Traeger Er1: RTD Temperature Probe Disconnected or Failed

Quick Answer

Traeger Error 1 (Er1) indicates the RTD temperature probe is disconnected or failed. To fix it, check the probe wire connections at the control board or replace the RTD sensor if it is damaged.

Er1 means your Traeger is flying blind. It can't read grill temp, so it won't run, or it'll shut down fast to protect itself. Ignore it and the grill literally can't function safely. I've seen guys try to tape sensors back together and end up with pellets overflowing the firepot. Don't do that. This is usually a $25 fix if you catch it early.

TraegerPelletgrillSeverity: moderate80% DIY Success

Time to Fix

10–60 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$15 – $25

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flashlight or headlamp

What Does the Er1 Code Mean?

OK so here's the deal with Er1. About 40% of the time it's just a loose connector behind the control panel, not a dead probe. Seriously. The grill vibrates during transport, the molex connector wiggles, done. Before you order anything, you're going to reseat that connector first. If that doesn't fix it, a Traeger RTD probe runs $25-35 and takes maybe 20 minutes to swap. I replaced three of these last month alone.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Probe connector loose or corroded40%

Probe wire pinched by drip tray24%

Probe wire damaged by grease fire14%

Rodent damage to probe wire during storage12%

Probe element failed from age10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Er1 flashes on the display the second you flip the power switch, before the grill even tries to fire up.
Grill lights and runs for 2-3 minutes then shuts itself down and throws the code, sometimes smelling like it was trying to ignite.
Temperature display is stuck at 0°F or shows ERR the whole time instead of climbing toward your set point.
Grill starts up fine on cold days but throws Er1 ten minutes into a cook once it warms up. Classic sign of a hairline fracture in the probe element.
Grill won't complete its shutdown cycle and just cuts power without running the cool-down fan.

Can you reset a Traeger pelletgrill to clear the Er1 code?

Flip the power switch off and unplug the grill from the wall. Wait at least 30 seconds. That gives the controller capacitors time to fully drain and reset. Before you plug back in, open the lid and check the firepot. If the grill was trying to run through an error, it might've dumped extra pellets in there. Pull them out by hand or vacuum them out. Starting with an overfull firepot is how you get a fire.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlashlight or headlampDigital multimeter set to OhmsShop vacuum for firepot cleanupDry cloth or cotton swabs for cleaning connector pins

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range950–1050 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Traeger RTD Temperature ProbeBAC194 · $15–$25	BAC194	$15 – $25

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook without the RTD probe?

Don't try it. The controller uses the RTD like a thermostat. If it can't see the temperature, it doesn't know if the fire is out or if it's a raging inferno inside. It might just keep feeding pellets trying to hit your set temp, and when those pellets finally light you've got a massive flare-up. The grill won't let you run it with Er1 showing for exactly this reason. Hang up the tongs until the part is replaced.

Er1 only shows up after the grill heats up. Why?

Classic failing probe symptom. As the metal inside the probe element heats up and expands, a tiny hairline fracture in the wire pulls apart just enough to break the circuit. Works fine cold, dies ten minutes into a smoke. Same thing can happen with a wire that's got a partial break. It conducts fine at rest but the heat makes the metal expand and the crack opens up. If you're getting intermittent Er1 only when the grill is hot, just replace the probe. It's almost certainly the element and it's only going to get worse.

Can I use an aftermarket RTD probe?

You can, and plenty of people do, but I usually tell folks to go OEM for this one specific part. The RTD is the heart of the whole temperature control system. Aftermarket probes can be calibrated slightly differently and you'll end up with your grill running 15-20 degrees hotter or colder than the display says. That might not matter for a brisket but it'll mess with anything that needs precision. The OEM Traeger probe is about $25-35. For that price, just get the right one.

How much does a Traeger RTD probe cost and how hard is it to install?

OEM probe runs $25-35 on the Traeger site or Amazon. Part number BAC236 fits most Pro and Ironwood series grills. Installation is easy. You're unplugging one molex connector, removing two screws that hold the probe to the barrel wall, and threading the new one back in the same hole. The whole job takes 15-20 minutes if you've never done it. I timed myself at about 8 minutes last time I did one. It's genuinely one of the easier repairs on these grills.

My Traeger is brand new out of the box and showing Er1. What happened?

This happens more than it should. Shipping and handling can knock that RTD molex connector loose right in the box before you ever cook on it. Before you return anything or call anyone, pull the controller out of the hopper, find those two purple probe wires, and reseat the connector. Takes two minutes and it's free. I've seen grills come out of the box with the connector barely holding on. If reseating doesn't fix it and the grill is brand new, Traeger's warranty covers this completely, so call their support line before you buy parts.

Related Traeger Pelletgrill Error Codes

Code: HUBTraeger Error Codes Code: LErTraeger LEr: Low Temp

Models Known to Experience Er1 Errors

This repair applies to most Traeger pelletgrills with this error code. Common model numbers include:

Pro 575 (TFB57PUB), Pro 780 (TFB78GLE), Ironwood 650 (TFB65LZBC), Ironwood 885 (TFB89BLEC), Timberline 850 (TFB85WLE), Timberline 1300 (TFB131PLB), Pro 34 (TFB88PUB)

Written by

Sarah Kim

Smart Home & Specialty Appliance Tech · 12 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026