Sometimes you may encounter problems with your Pit Boss smoker. It may fail to light, or it may produce too much smoke. This problem is often caused by a faulty igniter. It is important to troubleshoot your Pit Boss smoker so that you can determine the root of the problem.
Once you know what is causing the problem, you can fix it and enjoy smoking your food again. In this article, you will learn about some common Pit Boss smoker problems and how to fix them.
Pit Boss Error Codes
There are several error codes that your Pit Boss smoker can display. These error codes can help you troubleshoot the problem so that you can fix it.
The following are the most common error codes that you may see:
Error Code Er1/Erl
When error code Er1/Erl appears, your Pit Boss will not heat up. The Pit Boss Er1/Erl code indicates that the temperature probe is unable to establish a connection. This mostly results from a faulty thermometer or low grill temperature.
Error Code ErH
If you see the error code ErH, there is a problem with your temperature sensor. This is usually caused by a dirty sensor or a faulty connection which leads to overheating of the grill. If it is the gill overheating, you need to switch off the power and unplug the temperature sensor.
After a few minutes, you can plug it back in and turn on the power. The grill should work normally now. If the problem persists, you need to replace the temperature sensor.
You can also check the control of the temperature sensor to see if it is set too high. If it is, you need to adjust it to a lower setting.
Error Code ErP
Error code ErP is the error that you may face while trying to use the Pit Boss. The error code ErP indicates that there is an issue with the power supply of the device or that the temperature dial was still on when you turned off the power.
If you are facing this error, then check if the power supply is properly connected or not. Also, make sure that the temperature dial is in the off position before you turn off the power.
If the problem persists, reset the Pit Boss by unplugging it from the power outlet and then plugging it back in.
Pit Boss Error Codes
| Error Codes | Error Code Meaning | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Er1/Erl/Err/ErL | Temperature probe failure | Secure the probe connection |
| Er2 | Ignition failure | Replace the ignitor |
| Erh | Overheating | Clean the whole unit |
| ErP | Incorrect shutdown | Reset the unit |
| noP | Bad meat probe | Replace the meat probe |
| Lo1/Lo2 | Programming codes (not an error) | No action required |
| 4P1 | Software issue | Replace the control board |
Other Ways to Troubleshoot Your Pit Boos
Flashing Temperature
When your temperature starts flashing on your control panel, the unit is running low on fuel. If it is a smoker grill is running low on wood pellets. If it is a charcoal grill, the fire is getting low and needs more charcoal. If your temperature is flashing and you have fuel, here are some things to check:
- Check the auger to see if it is jammed or clogged. If the auger is not turning, the fire will eventually go out.
- Check the fan to make sure it is working. The fan helps circulate the air in the firebox and keeps the fire going.
- Check the ash pan to see if it needs to be emptied. A full ash pan can block the airflow and cause the fire to go out.
Flashing Dots
The flashing dots on the control panel indicate a system error. To reset the system, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. If the problem persists, please contact customer service.
Blank LCD Screen
A blank LCD screen can be caused by a power outage or a problem with the control panel. If the power is out, wait for it to come back on, and then try to turn on the Pit Boss.
If the power is on and you still have a blank screen, do the following:
- First, check the power cord to ensure it is plugged in and the outlet is working.
- Next, check the batteries in the remote. If they are low, they will need to be replaced.
- If the screen is still blank, there may be a problem with the control panel. Please contact customer service for assistance.
- If the screen is flickering or turning on and off, it could be a loose connection. Check all the cords and wires to make sure they are secure.
Related: Camp Chef vs Pit Boss
No Heat or Low Heat
If your grill is not reaching the set temperature or the temperature is fluctuating, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.
First, make sure that all burners are turned on and that the gas is turned on to the grill. If the problem persists, check to see if the igniter is working. The igniter should create a spark when you push the button. If there is no spark, you may require to replace the batteries or the igniter itself.
