Pit Boss grill troubleshooting

Last Updated on: 3rd November 2023, 08:44 am

Pit Boss is a leading brand in the barbecue industry due to its unique products.

Pit boss grills are undoubtedly one of the best grills out there when you want to get something that is easy to use but provides the flavor of old-school grilling.

Pit Boss grills are usually known for their user-friendliness and versatility.

But as with any electrical instrument, they can also start to malfunction if not maintained properly.

Often, these issues are simple and you can fix them yourself.

Although some people argue that you should consider hiring a professional or simply replacing the parts.

But you can’t go this route if you have guests waiting for the smoked turkey while your grill is not starting up.

By fixing these issues, you can learn something new while fixing the issue at the same time.

So it’s similar to killing two birds with one stone.

To avoid you getting overwhelmed, we have created this master guide to troubleshoot almost all of the issues that you can face with a pit boss grill.

related:Best grill for Airbnb

After days of research and our own experience with pit boss grills, we have included everything you need to know about troubleshooting a pit boss grill.

But you should consider checking your grill’s user manual on a regular basis.

So let’s get started without any delay.

Pit boss grill Error codes

Pit Boss grills usually show different error messages on the display when some of their parts are malfunctioning.

Usually, the pit boss grill shows three error messages, each of them signaling a different issue.

You need to check the error message and then troubleshoot your grill accordingly.

If after troubleshooting, if the grill still shows the error message, then you might contact the customer support.

They will guide you better.

ErH

The first and most common error message that pit boss grill users often face is ErrH.

As obvious by the letter “H” , this error message is related to any malfunction related to heat and temperature control of the grill.

If you are getting ErH on the display of your grill, the most common reason can be inaccurate temperature control or grease fire .

Grease fires usually occur due to poor cleaning.

It can overshoot the grill temperature from the set temperature.

Solution

  1. If you get this error message on your grill, then you should immediately turn your grill off. After that, wait for it to cool down.
  2. Now that it has cooled down, open it and clean it properly. Make sure to clean the cooking racks and internal side of the grill to remove grease completely.
  3. After that, keep it there with its lid open for about 15 minutes.
  4. Now plug it back into its power supply and turn it on. The error message will be gone .

ErL

The second error that is rarely faced with a pit boss grill is ErL.

This error is usually related to low heat in the smoker when the set temperature can’t be reached.

You can remember this by relating ErL to low heat.

There are several reasons for the low heat in a pit boss grill.

The most common of them are faulty igniters or blockages of airflow.

If the ignitor is not working properly, then it’s like fighting an uphill battle. Your grill won’t heat up in any case.

Moreover, airflow blockage can also be a reason for the low temperature in a pit boss grill.

Airflow plays two roles in a grill.

Related: Pitboss Erl code ! What does it mean and how to troubleshoot it

The first one is that it helps in the circulation of heat throughout the grill, and secondly, it helps burn the wood chips, which also contributes to increasing the temperature.

If the airflow inside the grill is obstructed, either due to physical obstruction in the airflow routes or stoppage of the fan , then it can result in the grill’s temperature being lowered.

A faulty auger can also be the source of low temperature.

An auger is usually used to feed the pellets to the firepot, but if it’s jammed or not working correctly, it can result in the irregular feeding of pellets.

Due to this, the firepot will not be able to burn enough pellets and the temperature will be decreased.

Lastly, a faulty temperature probe can also be the cause of a low temperature in the pit boss grill.

If the temperature probe is giving an inaccurate reading, then ErL will be displayed even if the set temperature is reached.

If all of the above components are working fine, then a faulty control board can be the cause of this error.

Solution

As discussed above, the ErL error can appear for various reasons.

You should consider examining your grill and finding the cause of the error first.

After that, you can try troubleshooting the related part of the grill to get rid of this error.

Troubleshooting ignitor

First of all , if you suspect that your grill is working at low heat due to a faulty igniter, then you should consider following this step-by-step guide to troubleshoot it.

  1. First of all, pull out your cooking racks and other removable parts to access the ignitor.
  2. Now turn on the grill and see if the ignitor starts.
  3. If nothing happens, then replace the 5 amp fuse at the back of the smoker and see if it works now.
  4. After that, clean the ignitor and any airflow obstructions.
  5. Lastly, if the ignition is not working at all , then you should consider replacing it.
Airflow obstruction

Airflow obstruction in a pit boss grill can occur either due to obstruction in the airflow pathway or stoppage of the fan.

You should first consider checking the fire pot for any physical obstruction that might be stopping airflow.

If the airflow flow routes are clean, then make sure to check the little fan.

If the fan is not spinning on turning and spins backwards on turning off ,then the fan is faulty.

You can either check for any physical damage or replace the fan to get your grill going.

Auger stoppage

If the auger of the pit boss grill has been jammed or the auger motor is faulty, You should first consider checking if the auger is feeding the pellets correctly.

If not, then make sure to check for possible obstruction and clean it properly.

Usually, pellets can get moist and solidify around the auger and lock it in place .

If this is the case ,then make sure to clean it properly.

