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Last Updated on October 29, 2021
Purchasing a Traeger grill is a significant investment when it comes to outdoor cooking. Traeger creates high-end cooking appliances using quality materials and advanced technologies. While this adds to the Traeger brand’s esteem, it also contributes to a high price tag.
After spending your hard-earned money on a premium grill, the last thing you want is to run into problems. Unfortunately, no appliances are immune to issues. Despite its reputation for reliability and durability, Traeger grills can experience problems. Here is a look at the most common issues, along with easy-to-follow solutions on how to overcome them.
Traeger Error Codes
When users experience issues with regular grills, they can be challenging to detect. There may be an electrical fault, a mechanical problem, or some other issue that takes away from the overall cooking experience. It may take some time to diagnose the precise malfunction.
As Traeger grills contain cutting-edge technology, most are equipped with digital displays. Many are smart technology-enabled, giving owners complete control and transparency over system performance. This technology also comes in handy when your grill malfunctions, as it can show you the exact problem you’re facing through an error code on your digital display.
HEr
The HEr error code stands for High-Temperature Error. If this code appears on your display, it means that the temperature within your grill is higher than 550°F for over 45 seconds. When this occurs, the grill activates a cool-down process that switches off the auger and fan. As soon as the grill cools down to below 450°F, the auger re-engages and runs for 2 minutes to get rid of any leftover embers from the auger tube.
HEr problems usually occur because of:
- Excess ash and grease present in the grill.
- Faulty temperature probe.
- Poor quality wood pellets.
- Issues with the temperature control.
Depending on the root of the issue, it may require a professional fix. If a temperature control problem occurs while you’re cooking, your food may not be salvageable.
HEr Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting a HEr issue is a process of elimination. Here are the steps involved:
- Switch off the power and allow the grill to cool down.
- Clear the fire pot from pellets, ensuring it isn’t clogged.
- Inspect the quality of the wood pellets and make sure they are compact and free from dust.
- Clear excess ash and grease from the grill.
- Test the temperature probe.
- Reset the temperature controller.
If the HEr error message persists after troubleshooting, the problem is likely with your temperature controller. At this point, it’s advisable to contact a repair specialist or the manufacturer to carry out repairs.
LEr
A LEr error code stands for Low-Temperature Error. It is essentially the opposite issue to a HEr. If your grill displays this message, it means the grill temperature has dipped below 125°F for over 10 minutes. This problem is most likely to occur if you’re cooking “low and slow” for several hours.
The automatic response to a LEr error is that the machine switches itself off. It is then up to the user to clear away the pellets from the fire pot and restart the grill.
Reasons for a LEr error code are generally due to:
- Pellets have run out.
- Poor quality pellets that generate dust build-up.
- The outdoor temperature is extremely cold, preventing the grill from staying at the desired temperature.
- Blockages in the fire pot, preventing adequate ventilation.
- Problematic temperature probe.
- Issues with the temperature controller.
LEr Error Troubleshooting
Diagnose the cause of the LEr error message by carrying out the following:
- Clean the fire pot and ensure there is no dust or blockages.
- Move the location of your grill to a more sheltered area. Invest in an insulation blanket to help regulate the temperature.
- Restart the heat sensor and test the grill.
- Restart the “P” setting. This controls the time between pellet distribution from the auger to the firepot. The “P” setting can be manually adjusted on older models.
If the LEr problem is due to the temperature controller issues, get in touch with a grill technician or Traeger to handle repairs and replacements.
ERR
An ERR code is generally caused by a bad connection with your RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector). This is the probe that monitors the internal ambient temperature of the grill.
If the sensor probe is loose, it can be a very quick fix. All that’s required is a tightening of the connection. However, this error message can represent a more serious problem with the RTD, which may need to be repaired or replaced by a professional.
ER1
An ER1 error code is another temperature probe-related issue. It can generally be resolved by securing the plug or pulling it out fully before plugging it back in.
ER2
An ER2 code signifies that there is a short-circuiting problem with your Traeger. This is a serious issue that usually involves electrical expertise to resolve. Unless you have experience working on circuit boards, it’s advisable to contact Traeger or hire a professional grill technician to repair your device.
Other Problems
Although the technology used in Traeger grills helps to diagnose common problems, you may encounter other issues.
Erratic Temperature Changes
Erratic temperature changes of more than 25°F of the set temperature can indicate problems. Unless there is damage to the drip pan and heat diffuser, this issue may have an easy fix.
Firstly, the temperature changes may be down to extreme outdoor weather. But, in many cases, it’s due to excess ashes from the wood pellets. Ash can block ventilation holes and affect temperature readings from the sensor probe.
Keep your grill clean and clear away excess ash.
Lack of Pellets
The auger is responsible for continuously feeding pellets through the firepot. If there is a lack of pellets, it is likely caused by an auger problem or a blockage. The auger can be disassembled and cleared easily.
Grill Won’t Power On
If your grill doesn’t power on, the most likely cause is that the ignitor isn’t working. It may also be due to a malfunctioning fan restricting oxygen flow within the grill. In both cases, a professional repair is advised.
Call a Professional for Major Repairs
Keeping your grill clean and carrying out routine maintenance can help keep issues to a minimum. However, this doesn’t guarantee a problem-free life for your Traeger. Although some issues can be handled DIY style, it’s generally best to call a professional for major repairs.
