S.133 on a Vaillant heat pump: Domestic hot water: Prerun The start conditions for the compressor in domestic hot water mode are checked. Start the other actuators for domestic hot water mode
Short answer
On a Vaillant heat pump, S.133 means: Domestic hot water: Prerun The start conditions for the compressor in domestic hot water mode are checked. Start the other actuators for domestic hot water mode. The heat pump keeps running. The wording differs by model range — each is shown below.
Reviewed 23 September 2026 · 3 sources
What it means
On the aroTHERM plus (VWL ../6 A)
The manual says: Domestic hot water: Prerun The start conditions for the compressor in domestic hot water mode are checked. Start the other actuators for domestic hot water mode.
Part involved: Heat pump control (status/Live Monitor).
When it shows: Domestic hot water: Prerun The start conditions for the compressor in domestic hot water mode are checked. Start the other actuators for domestic hot water mode.
Likely causes:
- Operating status reported by the heat pump control (not a fault in itself).
On the flexoTHERM exclusive (VWF ../4)
The manual says: Hot water: Pre-run.
Part involved: Heat pump control (status/Live Monitor).
When it shows: See official description.
Likely causes:
- Operating status reported by the heat pump control (not a fault in itself).
On the geoTHERM mini (VWS 30/4, VWS 36/4.1)
The manual says: Hot water: Flow.
Part involved: Heat pump control (status/Live Monitor).
When it shows: See official description.
Likely causes:
- Operating status reported by the heat pump control (not a fault in itself).
Is it safe?
| Does the heat pump stop? | No |
|---|---|
| Severity | Information only |
| Engineer needed? | No |
The heat pump keeps running.
Resetting itself: yes - status changes automatically with operating state.
Manual reset: not applicable.
What you can check
- Operating status only - no action needed. If heating or hot water is not being delivered for a long period, note the status code and tell your installer.
What the engineer will check
- None required unless heating/hot water is not delivered; then review status history, settings and application limits.
Who to ask for: Vaillant-trained heat pump installer/engineer (MCS-certified installer).
Certification: MCS installer certification; Vaillant product training recommended.
Sources
- Heat pump control interface module (VWZ AI) operating and installation instructions ↗ · 0020291573_01 · page VWZ AI appliance interface 0020291573_01 p.31; uniTOWER VIH QW 190/6 E 0020291525_05 p.57; VWZ MEH 97/6 hydraulic station 0020291544_03 p.49; aroTHERM split hydraulic station VWL ../5 IS 0020257319_05 p.54 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
- flexoTHERM exclusive VWF 57/4 - 197/4 400V installation and maintenance instructions ↗ · 0020213394_05 · page flexoTHERM 400 V 0020213394_05 p.48; flexoTHERM 230 V 0020213395_04 p.43 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
- geoTHERM mini VWS 36/4.1 230 V installation manual ↗ · 0020250181_00 · page geoTHERM mini 0020250181_00 p.35 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 23 September 2026