If that doesn’t fix the issue, then the auger motor could be faulty and replacing it is the only solution.

A faulty temperature probe

If the temperature probe of the smoker is faulty, then you should consider cleaning it properly.

After that, make sure to check that it is connected properly.

If that doesn’t solve the issue, then replace it .

If none of the above tips troubleshoot this error,then replacing the control board is the final solution.

ErP

If you have not used them previously, they are usually found in a pit boss grill.

In fact, ErP is not an issue, rather it’s a safety feature which prevents you from getting an electric shock when plugging in your smoker into the power outlet.

ErP usually means that the grill was on when it was connected to an electric supply.

By showing Error on the display, it basically signals that you might have forgotten to turn off the temperature dial when plugging in.

Solution

To get rid of the Error Message Error from your display, you will have to first turn off your temperature dial and wait for 15 minutes.

After that, turn on the dial and set it to the desired temperature.

If that doesn’t work, try restarting the grill and then setting the desired temperature.

Temperature flashing on display

Flashing temperature on the display is a common error that is usually faced by users when the pit boss grill is working at a lower temperature.

Your grill’s low temperature range can vary depending on which function (smoke or cooking) it is working on.

The lower temperature in a pit boss grill can occur for various reasons, but the most common of them is the lower p setting.

If the p setting is lower than normal, the grill will produce more smoke and less heat .

due to which the temperature will drop.

If you are using your grill at its “smoke” function, then the temperature will start flashing when the grill temperature drops below 110°F.

When using the grill’s cooking function, the temperature will begin flashing at 150°F.

The flashing temperature is a blessing in disguise.

You may panic that your grill has started malfunctioning, but actually it is a good sign to be informed of a lower temperature.

So if the grill temperature is too low, you may want to make adjustments to boost it.

Solution

If your grill display is showing a flashing temperature, then the most effective solution for this is to boost the p setting.

You should increase the p setting level to produce more heat and less smoke.

Pit Boss Grills to maintain the right balance of smoke and heat.

The lower the p setting, the higher the temperature and the lower the smoke production.

The P setting is usually chosen with the function in mind and the number of pellets in mind.

If you set the p setting too high, it will mean more smoke will be produced along with less heat.

Set the temperature low enough to allow the grill to operate at temperatures above 110°F for smoking and above 150°F for cooking.

When the temperature increases, the display will start blinking.

Flashing dots on display

The presence of flashing dots on the Pit Boss grill’s display indicates that the smoker’s ignitor is operational.

It is not an, but rather a sign that your smoker is heating up to the temperature you have set.

However, these should only be flashing when the ignitor is turned on.

If you see this, sign on.

Your pit boss grills, so no need to panic.

It is just a sign that the ignitor of the grill is producing heat to heat up the smoker to the set temperature.

You don’t need to tweak anything for this sign.

A blank display screen

When pit boss is turned on, it occasionally displays a blank display screen.

This can be very frustrating because you might not be able to smoke effectively if you are not informed of what’s going on inside the grill.

There are several reasons for this error.

The most common and most overlooked error causing the blank display is if the grill is not plugged in.

If the grill is not plugged in correctly,then the grill display is not going to work no matter what tweaks you do.

Another reason for the blank display screen of the grill is a tripped circuit board fuse.

If the fuse is tripped, your grill will not receive enough voltage to heat up to the set temperature.

Additionally, a tripped breaker can also be the reason for a blank screen.

Furthermore, a faulty or tripped GFI can also be the cause of a blank display screen on the pit boss grill.

A GFI is a safety feature in the electric supply which is tripped when one of the appliances plugged into the electric outlet is faulty and can result in an electric shock.

After that, low voltage in the electric outlet can also be the reason for the blanj display screen.

You should consider checking your outlet for the current voltage it is providing.

Lastly, using a longer cord can also result in a blank screen.

If the cord is longer than 25 feet, then the voltage will be lower and the grill will show a blank display.

So, as discussed above, the blank display of the pit boss grill is most usually related to the supply of electricity to the grill.

Solution

As is obvious from the reasons mentioned above, the blank screen of the pit boss grill can be due to no or low voltage supply to the grill.

So you should figure out what is causing the decreased electricity supply and then fix it accordingly.

The first and foremost place to look for when troubleshooting the blank display is the electric outlet.

You should make sure that the grill is plugged in correctly and power button is turned on.

If that’s not the issue, then you can move on to other solutions.

After that, you should consider checking to see if the circuit board fuse is working correctly.

If the fuse has tripped, then you should consider replacing it to see if it fixes the blank screen.

It is not costly but can rule out a possible cause of the blank screen.

You should also consider checking if the GFI has been tripped.

It can also be a possible cause of the blank screen.

But a tripped GFI does not always mean that your grill is malfunctioning.

It can also get tripped due to other appliances plugged into the electrical outlet.

  • If the GFI has tripped,then you should remove all the appliances from the power outlet.
  • After that, plug them back into the power outlet one by one.
  • Find out which electric appliance is causing this and fix that appliance.
  • If GFI is not working at all, then consider replacing it .

