Bradford White Error Code F16: Blower Failure

Severity
Warning
Type
digital display
Estimated repair cost: $250 — $600 (parts + labor)
Warning: Your Bradford White water heater has detected a blower motor problem and has shut down. You will not have hot water until this is resolved.

How to Fix Bradford White Code F16

  1. Step 1: Check the air intake and exhaust vents outside your home for any obstructions like snow, ice, leaves, or debris. Clear away anything blocking the vents.
  2. Step 2: Reset the water heater by turning off the power at the breaker for a few minutes, then turning it back on. See if the error code clears.
  3. Step 3: If the error persists after checking the vents and resetting the unit, contact a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

How to Reset Bradford White Code F16

  1. Turn off the unit using the power button on the front panel.
  2. Turn off the gas supply valve.
  3. Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit. Wait 30 seconds.
  4. Restore power at the breaker, then open the gas valve.
  5. Turn the unit back on. If the error returns, the underlying issue needs repair.

Resetting clears the code from the display but does not fix the underlying fault. If the code returns after reset, proceed to the diagnostic steps above.

What Does Bradford White Error Code F16 Mean?

The F16 error code on your Bradford White tankless water heater indicates a problem with the blower motor. The blower motor is responsible for providing the correct amount of air to the burner for combustion. When the system detects that the blower isn't operating correctly (or at all), it shuts down for safety. This prevents incomplete combustion, which could lead to carbon monoxide production or other issues. This error can be triggered by a few different things, ranging from a simple blockage in the venting to a complete failure of the blower motor itself. Because the water heater relies on the blower to operate safely, it's important to address this issue promptly. Ignoring the error could lead to further damage or even create a hazardous situation.

Common Causes

  • Blocked or restricted air intake or exhaust vent. This is the most common cause.
  • Failed blower motor. The motor windings may be open or shorted.
  • Faulty blower motor capacitor (if equipped).
  • Wiring issues between the control board and the blower motor.
  • Failed control board. The board may not be sending the correct voltage to the blower.

Diagnostic Steps

If... Check Expected
Blower motor is not running Voltage at the blower motor connector on the control board Appropriate voltage (typically 120VAC) when the unit is attempting to start.
No voltage at the blower motor connector Continuity of the wiring between the control board and the blower motor No open circuits.
Voltage is present at the blower motor connector, but the blower isn't running Blower motor winding resistance Specific resistance range as per the service manual (if available), or a reasonable resistance value indicating the windings are intact.
Blower motor runs erratically or makes unusual noises Blower motor capacitor (if equipped) for signs of bulging or leakage, and test its capacitance with a multimeter Capacitance within the specified tolerance range on the capacitor label.

Applicable Bradford White Models

Replacement Parts

Part OEM Number Est. Cost Where to Buy
Blower Motor — — —
Control Board — — —
Blower Motor Capacitor — — —

Related Codes on Same Models

Other codes that affect the same Bradford White model families as F16.

Code Description Severity
F1 Sensor Fault Warning
F10 Thermistor Short Warning
F11 Thermistor Open Warning
F13 Ignition Failure Critical
F14 Flame Failure Critical
F2 Dry Fire Protection Warning
F4 High Temp Cutoff Critical
F6 Flammable Vapor Lockout Critical