchanger thermistor fault
  • E047 Exhaust thermistor fault
  • E060 Dual venturi fault
  • E110 Exhaust blockage
  • E205 Heating supply temperature sensor
  • E218 Heating return temperature sensor
  • E278 External system supply sensor not detected

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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.

Homeowner looking at this code? See what it means for you and when to call a technician.

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.