Low voltage

Low voltage in the power outlet can also be the reason for the blank pit boss grill.

The voltage in the power outlet should be high enough to provide sufficient electricity to heat up.

It should usually be greater than 15 amps.

If the voltage is normal and you are still getting a blank screen, then make sure to check the cord length.

For effective electricity supply, the power cord length should be no more than 25 feet.

Anything higher than that will result in low voltage.

Longer cords can also be a fire hazard.

If these troubleshooting tips don’t solve the issue, then consider contacting customer support.

Pit Boss Grill won’t start

Other issues with the pit boss grill are easier to solve because we know which component of the grill might be malfunctioning for a specific error.

But if the pit boss grill doesn’t start at all, well, that’s what we are going to discuss now.

Pit Boss Grill will not start for several reasons .

But a good way to start the troubleshooting process is to see if it Whether or not it was properly plugged in.

Although it may seem too obvious, it’s one of the most common reasons for pit boss grill not starting.

Tripped GFI

If the grill is plugged in correctly but still isn’t starting, then you should check if the GFI has been tripped.

If the GFI has tripped, then you should consider checking which appliances caused the GFI to trip by following this process.

  1. First of all , remove all the appliances from the power outlet.
  2. Then, one by one, reconnect them, keeping an eye out for GFI tripping.
  3. Fix the application that is causing the GFi to get tripped.

Faulty auger

After that, you should make sure that the auger is working correctly.

If the auger is not feeding pellets and your p setting is set to low, then it can result in the malfunctioning.

Moreover, the auger motor can also malfunction.

The auger can be either malfunctioned or jammed.

The malfunctioning can occur for various reasons.

While the auger can get jammed due to using damp pellets, The pellets can solidify and lock the auger in place.

Faulty igniter

Another reason that can result in the grill not starting is the faulty igniter.

If the ignitor is not working correctly, then your grill will not heat up.

It can occur either due to physical age or poor maintenance.

Lastly, a faulty control panel can also cause this issue.

Solution

The solution to this issue varies depending on the cause.

But you should apply all of the troubleshooting tips for a higher chance of fixing the issue.

If the issue still doesn’t get fixed, then consider contacting customer service.

Plug the grill correctly

You should start the fixing process by checking if the grill is plugged in correctly.

The electric supply is the most important factor for the start of the grill.

Make sure that the power button is turned on.

Furthermore, the extension cord should be shorter than 25 feet to supply enough voltage.

Troubleshooting GFI

If a tripped GFI is causing the smoker to not start at all, then you should consider figuring out which appliance is causing the GFI to get tripped by following the process mentioned above.

Then hire a professional to fix that appliance for you.

GFI is a safety feature to protect you from electric shock.

So you should not try to trick it and use the appliances to somehow.

Moreover, if all of the appliances are working fine and the GFI itself is malfunctioning,then consider replacing it.

Fix the ignitor

If the ignitor of the pit boss grill is not working, then it can also cause this issue.

You should first determine if the ignitor is working correctly by following this process.

  • Open the lid of the grill.
  • Remove any cooking racks or other parts to access the ignitor.
  • Turn the grill on and see if anything happens.
  • If nothing happens and the ignitor stays the same ,then make sure to replace it.

Moreover, you can also try replacing the 5 amp fuse at the back of the smoker to see if it resolves the issue.

Troubleshooting the auger

The auger of the pit boss grill is a key part of the grill that is used to feed pellets to the fire pot.

If the auger malfunctions, it will stop feeding pellets to the fire pot.

You should clean the auger or replace it if it’s malfunctioning.

If none of the above tips troubleshoot the grill , then it might be a control panel issue.

You should consider Check the control panel for any physical damage or consider replacing it.

Finally, if it doesn’t resolve,then contact the customer support.

If it’s still under warranty, then they might ship you a new one.

Too high temperature while working on the smoke function

As is obvious by the name, the smoke function in a pit boss grill is used to maintain the low temperature in the grill for smoking meat.

But in some cases, the grill can heat up to higher temperatures than the set temperature, which can lead to overcooking.

The most common reason for higher temperatures at the p setting is the low p setting.

The P setting is the most effective yet underestimated function for controlling the pit boss grill.

If the pit boss grill is set to low, the temperature will be higher.

The P setting is used to control the production of smoke and heat for smoking the meat.

When your grill is set to smoke mode, you should usually set your p setting to around p4 to produce enough smoke while also controlling the temperature.

Another reason for the higher temperature is closing the lid of the grill immediately after turning it on.

When the grill is turned, its temperature can overshoot, which later stabilizes gradually to the set temperature.

If the lid is closed quickly, then the heat will be trapped inside.

Finally, opening the lid during the smoking process can also lead to the overheating of the grill.

It usually occurs when the auger is feeding more pellets to the fire pot while the airflow is increased.

It can lead to a sudden flare up in the grill, which can overheat the grill.

Solution

To fix the overheating of the grill at the smoke function, you should start the process by following these steps.

  • First of all, you should turn off the grill.
  • Keep the grill turned off for 15 minutes.
  • Then turn it on and keep the lid open for a few minutes to stabilize the temperature.
  • Now close the lid and set the temperature to smoke.

Tweak the setting

As discussed above, p setting is an important factor for the production of smoke and heat in the grill.

If you are using the grill at the smoke function, then make sure that the grill is set at p3-p5 to keep the temperature in the smoking range.

Finally, you should consider keeping the lid closed during the smoke.

Opening the lid can result in fluctuations in temperature.

Sometimes it can decrease due to heat loss, while in other cases it can overshoot due to flare-ups.

Grill not heating up

Overheating is not the problem in every case; sometimes your grill won’t heat up to the set temperature.

It can be really frustrating, especially when you are smoking for guests.

There are several reasons for the low temperature in a pit boss grill.

Decreased airflow

Airflow is essential for effective meat smoking, whether you use a Pit Boss or another brand of grill.

If airflow is not maintained, then it can result in several malfunctions, ranging from low temperature in the grill to even the grill not starting at all.

Airflow performs two functions in a grill.

Firstly, it helps regulate the temperature produced by the heating element throughout the grill.

Secondly, it helps burn the pellets in the fire pot by combustion.

So, if airflow is decreased, then it can result in the smothering of flames and a decrease in temperature.

Airflow can be decreased or stopped for various reasons.

But the most common ones are rusted fire pots, malfunctioning fans, and physical obstructions in the pathway of airflow.

These can lead to either decreased airflow or stopping it completely.

Damp pellets

Another reason for the grill not heating up to the set temperature is using damp pellets.

Due to the moisture in them, damp pellets don’t burn easily.

Moreover, they also solidify and lock the auger in place .

Due to this, the auger will not feed pellets to the fire pot.

p setting

The P setting plays a crucial part in the regulation of temperature in a pit boss grill.

If the pit boss grill is set to a higher level, then it will not heat up to the higher temperatures.

At a higher setting, the pit boss grill will produce more smoke and less heat.

Solution

Pit Boss Grill can not heat up to the set temperature for various reasons.

If you want to troubleshoot this issue, then you should first try to find the underlying cause.

After that, you can apply the related fixing tips.

Maintain airflow

As discussed above, airflow is really crucial for the heating up of the grill to the set temperature.

If your grill is not heating up due to decreased airflow,then you should consider following this process to troubleshoot it.

  • First of all, you should turn off the grill and wait for it to cool down.
  • Now take a look at the fire pot for any obstruction in the airflow and clean it properly.
  • If the fire pot is rusted or has become porous, then you should consider replacing it also.

After that, you have cleaned the airflow pathway for any obstruction.

You should consider checking the little fan for malfunctioning.

Sometimes it can also result in a low temperature.

If the fan malfunctions,it will not spin .

In that case, consider replacing the fan.

Use good quality pellets

Low quality and damp pellets may come at a cheaper price, but they can result in the grill malfunctioning.

Moreover, you should consider avoiding using damp pellets in the smoker even if they are of good quality.

If your grill is malfunctioning due to low quality pellets, then you should consider cleaning the auger and fire pot completely.

After that, buy good quality pellets to smoke more effectively.

It might cost a few extra bucks,but it will be worth the price.

Reduce the p setting

The P setting is really crucial for the heating up of the grill.

If your grill is not heating up to the set temperature, then you should consider lowering the p setting to produce more heat.

After the grill has reached the set temperature, you might tweak it to produce more smoke.

Grill overheating

Pit boss grills can start overheating sometimes, which can result in overcooking or even burning of the food being smoked.

It might be panic at first because this error can appear out of nowhere.

There are several reasons for this malfunction.

The most common reason for the overheating of pit boss grills is the flare ups caused by the development of grease.

Grease can develop in a pit boss grill either due to oil used in seasoning or different sauces used to enhance the flavor of meat.

It is normal for grills to develop grease after multiple uses.

But when the temperature inside the grill is increased or grease comes in contact with direct fire somehow, it can lead to flare-ups which can result in the grill overheating.

gap in the lid

Another reason for the overheating of the grill is the gap in the lid of the pit boss grill.

The gap can be due to physical damage or poor build quality.

Either way, it can result in increasing the airflow of the grill, which leads to flare-ups.

Grilling at higher temperatures

Although smoking is done at a lower temperature, grilling requires a higher temperature for the proper cooking of the meat.

However, if the higher temperature is maintained for an extended period of time, it can cause flare-ups, which can lead to overheating above the set temperature.

Solution

Pit boss grill overheating is a common thing if you are not experienced with the grill.

There are several reasons for the overheating, and all of them require different troubleshooting .

For better results, you can try all of the tips for troubleshooting this error.

Clean the grease

You should start the process by cleaning up the grease buildup first.

  • First of all, you should turn off your grill and open the lid.
  • If there is a grease flare up in the grill, wait for it to stop or use an extinguisher to stop it.
  • After that, remove the cooking racks from the smoker and clean them completely.
  • Now clean the internal side of the building along with the fire pot for any grease build up.
  • Wait for the grill to dry up before using it again.

Insulate the smoker

If your grill has a gap in its lid, then you may face flare-ups on a regular basis.

You should consider insulating your smoker and sealing it completely to avoid overheating.

You can use different insulation blankets or canopies for insulating your smoker.

For sealing the smoker, you should use a food-grade sealant because it might come into contact with your food during smoking.

There are several FDA-approved sealants available commercially, but make sure to choose one that can withstand higher temperatures.

Lastly, you should avoid keeping your grill at a higher temperature for a long time.

Grilling is usually done for shorter time periods .

If you have to keep it at a higher temperature for a prolonged time, then make sure to clean it properly to avoid grease flare-ups.

Fluctuating temperatures

Temperature fluctuations can occur due to bad weather conditions, especially if your smoker is not insulated properly.

The external temperature has a huge impact on the internal temperature of the grill, which might result in a fluctuating temperature.

Solution

Insulate your grill

Make sure to insulate your smoker to reduce the weather impact on the internal temperature.

There are several ways to insulate your grill, ranging from grill blankets to homemade cement boards.

But make sure to keep them a safe distance from the grill to avoid a fire hazard.

In addition to insulation, you should also consider sealing your smoker completely to avoid heart loss .

You can use different sealing materials like silicone to seal your smoker.

But make sure to use a food grade sealant to avoid food contamination.

Moreover,r consider using ag smoker under a shade to avoid the impact of sunlight on a sunny day.

The more effective solution to this is to use ae smoking canopy.

It can help your grill maintain its internal temperature more effectively without the external impact of heat or wind.

A little bit of fluctuation is normal.

Usually, electric grills don’t directly heat up to the set temperature; rather, they fluctuate continually and gradually adjust themselves to the set temperature.

It is normal for a pit boss grill to have a fluctuating temperature when starting the process.

If the fluctuations are in the range of +/-20, then it is normal.

However, if TEB fluctuations are significant, you should consider insulating your smoker to keep it within the desired range.

Insulation might cost you some bucks. But it’s worth the effort.

Smoke has a bad appearance

Usually, pitmasters strive to get thin blue smoke from the smoker to get the maximum smoky flavor on their meat.

But sometimes you might get a thick white or yellowish smoke from the pit boss grill.

It should be fixed instantly because it can affect food taste.

Solution

Thick white smoke in a smoker is caused by using damp pellets or using a grill without giving it proper time to dry up.

So you should consider giving your grill enough time to fry up before using it for another smoking process.

If you are getting yellowish smoke from the grill, then it is the result of the burning of grease.

You should turn your grill off and clean it completely before using it.

Cooking racks and fire pots are two of the most common places to look for grease development.

Pit boss grill flare-ups

Pit boss grills are typically used to smoke at low temperatures, but you may want to grill your steak at higher temperatures on occasion.

Even so, a sudden flare-up in the grill can burn your steak or ruin the construction of your grill.

Flare-ups occur in a grill for two main reasons.

Grease buildup

Grease build up in a pot boss grill is one of the major reasons for the flare ups.

Grease buildup is normal in grills due to the usage of seasoning oil and sauces to enhance the flavor of meat.

But when the temperature inside the grill is increased, it can lead to flare-ups.

Grease buildup usually occurs in firepots and cooking racks .

When the grill is not cleaned regularly, the concentration can increase.

When a grill flare-up occurs, the temperature of the grill overshoots while producing yellowish smoke.

Flare-ups in the firepot

Pit boss grills usually use wood pellets for the production of smoke.

But sometimes some pitmasters like to use wood chips because grilling is done for shorter periods of time and wood chips can produce enough smoke and last for enough time to grill meat.

But as with the burning of any material, wood chips are also burnt by combustion.

So when the airflow inside the smoker is increased, it can lead to the flare-up of wood chips.

Wood chips can lead to fire if not handled properly.

Solution

Grill flare-ups are particularly aggravating because they are often accompanied by other issues such as temperature overshooting and the production of poor-quality smoke.

But you can troubleshoot them and avoid future occurrences with these tips.

Clean the grill regularly

The flare-ups inside the grill usually occur due to poor cleaning.

Poor cleaning can lead to an accumulation of debris and the development of grease within the grill.

If you are facing flare ups due to the development of grease, then follow these steps to stop it.

  1. First of all , you should consider turning off the electricity supply to prevent the situation from worsening further.
  2. After that, you should wait for the flare-ups to stop. If the fire is not stopping on its own, then consider using an extinguisher to stop the fire.
  3. After the fire has been stopped, wait for the grill to cool down.
  4. Now take paper towels along with soapy water or vinegar water solution and start cleaning the internal build of the grill.
  5. Make sure to remove any grease buildup or debris from the cooking chamber, fire pot, ignitor and all other parts of the grill.
  6. Now wait for the grill to dry up before using it again.

Avoiding the flare ups in fire pot

If you are experiencing flare-ups in the fire pot of your grill, then you should consider turning off the grill first.

The flare-ups in a pit boss grill can occur due to the increased airflow, which can result in increased oxygen availability for combustion.

First, you should wait for the fire to stop .

