Pit Boss temperature swings of +/-30-40F are normal for pellet grills with a standard PID controller. Swings larger than 50F indicate a problem: check the RTD temperature probe for grease buildup (clean it), check the firepot for ash blockage (vacuum it out), and verify the pellets are dry and not degraded. Windy conditions also cause larger temperature swings.
When I show up to a Pit Boss call, nine times out of ten it's one of three things: a grimy RTD probe, junk pellets, or an ash-choked firepot. Ignore big swings and you'll either flame out mid-brisket or get an ErH overheat error and lose the whole cook. The P-Setting is what most folks sleep on. It's the controller's main dial for how often it drops pellets, and the factory default isn't right for every condition.
Most of these calls come down to airflow and fuel quality, honestly. These aren't indoor ovens with a sealed heating element. They're outdoor furnaces that have to fight wind, humidity, and whatever pellets have been sitting in your hopper since last fall. A 15-degree swing is just the grill doing its job. A 60-degree swing means something's choking the fire or lying to the controller, and it's usually a five-minute fix once you know where to look.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Component failure in the Pitboss pelletgrill40%
Sensor or thermostat out of operating range24%
Control board fault14%
Power or electrical supply issue12%
Mechanical wear requiring inspection10%
Symptoms You May Notice
The display reads 225F but you watch it climb past 275, drop back to 185, and come back up, over and over in about a 10 to 15 minute cycle.
Random puffs of thick white smoke out of the lid seams, usually right when the temp reading drops, which means the fire is struggling and producing incomplete combustion.
Meat cooking unevenly or taking way longer than expected, especially on a pork butt or brisket where consistent low heat actually matters for the cook.
ErL or ErH error on the display and the grill shuts itself down mid-cook.
Full flame out. You check on it an hour in and the grill is cold with a pile of unburned pellets sitting in the firepot.
Can you reset a Pitboss pelletgrill to clear the TEMP-SWINGS code?
Turn the dial to Off and unplug the unit for 10 full minutes to clear the controller memory. Before restarting, vacuum the firepot and wipe the RTD probe clean with a vinegar-soaked cloth. Plug back in and start on Smoke with the lid open. Wait until the heavy white startup smoke clears and you can hear the roar of a healthy flame. Then close the lid and dial up to your target temp.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriverFlat-head screwdriverShop vacuum with narrow nozzle attachmentDigital multimeterGreen scouring padWhite vinegarFlashlight or headlampRubber gloves
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range950–1100 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my Pit Boss model number?
Check the silver data plate on the back of the hopper or tucked inside the hopper lid. It'll have the model number and manufacturing date. If it's faded from weather, look at the front of your owner's manual or the inside of the hopper lid itself. This matters more than people think because Pit Boss runs totally different controllers on the Pro Series versus the standard Navigator or Austin XL. A part that fits one won't necessarily fit the other, and the P-Setting behavior can be different too.
Is it worth repairing a Pit Boss with temp swings?
Absolutely, yes. Most of these temp issues are pure maintenance, meaning you're spending zero dollars and maybe 20 minutes of your time. Even if the RTD probe or the induction fan is actually shot, those parts are cheap and widely available. An RTD probe runs about $15 to $25. A new induction fan is maybe $30 to $40. The only time I'd tell someone to think twice is if the barrel is rusted through or the frame got warped from a grease fire. Short of that, these grills are built to be serviced and the parts supply is solid.
Can I fix Pit Boss temperature swings myself?
Yeah, easily. Pellet grills are genuinely one of the most DIY-friendly outdoor appliances out there because everything is accessible. You're dealing with 110v electricity and basic mechanical parts, motors, fans, probes. Nothing exotic. Just make sure it's unplugged before you start poking around inside the hopper panel where the wiring lives. If you can use a screwdriver and run a shop vac, you can handle 95% of the problems that cause temp swings. The P-Setting adjustment doesn't even require tools. Just be patient and change one thing at a time.
What P-setting should I use on my Pit Boss?
P-4 is the factory default and it works fine for most conditions above 50F with good dry pellets. Drop to P-2 or P-3 when you're cooking below 40F ambient or it's consistently windy. Bump up to P-5 or P-6 if you're getting consistent overshoot on long low-and-slow cooks in warmer weather. Make small moves, one step at a time, and give the grill 15 minutes to settle between adjustments. Worth noting: the P-Setting only applies in Smoke mode on older analog controllers. Newer Wi-Fi models like the 1150 Pro Series run a full PID algorithm and there's no manual P-Setting.
Is it normal for my Pit Boss to fluctuate 25 degrees?
Yeah, totally normal. These grills cycle the auger on a timer, so they're not burning continuously like a gas burner. A well-maintained Pit Boss in calm weather with good dry pellets will usually swing 15 to 25 degrees around your set point. That's just how the technology works. Once you're seeing 40 to 50 degrees or more of swing, something's off. Wind is the big wildcard. On a gusty day I've watched a perfectly healthy Pit Boss swing 60 degrees because the wind kept pulling heat out of the barrel faster than the controller could catch up. A simple windbreak can solve that without touching anything on the grill.
Models Known to Experience TEMP-SWINGS Errors
This repair applies to most Pitboss pelletgrills with this error code. Common model numbers include: