Have you noticed the grill temperature numbers flashing on your Pit Boss’s LCD screen? Although this may sound frustrating, we have solutions to help you quickly resolve it.
This guide will explain how the Pit Boss temperature monitoring systems work, why it is flashing on your Pit Boss smoker, and how to fix them.
Table of contents
5 Reasons Why Your Pit Boss Temperature Is Flashing
The Pit Boss indicator lights blink for one of the following reasons: the grill is not hot enough, the auger is obstructed, the temperature probe is dirty, or there aren’t enough pellets in the hopper.
Below, you’ll find more information on each reason, followed by a section on how to fix it.
Note if you see the ER1 code or ERH code, we have further information about them.
Pit Boss Struggling to Hold Temp
The flashing temperature on the LCD screen means the temperature inside the Pit Boss is too low. This occurs when Pit Boss grills cannot reach the correct temperature or experience a drop in temperature.
When you set the grill to ‘Cook’ mode, the temperature will flash when it goes below 150°F or 65°C. In the ‘Smoke’ mode, the lights will flash if the temperature is below 110°F or 43°C.
In ‘Cook’ mode, the temperature can be set between 225°F to 500°F
In ‘Smoke’ mode, the temperature can be set between 200°F to 250°F
Temperature Probe Is Dirty
A dirty probe is a common cause of temperature swings in Pit Boss grills. The RTD probe is designed to maintain consistent temperatures inside the Pit Boss smoker.
When dirty, it won’t detect the correct temperature inside the unit, which can cause the flashing temperature issue or even shut the unit down.
When you open the Pit Boss grill, you will see the probe on the side that the hopper is on. It’s a small temperature probe built into the smoker. It is most likely the issue if it has black soot or grease.
The Are’nt Enough Pellets in The Hopper
Pit Boss grills also tend to experience temperature issues when there aren’t enough pellets in the hoppers. Ensure you have enough pellets in your hopper so that auger can feed the burn pot.
Feeding System Isn’t Working
If the auger jams, the pellets won’t pass through the tube and into the firepit, which means it won’t work correctly.
One of the main reasons for an auger jam is if you have wet or moist pellets; another reason can be a build-up of ash or grease. The auger can also break a gear or lose it shear pin that connects the auger to the motor.
How to Fix Temp Blinking on Pit Boss
Now that you understand why the pellet grill temperature blinks, we’ll provide a of solutions to each of the problems to fix them.
Clean Your Temp Probe
If you find the temperature probe dirty, clean it after every cook. This will help prevent the buildup of soot.
To clean the grill temperature probe, use a sponge with soap, water/vinegar, an old toothbrush, or a paper towel. If you use a sponge and vinegar, place something between the probe and the unit so it doesn’t get scratched. Avoid using any strong cleaners, such as oven cleaners, to clean inside your grill, as they can transfer to the food.
Avoid soaking the probe in water, as this can severely damage the wires, resulting in false temperature readings or the probe being too short. Also, check the wire connections to ensure the probe is firmly attached to the control panel.
Examine the Firepot
Using a shop vac, remove any ash buildup from the fire pot. Check the auger and unclog the any obstructions you can find.
If you find the auger and firepot are clean, your Pit Boss might just need a deep clean
First, you’ll need to remove the grease tray and cooking grates. Make sure there is enough airflow to the burn pot and no obstructions. You can also clean the grease tray to eliminate the gunk and residue built up over time.
The Pit Boss has a safety feature that automatically removes the pellets from your grill. This feature also allows you to perform a deep cleaning of the hopper and auger.
Check That There Is Sufficient Pellet Supply
You’ll want to open your hopper grill lid and check for sufficient fuel to keep the grill running. If you can see the auger, you will need to add more pellets. You also want the pellets to be level. Tunneling is a big issue; this is when the pellets make a tunnel shape void that stops the grill from getting enough fuel to run.
We recommend filling your Pit Boss Smoker up to the top with a dry batch of pellets to ensure you won’t run out when cooking. Always check to see if there are enough pellets before beginning cooking.
Use High-Quality Pellets
Pit Boss advises using high-quality pellets to ensure the grill performs at its optimal performance. These pellets will burn hotter for extended periods, provide a better hardwood flavor, and ensure the grill gets hot enough to work correctly.
Avoid using pellets with unnatural additives in your Pit Boss smoker. Instead, use 100% all-natural hardwood fuel for your Pit Boss grill.
Look for Any Obstructions
Clean the grill using a shop vac to collect debris, ash buildup, and loose particles in the firepot. Then, use a clean cloth or paper towel to remove the grime.
Check the auger and remove any obstructions. If it is working correctly, it may just need a deep clean.
Contact Pit Boss Customer Service
If your still having issues after troubleshooting the grill, contact Pit Boss. They have an excellent customer care team that can be reached via phone or email. They typically will walk you through finding the cause of the issue and providing solutions for fixing it.
| service@pitboss-grills.com | |
| Website | https://pitboss-grills.com/help |
| Phone Number | 1-877-303-3134 |
| service@pitboss-grills.com |
Why Do I See a Flashing Dot On My Control Board Screen?
If you notice a flashing dot on the control board display, the grill’s igniter is on. In this scenario, there’s nothing you’ll need to worry about.
You won’t need to touch the control temperature settings either. After five minutes in the startup mode, the ignitor automatically turns off.
Dealing with mechanical issues with your Pit Boss pellet grill can be annoying. However, luckily, the pellet grill temperature blinking issue is relatively straightforward.
Now that we’ve equipped you with the solutions, you can hopefully fix the problem and return to cooking delicious meals!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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