If the flare up is on a large scale and the fire is not stopping on its own , then consider using an extinguisher to stop it.

After it has been stopped, clean the fire pot and remove any debris or unburnt wood chips from it.

You should consider decreasing the airflow a bit to avoid flare-ups.

But you should still keep the dampers open enough to allow regulation of heat.

Close the vents by a fraction of a fourth and experiment to find the best setting for you.

Moreover, you should consider soaking your wood chips to avoid flare-ups.

Although it’s a controversial opinion on whether to soak wood chips or not, it can help in avoiding flare-ups.

You can use different flavoring liquids for soaking your wood chips, like fruit juices, vinegar, etc.

, as long as the liquid is not flammable.

Grill won’t ignite

Sometimes your grill might be getting electricity but still won’t ignite due to malfunctioning.

If the grill is not igniting, then it won’t heat up to the set temperature until the apocalypse.

It can be extremely embarrassing in front of guests or BBQ competition judges.

The only possible reason for your pit boss grill not igniting is a faulty igniter.

An ignitor is a key part of the pit boss grill that is responsible for the production of heat.

If it’s malfunctioning, then your grill won’t ignite.

It can either occur due to physical damage or a faulty igniter.

In some cases, flare ups in the pit boss grill can damage the ignitor and it can start to malfunction.

It is really frustrating, especially if you are new to smoking.

Solution

To troubleshoot the ignition problem on your grill, you need to check if the ignitor is working or not.

You can follow this step-by-step guide to troubleshoot it.

  • First of all, you should consider making sure that the grill is getting electricity. You can check if it is plugged in correctly and if the power button is on.
  • After that, open the lid of the grill and remove the cooking racks to access the ignitor.
  • Now examine the ignitor to see if it’s working correctly or not.
  • If the ignitor is not working correctly,then consider replacing a 5 amp fuse present at the back of the pit boss grill.
  • If that doesn’t solve the issue, then replacing the ignitor is the only solution.

Grill not producing smoke

Barbecue is different from simple cooking in the way that it uses smoke to enhance the flavor of meat.

But if your grill is not producing smoke, then the flavor of the meat will not increase.

There are several reasons for the pit boss grill not producing smoke.

Using bad quality pellets

Pellets are a type of wood product that is made up of sawdust.

Pellets are used in pit boss grills for the production of smoke.

But if you are using low quality pellets, then there is a huge chance that the pellets will either not produce smoke or will produce smoke of bad quality.

Bad quality pellets doesn’t always mean cheaper pellets.

If you are using old and decayed pellets that you bought years ago at a good price, then they are also low quality now.

In addition, using damp pellets in the grill will also not produce smoke due to unburnt pellets.

low temperature in the fire pot

Pellets are burnt in a pit boss grill in the fire pot .

If the temperature in the fire pot is extremely low, then the pellets will not burn.

It can either occur due to a malfunctioning ignitor or a set low temperature for smoking.

Incorrect p value

The P setting in a smoker is really crucial to the production of smoke.

If you are new to pit boss grills, then you may set them up incorrectly.

When the setting is at the lower level, the grill will produce more heat and less smoke.

Decreased airflow

You should keep in mind that the heat in a pit boss grill is produced by electricity, but the smoke comes from the burning of pellets.

So if the airflow is decreased in the firepot, then there will be less oxygen for combustion, which will lead to the smothering of flames .

Solution

Pit boss grills are designed effectively to produce enough smoke for the flavoring of meat while cooking by the heat.

But it can be really frustrating when it stops producing smoke.

Don’t worry, I have been there.

You can use these tips to solve this issue.

Use good quality pellets

The key to producing good smoke in a pit boss grill lies in using good quality pellets.

Good quality can produce better quality smoke, which can enhance the flavor of meat.

You should purchase a bag of high-quality pellets to use in the pit boss grill.

In addition to buying good quality pellets, you should also make sure that they are in good condition before use.

If the pellets are damp or decayed, then you should avoid using them.

The quality of pellets is the main determinant of the flavor of your meat, so you should consider avoiding using low-quality pellets.

Increase temperature

In addition to using good quality pellets, you should consider increasing the temperature of the grill .

If the grill is operating at a lower temperature,then the pellets won’t burn and eventually smoke will not be produced.

You can either increase the temperature by boosting the p setting of the smoker or by setting the smoker to cook mode.

The p setting is most likely due to low temperature in a pit boss grill.

You should set the p setting to level 3 or higher to produce enough smoke for the smoking of the meat.

In addition, if the smoke is not being produced in the smoke function, then consider shifting to the cooking function to see if it works.

Increase airflow

Although it may seem too obvious, it is worth giving a shot.

Most people often ignore this fact that airflow is a really crucial aspect of smoking.

If airflow is obstructed, it can lead to the smothering of flames, which can result in the stoppage of smoke.

To check for airflow obstruction, you should consider checking the fire pot and the fan of the smoker.

If the fire pot is rusted or porous, then you should consider replacing it.

Moreover, if there is any physical obstruction in the airflow path , then remove it to allow airflow throughout the grill.

