236 on a NIBE heat pump: Sensor fault AZ2-BT20: Sensor not connected/defective (exhaust air, FLM 2)
Short answer
On a NIBE heat pump, 236 means: Sensor fault AZ2-BT20: Sensor not connected/defective (exhaust air, FLM 2). The heat pump keeps running with some functions stopped. An engineer is needed to fix the cause.
Reviewed 23 September 2026 · 2 sources
What it means
The manuals for this range word it in different ways:
- Sensor fault AZ2-BT20: Sensor not connected/defective (exhaust air, FLM 2).
- Defrosting fault: 10 failed consecutive defrostings [other NIBE documents: Heat pump (selected outdoor unit) sends fault message to controller].
Part involved: temperature/pressure sensor; evaporator defrost.
When it shows: Sensor not connected/defective (exhaust air, FLM 2) 10 failed consecutive defrostings; Heat pump (selected outdoor unit) sends fault message to controller.
Likely causes:
- S2125: System temperature and/or flow too low; insufficient available system volume; significant wind effect | F2120: System temperature and/or flow too low; insufficient available system volume; significant wind effect | S2060: System temperature and/or flow too low; insufficient system volume; poor airflow e.g. leaves, snow, ice or strong wind.
Is it safe?
| Does the heat pump stop? | Partly |
|---|---|
| Severity | Fault — needs a manual reset once the cause is fixed |
| Engineer needed? | Yes |
The heat pump keeps running with some functions stopped.
Resetting itself: no/unknown - Circulation pump in FLM blocked.
Manual reset: Reset from the controller alarm menu ('reset alarm' / 'Reset alarm and try again'); alarm recurs if the cause remains.
What you can check
- Read the alarm text and the 'info/action' help on the controller display (VVM/SMO or S-series smartguide). NIBE's manuals let the homeowner select 'reset alarm' ('Reset alarm and try again' on S-series); if the lamp returns to normal the alarm has cleared. If it comes back, do not keep resetting: select 'aid mode' ('Auxiliary operation' on S-series) if offered, so any electric additional heat keeps heat/hot water going, and contact your installer.
- Read the alarm text and the 'info/action' help on the controller display (VVM/SMO or S-series smartguide). NIBE's manuals let the homeowner select 'reset alarm' ('Reset alarm and try again' on S-series); if the lamp returns to normal the alarm has cleared. If it comes back, do not keep resetting: select 'aid mode' ('Auxiliary operation' on S-series) if offered, so any electric additional heat keeps heat/hot water going, and contact your installer. Check the outdoor unit is not blocked by leaves, snow or ice and that nothing obstructs the airflow.
What the engineer will check
- Check sensor and its connections/wiring against the wiring diagram; measure sensor resistance against the NIBE temperature/resistance table; check the relevant PCB input.
- Check system volume and flow during defrost, particle filter, circulation pump, evaporator airflow, evaporator/defrost sensors and refrigerant circuit. NIBE lists: System temperature and/or flow too low; insufficient available system volume; significant wind effect; System temperature and/or flow too low; insufficient system volume; poor airflow e.g. leaves, snow, ice or strong wind.
Who to ask for: NIBE-trained heat pump installer (NIBE PRO / VIP).
Certification: Electrical work to BS 7671 by a competent person; None specific beyond competent heat pump installer; electrical work to BS 7671.
What you might notice
Sources
- ALARM LIST - NIBE products with Emmy display, Version 1747-1 (updated 2017-11-23) ↗ · 1747-1 · page 7 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
- Installer manual Air/water heat pump NIBE S2125 UK 1x230V IHB EN 2525-1 (831874) ↗ · IHB EN 2525-1 · page 41 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 23 September 2026