F.1213 on a Viessmann One Base: Communication error, refrigerant circuit controller, outdoor unit 2
Short answer
On a Viessmann heat pump, F.1213 means: Communication error, refrigerant circuit controller, outdoor unit 2. The manual does not say whether the heat pump stops. An engineer is needed to fix the cause.
Reviewed 23 September 2026 · 1 source
What it means
The manual says: Communication error, refrigerant circuit controller, outdoor unit 2.
Part involved: Communication error, refrigerant circuit controller, outdoor unit 2.
When it shows: System characteristics: The refrigerant circuit will not start.
Likely causes:
- Communication fault with the VCMU refrigerant circuit controller of outdoor unit 2.
Is it safe?
| Does the heat pump stop? | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Engineer needed? | Yes |
The manual does not say whether the heat pump stops.
Resetting itself: Not stated per code in Viessmann document 6199893 GB 01/2026 (VSA00009).
Manual reset: User may acknowledge via HMI after noting the code (6249162 p.57); the message returns if the cause persists.
What you can check
- On the HMI, tap the message and "?" to read the system characteristics and Viessmann's user tips; note the code (e.g. F.xxx) and text for your contractor (operating instructions 6249162 p.57).
- Acknowledge the message once via the HMI; do not acknowledge fault messages several times in quick succession (6249162 p.58) - notify your contractor.
What the engineer will check
- Check power supply of outdoor unit. Switch on if necessary.
- Check the CAN bus connection between outdoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 2:.
- Check wires and plugs for correct seating.
- Check connections for contact corrosion.
- Check cables for mechanical damage, e.g. crushing, kinking, chafing or breakage.
- Shielding must be connected to CAN Ground (GND).
- Check cable type: Li2YCYv, twisted pair, shielded or 2-core CAT5, shielded.
- Check cable length.
Who to ask for: Viessmann-trained heat pump engineer with F-gas certification and R290 (A3 flammable refrigerant) competence.
Certification: F-gas certificate (UK F-gas Regulations; EU 2015/2067 Cat. I cited by Viessmann) plus A3/R290 competence per EN 378-4 or IEC 60335-2-40 Annex HH (6202263 p.2).
Sources
- Service instructions for contractors: Heat pumps in monoblock design incl. hybrid – System configuration and diagnostics (Vitocal 150-A/151-A/250-A/252-A, IDU-A, AWMOF-151/251, AquaSnap 30AWH, BI-BLOC R290) (6199893 GB 01/2026) ↗ · 6199893 GB 01/2026 (VSA00009) · page 192 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 23 September 2026