Jammed grill auger

An auger is a key part of the pit boss grill which is used to feed pellets to the fire pot for the production of smoke.

When the auger is jammed , it will not feed pellets to the fire pit, which can result in the stoppage of smoke or a drop in temperature.

There are several reasons for the auger being jammed.

The most common reason for a jammed auger is using damp pellets.

When damp pellets are used in the pit boss grill , the unburnt pellets absorb moisture and solidify around the auger.

This solidifying of the pellets locks the auger in place .

The jammed auger can also result in stoppage of fan which can lead to the decrease in airflow of the grill.

Pit Boss grills won’t produce smoke if pellets are not being fed to the firepot due to the auger being locked in place .

Solution

As discussed above, a jammed auger usually results from the solidifying of pellets around the auger.

So to troubleshoot it, we should remove the pellets so that the auger can move freely.

You can follow this step-by-step guide to fix this issue.

  1. First of all, you should make sure whether the auger is jammed or malfunctioned.To check that, you have to first remove the shell of the hopper to access the fan.
  2. Then turn the grill on. If the fan tries to spin but then stops and then on turning off the grill it spins backwards,it’s a sign that the auger is jammed.
  3. To fix a jammed auger, take the auger out of the hopper and clean it completely.
  4. After cleaning, put it back and try turning on the grill again.If the auger is still jammed, then the auger itself is malfunctioning.Contact the customer support.They might provide you with a new one if your grill is still under warranty.

Grill keeps going out

We discussed above how to troubleshoot your grill if it doesn’t start.

But sometimes your grill starts heating up, but after a few minutes it goes out without any obvious error.

It can be extremely worrying if you are new to smoking.

Here are the common reasons for this error.

Bad quality pellets

Using bad quality pellets in your smoker can be really hazardous, both for the flavor of the food and the build of your smoker.

Bad quality pellets can cause several malfunctions in the pit boss grill, ranging from jamming of the auger to stoppage of smoke.

If the auger is jammed, it will not feed pellets to the fire pot.

Furthermore, it will cause the fan to stop working.

All of these malfunctions can lead to a decrease in airflow and the smothering of flames.

Because of this, your grill will shut off at the end.

Poor cleaning

Poor cleaning is also a reason for the shutting off of the pit boss grill.

If the grill is not cleaned regularly,it can result in an accumulation of debris and the development of grease within the grill.

This debris can also stop the grill from functioning.

Wrong p setting

We have discussed p setting several times in this article because if it is not used correctly,it can cause several errors.

In this case, if you have set the setting too low for longer periods, then the smoker will shut down to low temperatures at the end.

Solution

Pit boss grills can usually start going out if they’re not maintained properly.

You need to troubleshoot every aspect of the problem to make sure to troubleshoot the issue.

But if you are not sure of the basic functions of the grill, then make sure to give the user manuals a read.

Use good quality pellets

As with any failed equipment, the malfunctioning of the pit boss grill also comes to basics.

You should consider buying a bag of good quality pellets to produce thin blue smoke to enhance the flavor of meat.

The flavor of the meat in a grill comes from the type and quality of wood used in the fire pot.

If you use low-quality pellets in the fire pot, it can result in thick white smoke or even the grill shutting down.

Pellets usually don’t cost much, but these can be worth the price.

These can enhance the flavor of the meat while making your grill durable for a longer time.

In addition to being of good quality, Pellets should also be stored carefully before use.

Proper cleaning

Your grill can also start to shut off due to poor cleaning.

If the grill is not cleaned properly then it can lead to malfunctioning.

You should make sure to remove any grease buildup and unburnt pellets from the fire pot to make sure it doesn’t get affected.

Troubleshooting p setting

If your grill keeps going out without any obvious malfunction, then make sure to check the p setting.

The P setting should always be adjusted in relation to the amount of pellets in the fire pot.

If you don’t have enough pellets in the firepot, then avoid setting the setting at a higher level.

Moreover, you should also consider avoiding using the grill at a low temperature for an extended period of time, even if you have enough pellets to produce smoke.

You should consider keeping the setting at around level 4 while smoking to produce enough smoke and heat for smoking steak.

Grill fan not working

The fan in the pit boss grill is present near the auger and is really crucial for the proper working of the auger.

Sometimes it might stop working, which can lead to decreased airflow and smothering of the flames.

The most common reason for the stoppage of the fan in a Pit Boss grill is the loose connection of its wiring.

These connections can get loose either due to physical damage or poor maintenance.

Sometimes the fan will also stop working due to any physical obstruction.

This obstruction can hinder the spinning of the fan and lock it in place.

Solution

As discussed above, the most common reason for the stoppage of a fan is the loss of wiring if it’s connection is in the control panel.

You can follow this step-by-step guide to troubleshoot it.

  • First of all,you should consider removing the shell of the jogger to access the control panel of the pit boss grill.
  • After that, locate a set of yellow wires in the control panel. These are the connections of the fan to the control panel.
  • Now disconnect these wires and reconnect them again. Make sure to tighten them properly.
  • Now turn on the grill and see if it works.
  • If the fan still doesn’t work,then consider spinning it by hand. Sometimes it can be stopped due to physical obstruction and can start spinning after applying physical force.
  • If the fan doesn’t work yet ,then it has malfunctioned. You should consider replacing it to get rid of the issue.

