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ErrBase

Traeger Error 1: RTD Temperature Probe Disconnected or Failed

Quick Answer

Traeger Error 1 (Er1) is a temperature probe fault. The RTD probe is a thin metal sensor inside the grill barrel that measures the cooking chamber temperature. Er1 triggers when the probe's resistance reading is open circuit (wire broken) or far outside the expected range.

Traeger Error 1 (Er1) is a temperature probe fault. The RTD probe is a thin metal sensor inside the grill barrel that measures the cooking chamber temperature. Er1 triggers when the probe's resistance reading is open circuit (wire broken) or far outside the expected range. The most common cause is a damaged probe wire - the wire runs from the probe through the grill barrel to the controller, and it can be pinched by the drip tray, melted by grease fire contact, or chewed by rodents during storage. Before replacing the probe ($15-25), check the 2-pin connector where the probe plugs into the controller board. Disconnect and reconnect firmly - corrosion or a loose connection causes 30% of Er1 cases.

TraegerPelletgrillSeverity: medium80% DIY Success
Time to Fix
10–60 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$15 – $25
Tools Needed
Shop vacuum (for firepot cleaning), Flashlight

What Does the Er1 Code Mean?

Er1 = RTD temperature probe disconnected or failed. Check the 2-pin connector first (loose connection causes 30%). If connector is firm, the probe wire is damaged or probe element has failed. Replace for $15-25.

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 or Error 1 on display
  • Grill will not start
  • Temperature reading shows 0 or ERR
  • Grill starts but immediately shuts down

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

Turn the grill off. Unplug for 30 seconds. Plug back in. Set to shutdown cycle to clear the firepot. Then restart.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Shop vacuum (for firepot cleaning)FlashlightMultimeter

Diagnostic Checklist

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

1

Open the controller access panel (bottom of the hopper)

Open the controller access panel (bottom of the hopper). Find the RTD probe's 2-pin purple connector. Unplug it, check for corrosion or bent pins, and reconnect firmly.

2

Trace the probe wire from the controller to where it enters the

3

Test the probe with a multimeter set to resistance

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
Traeger RTD Temperature ProbeBAC194 · $15–$25

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $20 (Parts) vs $1150 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook without the RTD probe?
No. The RTD probe is how the controller knows the grill temperature. Without it, the controller cannot regulate pellet feed rate, and the grill either underfeeds (fire goes out) or overfeeds (fire too hot). The probe is essential for safe operation.
Er1 only appears after the grill heats up. Why?
The probe wire may have a heat-sensitive break: at room temperature the wire makes contact, but when the grill heats up, metal expansion opens the break. Inspect the wire where it enters the grill barrel - this area gets the most heat stress.
Can I use a third-party RTD probe in my Traeger?
Yes, as long as it matches the resistance spec (~1,000 ohms at room temperature) and has the correct 2-pin connector. Several aftermarket probes are available for $10-15, though Traeger's OEM probe ($15-25) is recommended for guaranteed compatibility.

Related Traeger Pelletgrill Error Codes

Code: HUBTraeger Error CodesCode: 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, Pro 780, Ironwood 650, Ironwood 885, Timberline 850, Silverton 620

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026