Another possible cause of low heat or fluctuating temperatures is a dirty grill. If your grill has not been cleaned in a while, the build-up of grease and debris can block the flame from properly igniting. Try cleaning your grill with soapy water and a stiff brush to remove any build-up.
Grill Won’t Start
The grill won’t start is the most annoying problem you can encounter while grilling. There are a few things that could be causing your grill not to start, so it’s important to troubleshoot and find the root of the problem.
- Check your propane tank: Make sure that your propane tank is full and/or properly connected to your grill.
- Check the gas line: There could be a blockage in the gas line, preventing gas from reaching the grill. Make sure there are no kinks or bends in the line and that it is properly connected to the grill.
- Check the igniter: The igniter is what creates the spark that lights the gas on the grill. If it is defective, you will need to replace it.
- Check the burner: The burner could be dirty or defective. Cleaning or replacing the burner should fix the problem.
Too High Temperature
High temperatures can tamper with your grilling process, causing your food to cook unevenly or burn. If the temperature on your Pit Boss pellet grill is too high, there are a few potential causes.
- One potential cause is that the temperature sensor is dirty or damaged. Try cleaning the sensor with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
- Another potential cause is that the auger is not feeding pellets into the firepot at a consistent rate. This is caused by several things, including a clogged pellet hopper or a damaged auger motor. Try cleaning out the hopper and auger motor to see if that fixes the problem.
- Finally, it’s possible that the igniter on your grill is not working properly. This could be because the igniter rod is dirty or the igniter itself is damaged. Try cleaning the igniter rod with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Smoke Signals
Smoke signals can be tricky. If you see too much smoke, the fire is too hot, and the food will be overcooked. If you see too little smoke, the fire isn’t hot enough, and the food will be undercooked. The ideal amount of smoke is a thin blue stream that dissipates quickly.
If you’re having trouble getting the right amount of smoke, try adjusting the vents. Opening the vents will allow more air to flow through the fire and create more smoke. Closing the vents will restrict the airflow and create less smoke.
Also, check the type of wood you’re using. Hardwoods like oak and hickory create more smoke than softwoods like pine and cedar. So, if you’re using softwoods, you may require to use more of them to create the same amount of smoke.
Flare-Ups
Flare-ups are the most common problem with grilling, and there are a few things that can cause them. The first is using too much lighter fluid, which can cause the fire to flare up and even cause the meat to catch on fire. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure to use enough to get the coals going, and never add more once the fire is lit.
It can also be caused by putting the food on the grill before it’s hot enough. The juices from the meat will drip down and cause the fire to flare up. So make sure the grill is nice and hot before you start cooking.
Another common cause of flare-ups is grilling fatty meats. The fat will drip down and cause the fire to flare up. To avoid this, you can either cook leaner meats or trim the fat off of the meat before you grill it.
If you do have a flare-up, the best thing to do is to close the lid of the grill and let it die down on its own. Once the flames have died down, you can open the lid and continue cooking.
Temperature Fluctuations
If you notice that the temperature in your smoker is fluctuating more than usual, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure that all vents are open and that the coals are hot enough. You need to add more charcoal to keep the temperature consistent.
If the problem persists, it may be due to a faulty thermometer. Try recalibrating your thermometer and see if that solves the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why My Pit Boss Grill Will Not Light?
If the Pit Boss grill will not light, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.
- Check to make sure that the gas tank is full and that the regulator is turned on.
- Check the burner for any blockages.
- If there are none, try lighting the grill with a long match or lighter.
Where Is The Fuse On Pit Boss Grill?
The fuse on a Pit Boss grill is located in the control panel. To access it, you will need to remove the control knobs and panel. Once you have access to the fuse, check if it is blown. If it is, you will need to replace it with a new one.
How Do I Clean Pit Boss Grill?
To clean your Pit Boss grill, follow these steps:
- Start by removing the grates and wiping them down with soapy water.
- Use a putty knife to scrape any stubborn debris off of the grates.