Heating element not working

Heating element is a key component of pit boss grill which is used to heat up the grill for smoking.

Sometimes it may start to malfunction or won’t work at all.

There are several reasons for this issue, but the most common ones are discussed below.

Usually heating element of a pit boss grill can stop working due to poor cleaning.

If it is not cleaned regularly, then grease build up and accumulation of dust can damage its build and lead to malfunctioning.

Moreover, as you might know, the Pit Boss grill is an electric grill.

So, like any other electric instrument, its parts, especially the heating element, are also affected by the power surge .

So a dead heating element may be a result of a power surge.

Solution

To solve this issue, you should first try cleaning the heating element completely.

You should remove any grease buildup or other debris stuck in it.

After you have, make sure to dry it before placing it back into the smoker.

If that doesn’t solve the issue, then there is a higher chance that the heating element is dead due to a power surge or grease fire.

The only solution to this issue is to replace the heating element.

The Auger motor produces noise

The auger is the most important part of the pit boss grill for producing smoke.

It consists of a motor that helps it feed pellets to the fire pot.

Usually it runs silently, but sometimes it might start to make a noise due to malfunctioning.

Poor cleaning

Poor cleaning is the most common reason for the noise of the auger motor.

The auger motor comes in contact with pellets and several other debris materials.

If it is not cleaned properly, then these materials can get stuck in the motor and produce noise.

Good quality dry pellets usually don’t cause a problem in the auger motor, but the issue occurs if low quality or damp pellets are used.

Damp pellets can solidify around the motor and produce noise when it tries to move.

Bent screws

Bent screws are also a reason for the noise in the auger motor.

It usually occurs when the driver experiences a physical demage.

But it can also occur due to poor build quality, even without any physical damage.

Rusted build

Finally, if the smoker’s body has been rusted, then it can also result in noise production.

Rust can develop on the auger motor due to using damp pellets and poor cleaning.

In addition to producing noise, it can also damage the build of the grill.

Solution

If your auger motor is producing noise, then it can be really frustrating.

First, you should consider waiting for some time to see if it stops producing noise without any tweaking.

But if the auger motor keeps producing noise, then try these troubleshooting tips.

Clean the auger

For troubleshooting this issue, you should consider cleaning your auger first.

It can be a bit of a technical process, so make sure to grab a screwdriver, paper towels, and vinegar-water solution before starting it.

  • First of all, You should consider the cooking racks to access the fire pot and auger of the grill.
  • After that, remove the screws and take the auger out.
  • Make sure to clean it properly. Make sure to remove any rust or hard pellets stuck in it.
  • Allow it to dry before reintroducing it to the grill.

Fix the bent screws

Bent screws can hinder the movement of the motor, which can result in the production of noise.

If your auger motor has bent screws, then follow this process to troubleshoot it.

  1. First of all, remove the motor from the grill.
  2. After that, remove the bent screws from the auger motor.
  3. Now clean it properly to remove any grease or rust.
  4. After that, roll the screws on a flat surface to fix the bent area.
  5. Now put the auger motor back in place and try running the grill again. If the motor still produces noise, then replacing it is the only solution.

Inaccurate reading by the meat probe

Thermometer regulation is the key to effective smoking, but if your meat probe is giving an inaccurate reading, then it will be like shooting arrows in the dark.

There are several reasons for the malfunctioning meat probe.

Physical damage

Pit boss grills usually come with high quality meat probes, but these can start to malfunction if they experience a physical damage.

Physical damage can occur either in the form of a flare or due to striking something onto the probe.

Loose connection

Meat probes are connected to the temperature control and display by wiring in the control panel.

If these wiring connectors are loosened or disconnected, then the meat probe can start giving an accurate reading.

Solution

A meat probe is the most crucial component of the pit boss grill for effective smoking.

It gives you an idea of whether your meat is done or not without opening the lid of the grill.

But if it’s malfunctioning, then it can be hazardous.

You can use these tips to fix it.

Make sure it’s connected correctly

If your meat probe is not working correctly, then the first thing to look out for is the wiring of the meat probe.

You should consider having a look at your user manual to determine which wires are responsible for the functioning of the meat probe in your control panel.

After that, you have to make sure that the wires are connected correctly.

If they are connected in the correct order, then make sure that the connection is tight.

You should disconnect them and reconnect them again.

You will hear a snap when they are connected.

Check for physical damage

After you have checked the wiring of the meat probe in the control panel, consider checking for any physical damage.

If the meat probe is damaged, then make sure to fix it .

If it can’t be fixed or doesn’t work accurately even after being fixed, then replacing it is the only solution.

Conclusion

Pit boss grills usually run without any issues, but after a few years, they might start to malfunction.

But most of the time , these errors can be fixed after getting your hands dirty.

We hope this guide has helped you troubleshoot the issues you are facing with your grill.

Jakob miller