Pit Boss ERL Code [Why And How To Fix]
Pit boss makes great grills for at-home use. They make different varieties of grills that come in different price and size options. These grills can be very powerful and are usually very easy to use.
One problem that people sometimes face with this exceptionally well made grill is the pit boss ERL code.
Not to worry though, this code usually means that you are having an issue with your temperature, and need to reset some parts.
When done correctly, this ERL code will disappear and not bother you anymore. But, it will persist unless you find out the exact reason for the code.
In very rare cases, an ERL code is displayed because of issues in wiring. We will get into that in detail as well in this article.
What Does ERL Mean on a Pit Boss Smoker?
Pit Boss smokers come with a very well-detailed instruction manual. But, the manual book does not mention anything about this unique ERL code. So, what does this mean? What part of your grill needs fixing when this code is indicated?
There’s a lot of controversy around what exactly this code stands for. The right thing for you to do when you get this code on your grill is to call customer services. They will be able to help you understand what the code is about.
But, understand that getting this ERL code is quite common amongst Pit Boss users. Most likely, this ERL code means that there is an issue with the temperature probe. If not, the second most likely issue is with your grill’s wiring.
The ER1 Code
One of the most common ERL codes that are displayed on a pit boss control board is the ER1 message code.
From experience, we can tell that this error code stands for an issue related to the temperature sensor. This issue is specific to the sensor inside the pellet grill.
Pit Boss grills, come with a temperature sensor or a temperature probe inside the cooking chamber. This part regulates and monitors the temperature inside the grill.
Usually, this chamber is placed at the back of the grill. Using the temperature probe, a grill can read your desired temperature and regulate it. Using the help of the temperature sensors, the controllers inside this chamber will determine if there is a requirement for more pellets. Pellets are added to get a steady temperature on the grill. When your grill stops communicating with this temperature probe, there is an ER1 code triggered.
What Causes ER1 Code?
The ER1 code is mostly triggered because of two reasons-
1. Bad Wiring
One reason why the ER1 code could be triggered is because of a bad cable connection. The internal thermometer center could have lost its connection to the grill. That is why we recommend checking underneath the grill to look for any loose wires.
2. Dirt
When you Cook, the ash and grease on the grill can accumulate on top of the temperature sensors. If you do not clean your temperature probe properly, this grease can settle in and harden.
This can be one of the reasons why your grill is not able to take readings from the probe.
How To Fix Pit ERL Code On Pit Boss Smoker?
If your pit boss smoker error code ERL is persistent and is not going away, there are a lot of methods that you can try to fix this issue. There’s no need to get rid of your grill or call in a professional just yet.
Here are some methods that you need to follow to get rid of this ERL code.
A. Clean
Keeping your grill clean is one of the main parts of its maintenance. Dirtiness might seem like a very minuscule thing, but working with an unclean grill can sometimes cause irreparable damage.
B. Troubleshoot
To troubleshoot your pit boss grill, follow the steps below-
1. Turn The Power Off
Turn off the grill and smoker and let them cool down. Make sure to unplug the grill from any power sources as well.
2. Fix Wires
Reach underneath the grill and check if there are loose wires. These wires may be loose from the grill itself, or the temperature probe.
If you find any loose wires, you will have to fix them and the ERL code should go away.
C. Clean Temperature Probe
If you don’t find any loose wires, check the temperature probe. Sometimes, oil and gunk can build up on temperature probes and make it hard to read. When the grill cannot take any measurements from the temperature probe anymore, it will display the ERL code. Give the temperature probe a general scrub, and the code should disappear.
Why Is The Temperature Probe So Important?
When you start your Pit Boss grill, and it is set to the ignition position, the machine starts a process of pellet feeding to start the fire.
These pellets ignite and Increase the temperature on the grill. Your grill communicates with the temperature probe to understand what temperature you need for cooking.
Depending on this temperature, The grill will add pellets to reach the desired reading.
When the sensor fails to communicate with the grill, the ER1 code is displayed. This is because the machine has a hard time deciding which temperature it should run on. It might also not check whether or not the temperature is stable for cooking.
Because the grill becomes so confused, it often shuts down and displays this ER1 code.
How To Check Your Temperature Probe?
If you want to be sure that the problem is in your temperature probe, you can run a few tests to see if the temperature probe is running well.
One of the most efficient ways to check this is to use a heat gun and to check the internal temperature of your grill’s cooking chamber.
Remember, this test has to be taken only after you are sure that all of the cables on your grill are connected properly, and the temperature probe has been cleaned thoroughly.
For a more accurate reading, aim the heat gun at the sensor. You will find this spot against the back wall of your grills’ cooking chamber.
Compare the reading on the heat gun and the reading on the control board. If the reading stays under an accuracy rate of plus-minus 1°, your temperature probe is running well.
If the temperature on the board and your heat gun are vastly different, contact customer services, and replace the bad sensor.
Changing The Pit Boss Grill Temperature Probe
If you are sure that the problem in your grill is with the temperature probe, the right thing to do is to change it.
Luckily, replacing a temperature probe is not that hard of a task. You will first have to remove the damaged temperature probe by unscrewing the two scores. Then, the probe will easily unplug from the controller.
There are clear instructions on the Pit Boss grill user manual for this as well.
Take your new probe, and set it in place. Screw it on firmly, and check if it is giving you the correct readings.
How To Clean Pit Boss Temperature Probe
You have to clean the temperature probe on your Pit Boss grill very carefully. Any aggressive scrubbing can cause further damage to the probe.
We recommend cleaning the temperature probe with some lukewarm water and vinegar. Create a mixture using a 1:1 ratio of the two ingredients.
Give the temperature probe a good cleaning using a soft sponge. Make sure you get all of the grease and gunk off of the probe.
For good measure, you can even use a vacuum to clean the grill. While you’re at it, try and clean the burning pod as well.
The cleaner your Pit Boss grill is, the better.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How To Prevent Pit Boss Grill From Displaying The ERL Code?
A great way to prevent this code from displaying is by cleaning your temperature probes properly. Also, you can check if the wires are connected properly on the grill to prevent this error code from displaying.
2. Where Can I Get Help For My Pit Boss Grill Maintenance?
If you are not able to understand the root cause of your problem, the right thing to do is to contact customer services.
Although it might take some time, they have a very helpful customer service team.
3. Is The ERL Code Error Always Fixable?
Most of the time, the ERL, or ER1 code is completely fixable. After cleaning the temperature probe or connecting the wires properly, this error code should disappear.
But, there have been a few rare cases where this issue could not be resolved, and the grill could not be started again. If this happens, you should contact customer service immediately.
4. How Often Should You Clean Your Temperature Probes?
You should try and clean the temperature probe on your Pit Boss grill As often as you can. But, a good measure is to give it a good clean after you have had a barbecue party, or after you have cooked several meals on your grill.
5. How Long Does A Temperature Probe Last On A Pit Boss Grill?
This depends on maintenance. If you clean the temperature probe properly, and if you maintain your grill regularly, the temperature probe will last a long time. However, usually, a temperature probe lasts from 6 months to a year.
Final Verdict
So you want to fire up the grill and cook a meal, but have been greeted with a weird ERL code message instead.
Don’t worry, this is a very common issue, and can be fixed very easily.
The pit boss error code ERL is often a result of an unmaintained temperature probe. Just give the temperature probe or sensor a good cleaning, and the code should disappear.
If that doesn’t work either, check if the wires are connected properly. A lot of home cooks are greeted with this sort of message, and it’s usually not a big deal. Follow our instructions properly, and your grill will be good for use!
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