Is Your Pit Boss Display Not Working? (5 Reasons + Solutions to Fix It)

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Is the display of your Pit Boss unit not working?

Not to worry.

This post will guide you on how to troubleshoot and fix your Pit Boss display issue.

Like other electrical appliances, the Pit Boss grills can also develop electrical and mechanical issues.

One of the most common issues with the smoker is the display not working.

Here, we will look at some of the common causes of Pit Boss display not working and solutions

Note: We recommend contacting the Pit Boss support team if you’re having trouble with your screen

Disconnected From Power Supply Outlet

Funny as it may seem, many people often forget to plug in their Pit Boss wood pellet grill to a power connection outlet.

As a barbecue beginner or even a seasoned pit master, It’s easy to get carried away with the thoughts of smoking your favorite meal that you forget to plug in your grill.

You’d be surprised that something as simple as this could be the cause of your blank LCD screen.

Solution

So, whenever you notice that the LCD screen of your Pit Boss isn’t displaying.

The first thing you should do is check whether it is properly connected to a working outlet.

This would save you a lot of trouble.

Bad Circuit Board Fuse

If the LCD screen of your Pit Boss smoker still remains blank after you’ve confirmed that it is properly connected to an outlet, the circuit board amp fuse has probably tripped and needs replacement. For more information on Pit Boss blowing fuses see here.

Solution

This may initially seem like a frustrating issue but it is easy to fix.

All you have to do is replace the blown fuse.

If you still have your user’s manual, look over it for instructions on how to replace the circuit board fuse.

Tripped Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI / GFI)

One of the common issues that could cause a blank screen on Pit Boss pellet smokers is a tripped GFI.

The GFI outlet is designed to prevent electrical shock when connecting a device but can trip if broken or have many heavy accessories connected to it.

Solution

Here’s a quick fix – check the wire connections and ensure they’re fully secured.

In addition, make sure the wires are completely dry. 

Another thing you can do is disconnect all appliances connected to it, leaving only the Pit Boss smoker connected.

If it doesn’t work still, then you may have to do further troubleshooting.

Disconnect your Pit Boss, then connect another appliance like a refrigerator to the GFI to see if it works.

If other appliances work, then your Pit Boss is faulty and you may have to replace the grill igniter.

On the other hand, if other appliances do not work, then you need to call a technician or contact Pit Boss customer service (if under warranty) to have the GFI fixed.

Faulty Extension Cord

This is another factor that could make your Pit Boss display not work.

As you may already know, the extension cable is what supplies power to your Pit Boss.

If the power cord is damaged, it will supply insufficient voltage to your Pit Boss, leading to a blank screen.

Solution

The solution to this problem is very simple. All you have to do is replace the extension cord. Once you do that, the display should come on.

Insufficient GFI AMP

If your Pit Boss doesn’t work on a specific GFI, it could mean the GFI is bad. The easiest way of detecting is by checking the GFI outlet’s amperage.

If the amperage is less than 15, your Pit Boss won’t get enough power for its display.

Solution

Try using a different GFI for your smoker.

However, if only one GFI outlet is suitable for your Pit Boss system, then you should try replacing it.

Here’s how to go about it:

  • First things first, make sure you switch off the main power supply in your home
  • Remove the faceplate of the GFI
  • Unscrew the outlet, then pull it out
  • Disconnect all the wirings completely
  • Put a new outlet, then reconnect the wirings just like it was
  • Screw the GFI and its faceplate back to their position
  • Finally, switch on the main power supply.

After completing the above steps, check the amperage of the GFI outlet. If it is above 15 AMP, the display of your Pit Boss unit should come up immediately you plug it in.

Other Display Issues

Pit Boss models tend to have 2 types of error messages displayed on the screen – ErH and ErP.

ErH

This type of error message means there’s a problem with the temperature control of the grill.

It could mean either the temperature probe wire is not connected properly, or the grill is overheating.

Excess fuel could be the cause of the overheating.

To get this issue resolved, put off the grill and have the pellets cleared from the firebox.

Another reason for the ErH message could be as a result of a grease fire in the cooking chamber.

To resolve this issue, switch off the grill and allow the flames to go out.

Alternatively, you can use kosher salt or baking soda to douse the flames if it doesn’t go out on its own.

After the overheating has been resolved, clear the error message by turning the dial off, then open the grill lid.

Wait for some minutes, and then turn the control dial to your desired temperature.

The ErH message could also display as a result of an improper connection between the temperature control system and the g wire.

For this, check the wire for damages and make sure it is properly connected to the control panel.

ErP

The ErP symbol is an indication that the temperature settings dial was probably left on when the grill got connected to the AC power (it is a basic safety feature that prevents the system from starting up accidentally).

Getting rid of the ErP is very easy. All you have to do is turn the cooking temperature dial off.

Then wait for a few minutes before turning the setting button to your desired temperature.

Replacing the Pit Boss Display

Replacing the LCD control board screen of your Pit Boss pellet grill unit is very easy. Follow the steps below:

Step 1:

Safety first – make sure it is disconnected from the power outlet

Step 2:

Unscrew the bottom panel of your device control panel.

Step 3:

After unscrewing the panel, detach the clips securing the control board, then pull it out.

Step 4:

After pulling out the control board, disconnect the wirings of the old panel, then attach the wires to the new control panel.

Step 5:

After attaching all the wires, put everything back in its place. Then screw up the bottom of the panel.

Step 6:

Switch on the power button of your Pit Boss system.

After following the above-mentioned steps, the control board display of your Pit Boss should start working perfectly.

Whenever the display of your Pit Boss doesn’t come up, all you have to do is follow the troubleshooting tips provided in this guide or contact support.

Smoke On!

Charlie

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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5 thoughts on “Is Your Pit Boss Display Not Working? (5 Reasons + Solutions to Fix It)”

  1. Light in power button comes on but no display and after turning heat control knob on the light turns off the nothing. Checked the control board fuse and it is good.

    1. Hiya Wayne,

      thanks for writing in and sorry to hear your having issues with your Pit Boss, if it not coming on now I would suggest contacting support

  2. Digital numbers work on pitboss until it gets hot then the numbers disappear. U can’t tell how hot it is or use ur probes because the display has disappeared. What can I do to fix this issue? I have the Austin XL.

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