Pit Boss Meat Probe Common Issue (+ How to Fix Them)

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Is your Pit Boss meat probe not working? You might find food takes longer than normal to reach a certain temperature.

You might be second-guessing the accuracy of the meat probe. Fortunately, we have all the problems you can expect with a meat probe and how to troubleshoot them. 

Have You Read The Meat Probe Instructions Guide?

If you haven’t used a meat probe before, read the Pit Boss meat probe instruction guide. This will help you set up and use the correct setup. But if you already got your set up and using it but experiencing some issues, I’ll help you below.

MPC (Meat Probe Control)

The meat probe is controlled by the MPC. It is designed to allow users to set and control the temperature and the speed at which wood pellets are fed into the smoker. This is where the issue might be or a dirty probe. I will list the different error codes below so you can diagnose the problem. Then I will outline how to fix this issue.

Error Codes 

There are four error messages: the ErH code, the ErP code, the Err code, and the ER1, otherwise known as ERL. The two error codes directly relate to the meat probes ERL and Err.

ERL Error Code

This common error code means something is not quite right with the igniter or temperature probe in your unit.

Err Error Code – Dirty Temp Probe

The most common reason for seeing the Err error code is a dirty temperature probe. Make sure The Pit Boss temp probe cleaning is done regularly. When it isn’t clean, it can cause inaccurate temperature readings.

ERH Error Code

The ErH code indicates a problem with the grill’s temperature control. There are two possible causes: either the temperature probe wire isn’t connected properly or the grill is overheating. 

Turn off the grill and remove the pellets from the firebox if it’s an overheating issue. Check that the temperature control system and the internal temperature probe wire have a good connection.

If there is damage to the wire connections, you’ll need to replace the probe wire. You can firmly reconnect the wires to the control panel if the wires are loose. 

ERP Error Code

Conversely, the ErP message means that the temperature dial was still turned on when the grill had connected to the AC power.

You can solve the ErP error code by turning the temperature dial off. Then, wait two minutes before setting the temperature dial back to your desired target. 

All The Pit Boss Error Codes

Want to see a comprehensive list of Pit Boss error codes? See all the error codes here.

The Most Common Issues with Meat Probes

Temperature Swings

One of the most common temperature issues with the Pit Boss grill is fluctuations in temperature, which can be caused by many factors.

This includes problems like a dirty grill and opened lid, old pellets, a dirty temperature probe, etc. You’ll need to check the pellet grill for all of these issues. Keep your grates clean to prevent auger jams, grease fires, flaming out, and severe temperature fluctuation when cooking.

When cooking, always place the grill in an area that isn’t very cold or windy. Ambient temperature can significantly affect the grill temperature control.

Also, avoid keeping the smoker under direct sunlight, as this can raise the cooking temperature. Never use old pellets, as they create ashes that cover the temperature sensors, making it difficult to regulate the grill’s temperature consistently.

Other Issues That Could Indirectly Affect The Probes

The Grill Isn’t Heating Up to the Desired Temperature 

It’s frustrating to cook when the grill doesn’t heat up properly. You can test some of these methods to solve the issue: 

• Unplug the appliance from the power outlet. 
• Plug the cord back in to see if anything happens. 
• Look at the circuit breaker to see whether the GFI circuit has been tripped.
• Turn the temperature dial off and then turn to the smoke P setting. 

If these steps don’t help, you can clean the igniter using a brush. If nothing works, call the Pit Boss customer service team and let them help you. 

Grill Auger Won’t Move 

A motionless auger means that there is an auger jam in the grill. As a result, the motor doesn’t quite have enough power delivery or may be entirely non-functioning. 

Auger jams may occur when the pellets absorb water or debris causing them to swell, causing lumps of broken-down pellets in the auger and causing a jam, consequently, the auger motor won’t rotate. 

In this case, you’ll need to detach the pellet hopper and remove the bolts and screws holding the auger in place. Once the auger is removed, you can clean it using sandpaper and paper towels to remove the grime. 

Blank LCD Screen

If the LCD screen appears blank, check that the grill is plugged in. Another cause could be that the circuit board fuse is tripped. In this case, you’ll need to call the manufacturer to have it replaced. 

Also, take a look at the extension cord. If the cord is longer than 25 feet, the grill may have insufficient voltage to the grill. 

The Grill Won’t Start

There are many reasons a grill isn’t starting. Try removing the grease tray and cooking grate to check the igniter.

Try turning the unit on again. If nothing happens, swap the 5 amp fuse on the back of the control panel. Check the auger since the cooking grate and tray are out of the way. Remove any lingering pellets. 

Temperature Setting Isn’t Generating Heat 

The grill’s temperature setting lets you easily dial in the heat for cooking. However, inaccurate temperature readings could be a big problem. 

Make sure that enough oxygen flows into the firepot. Adjust the P-setting according to the temperature you have set on the dial. 

Troubleshooting the Pit Boss grill is straightforward and manageable. Once you can identify the problem, looking for potential solutions is easy.

Hopefully, we’ve given you the blueprint to overcome these mechanical or electrical errors when they arise. 

Smoke On!

Charlie

Hungry For More?

Smoke On!

Charlie

Hungry For More?

Smoke On!

Charlie

Hungry For More?