Traeger pellet grills are sophisticated cooking toys that will tell you what is wrong as long as you can understand the error codes.
Although error codes can seem scary if you’ve never received one, these error codes are bound to pop up if you’re frequently using your smoker.
Unlike a user manual that just tells you what the error codes mean – we’ve included steps to fix each of the error codes so you can get back to smoking!
This guide covers the most common error codes on Traeger pellet grills which are:
- LEr – Low Temperature Error
- HEr – High Temperature Error
- ERR
- ER1
- ER2
Now let’s dive into each of these error codes and fix the issue so you can get back to smoking!
LEr – Low Temperature below 125°F
The low-temperature error code (LEr) is triggered when the temperature in the grill has dropped below 125°F for more than 10 minutes. This error code is the most common to pop up on a Traeger’s digital display.
Common causes for the LEr error code are:
- Traeger ran out of pellets
- Firepot full of ash
- RTD temperature probe issue
- Induction fan problem
Fixing LEr Code
Follow these steps in order to resolve the LEr error code on a Traeger:
- Turn the Traeger off and unplug it
- Verify that there are pellets in the hopper
- If there are no pellets then fill the hopper up
- Remove the grill grate and drip tray
- Slide over the heat baffle to reveal the firepot
- Vacuum out the ash in the firepot
- Put the grill back together
- Clean the RTD temperature sensor with steel wool
- Turn the Traeger back on and verify that the fan and auger are working by listening for their humming sounds
The Traeger will fire up after all these steps are taken since this covers most of the common reasons that cause the LEr error code.
Here is a step-by-step photo guide for correctly restarting a Traeger that ran out of pellets. This photo guide will also show images of how to disassemble a Traeger and clean out the firepot.
HEr – High Temperature over 550°F
The high-temperature error code (HEr) is triggered when the temperature in the grill reaches over 550°F. The grill will shut off and the fan will remain on to try to cool down the grill and burn off any remaining pellets.
Common causes for the HEr error code are:
- Dirty grill
- Excessive grease on the drip tray
- A fire or grease fire
- Improper startup causing pellet buildup in firepot
- Improper shutdown causing pellet buildup in firepot
- Malfunctioning RTD temperature sensor
Fixing HEr Code
Follow these steps in order to resolve the LEr error code on a Traeger:
- Turn the Traeger off and unplug it
- Wait for the Traeger to cool down
- Brush the grill grate clean
- Remove the grill grate and drip tray from the grill
- Scrape all the grease off the drip tray or remove the drip tray liner if you have one
- Slide over the heat baffle to reveal the firepot
- Vacuum out the ash in the firepot
- Put the grill back together
- Clean the RTD temperature sensor with steel wool
- Turn the Traeger back on and verify that the grill start normally
As long as the Traeger can start normally and hold a regular temperature such as 225°F then the grill is ready for cooking.
ERR
The ERR error code is generated when there is a bad connection or complete disconnect between the RTD temperature probe and the control panel. This means the computer cannot sense how hot or cold the grill is.
Finding The RTD Temperature Probe
The RTD temperature probe on a Traeger is the metal stick standing upright on the left hand side of the grill when you open it.
Below the RTD sensor is circled in red and is a shiny silver color since it’s brand new. The RTD sensor’s color will turn black over time as the sensor is exposed to smoke. So look for a silver or black stick standing upright on the left-hand side of the grill.
Fixing ERR Code
In order to fix the ERR code, check the wiring of the RTD probe into the controller.
- First look inside the grill and ensure there isn’t any breaks or tears in the wire leading into the RTD probe.
- Next unplug the grill and unscrew the controller to inspect the wires on the back side of the controller.
- The RTD wires are in the green box so make sure these wires are connected tightly.
- After inspecting the wires, screw the controller back into place
- Turn the grill on and if the ERR code still appears then the RTD sensor needs to be replaced.
A new RTD sensor can be purchased on Amazon and delivered quickly so you can get back to grilling and smoking in no time.
ER1
The ER1 error code is generated when there is a bad connection or complete disconnect between the RTD probe and the control panel.
This means the computer cannot sense how hot or cold the grill is.
Fixing ER1 Code
In order to fix the ERR code, check the wiring of the RTD probe into the controller.
- First look inside the grill and ensure there isn’t any breaks or tears in the wire leading into the RTD probe.
- Next unplug the grill and unscrew the controller to inspect the wires on the back side of the controller.
- The RTD wires are in the green box so make sure these wires are connected tightly.
- After inspecting the wires, screw the controller back into place
- Turn the grill on and if the ERR code still appears then the RTD sensor needs to be replaced.
A new RTD sensor can be purchased on Amazon and delivered quickly so you can get back to grilling and smoking in no time.
ER2
The ER2 error code is generated when the RTD probe has failed. However, the controller may also be the source of the failure since the ER2 code is created when the controller does not receive any temperature inputs.
Fixing ER2 Code
The problem causing an ER2 code will either be the RTD probe or the controller.
The RTD probe is the cheaper item to replace and is easier to debug compared to the controller.
So follow these steps in order to check the wiring of the RTD probe into the controller:
- First look inside the grill and ensure there isn’t any breaks or tears in the wire leading into the RTD probe.
- Next unplug the grill and unscrew the controller to inspect the wires on the back side of the controller.
- The RTD wires are in the green box so make sure these wires are connected tightly.
- After inspecting the wires, screw the controller back into place
- Turn the grill on and if the ER2 code still appears then the RTD sensor needs to be replaced.
A new RTD sensor can be purchased on Amazon and delivered quickly so you can get back to grilling and smoking in no time.
If the Traeger is still displaying an ER2 error message after replacing the RTD sensor then the controller needs to get fixed or replaced.
The manufacturer, Traeger, recommends calling customer service at 1-800-TRAEGER if the ER2 message does not get resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the RTD temperature sensor?
A: The RTD temperature sensor is the upright metal probe located on the left-hand side of the grill when the lid is opened. The sensor will either be shiny silver or black depending on how often the smoker has been used.
Q: How do I restart a Traeger that ran out of pellets?
A: Follow this step-by-step photo guide that walks you through how to correctly restart a Traeger that ran out of pellets.
Q: Why does my Traeger’s temperature swing so much?
A: The Traeger’s cooking temperature may swing from one of the following reasons:
- RTD temperature sensor is dirty
- Grill is uninsulated during a cold or windy day
- Wood pellets are low quality or wet
- Firepot is full of ash
Final Thoughts
Error codes are simply a way for the Traeger to notify you of an issue that’s occurred.
Thankfully most common error codes on a Traeger are relatively easy to resolve and won’t cost you a thing.
Traegers are fantastic pellet grills that work for hours on end without needing a thing. However, these pellet grills do need to be maintained and cleaned so that they can continue to work properly.
If your Traeger has not been cleaned recently then don’t be shocked if you see an error code pop up on your digital display. Now you don’t need to panic since you can read the code and follow the steps in the guide to get you back to smoking!