- Once the grates are clean, wipe down the inside of the grill with soapy water.
- Be sure also to clean the burners, flame diffuser, and any other removable parts.
Why Is My Pit Boss Grill Not Getting Hot Enough?
There are a few things that could be causing your grill not to get hot enough.
- Check the gas tank to make sure that it is full.
- Check the regulator to see if it is set to the correct pressure.
- Check the burner to see if it is lit properly.
If you still can’t get your grill to heat up enough, then you may require to call a professional for help.
Why Is My Pit Boss Smoker Not Turning On?
If your Pit Boss smoker is not turning on, there are a few things you can check to see what the problem may be.
- Make sure that the power cord is plugged into an outlet and that the smoker is turned on at the switch.
- Check to see if the igniter is working.
- Check the fuel supply to ensure there is enough propane or charcoal to keep the smoker going.
If all of these things check out, you may have a problem with the control panel or thermostat. In this case, you will need to contact customer service for help.
Why Is My Pit Boss Not Holding Temperature?
Here are a few reasons why your Pit Boss might not be holding temperature.
- Pellets: If they are damp or have been sitting in the hopper for a while, they might not be burning as hot as they should.
- Auger: If it is jammed or dirty, it might not be feeding pellets into the fire as efficiently as it should.
- Firepot: If it is full of ashes, it might not be able to get enough oxygen and could be smothering the fire.
If you’ve checked all of these things and your Pit Boss still isn’t holding temperature, it might be time to call customer service. They can help you troubleshoot the problem and determine if there is a bigger issue at play.
What Does Blinking Temp Mean On Pit Boss?
If the blinking temp light on your Pit Boss smoker is accompanied by a beeping sound, the unit is not reaching the set temperature. The most common cause of this is insufficient airflow. Check the air intake and exhaust vents to make sure they are clear and unobstructed.
You may also need to increase the amount of charcoal or wood you are using to get the temperature up. If the problem persists, contact customer service for assistance.
How Do I Reset My Pit Boss Pellet Grill?
If you need to reset your Pit Boss pellet grill, follow these steps:
- You will need to unplug the grill from the power source.
- You will need to remove the pellets from the hopper.
- You will need to clean out the firepot and ash pan.
Once you have done all of these things, you will be able to reset your grill and get it back up and running.
Why Is There No Smoke Coming Out Of My Pit Boss?
If your Pit Boss smoker is not producing any smoke, there are a few possible reasons. The most common reason is that the wood pellets have not been ignited properly.
Make sure that you have followed the instructions for igniting the pellets and that there is a good amount of ash on the igniter rod. If there is no ash, the pellets may not be burning.
Another possible reason for no smoke is that the dampers are not set correctly. The damper closest to the firebox should be open halfway, and the other two dampers should be almost closed. This will allow enough oxygen to reach the fire without causing too much draft.
How Do You Unclog An Auger On A Pit Boss?
If your Pit Boss auger becomes clogged, there are a few things you can do to try and unclog it.
- Try using a plunger to push any debris out of the way.
- If that doesn’t work, you can try using a wire hanger to fish out the debris.
- If neither of these methods works, you may require disassembling the auger and cleaning it manually.
Pit Boss Vent Open Or Closed?
Pit bosses need to be able to control the temperature inside the smoker, and they do this by regulating the amount of air that flows in and out. One of the ways they do this is by opening or closing the vents. So, when you’re wondering whether the pit boss has the vents open or closed, it depends on the situation.
If the smoker is too hot, the pit boss will close the vents to reduce the amount of airflow and bring the temperature down. Conversely, if the smoker is too cold, the pit boss will open the vents to allow more air to flow and raise the temperature.
Conclusion
Pit Boss troubleshooting is not difficult, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. By following the tips above, you should be able to identify and fix the most common problems with your smoker.
They are easy to use and produce great results, so don’t be discouraged if you run into a few bumps. With a little practice, you’ll be smoking like a pro.
Thanks for reading, and good luck!
