Traeger Low Temp Error: Why Temperature Drops and How to Fix

Quick Answer

Traeger Low Temp Error (LEr on WiFIRE models) means the grill temperature dropped below the safe cooking threshold. Clean the firepot first (50% of cases) - ash buildup insulates the fire and reduces heat output. Check the pellet hopper is not empty. Also check ambient temperature: in cold weather (below 35F), use the Traeger insulation blanket and preheat longer.

When I see this on a WiFIRE screen, it usually means the fire actually went out mid-cook, which is a huge headache if you're halfway through a brisket. The grill senses the temp drop and shuts down to prevent a massive pile-up of unburnt pellets. If you ignore this and just keep restarting, you risk a dangerous grease fire or a sudden burp of white smoke when those pellets finally catch.

TraegerPelletgrillSeverity: moderate80% DIY Success

Time to Fix

10–60 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$20 – $80

Tools Needed

Shop vacuum with narrow nozzle attachment, Phillips #2 screwdriver

What Does the LOW-TEMP Code Mean?

Traeger moved to text-based alerts on their newer D2 controllers to make troubleshooting less cryptic, but the mechanics are basically the same. Think of this as a heartbeat monitor for your fire. If the controller doesn't see steady temp maintenance, it cuts power. It's almost always an airflow issue from ash buildup or a fuel delivery problem like pellet bridging, and honestly, both are a pretty easy fix.

Most Likely Causes

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

Component failure in the Traeger pelletgrill40%

Sensor or thermostat out of operating range24%

Control board fault14%

Power or electrical supply issue12%

Mechanical wear requiring inspection10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Display shows 'Low Temp Error' or 'LEr' and the grill shuts down completely, usually right in the middle of a long cook.
Temperature reading on the controller or app starts dropping steadily, like 50 degrees in 20 minutes, with no sign of recovering.
Smoke gets thin and almost disappears, then the grill just cuts out.
You get a push notification on the Traeger app that your grill went offline or hit an error, and the temp graph on your phone is just nosediving.
Firepot is stone cold with a pile of unburnt pellets sitting in it when you pull the drip tray to check.

Can you reset a Traeger pelletgrill to clear the LOW-TEMP code?

Flip the power switch on the back of the grill to off and wait a full 60 seconds. Before you flip it back on, pull the grates and drip tray and actually look at the firepot. If there are unburnt pellets sitting in there, vacuum them out completely. Don't skip this step. Then power back on, set your temp, and give the grill a solid 10-15 minute startup cycle to let it ignite and stabilize before you put any food on.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Shop vacuum with narrow nozzle attachmentPhillips #2 screwdriverFlashlight or headlampMultimeter (for testing igniter resistance)Heat-resistant glovesAirtight bucket for disposing old pellets

Diagnostic Checklist

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

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range50–80 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 Hot Rod IgniterKIT0019 · $20–$35	KIT0019	$20 – $35
Traeger Insulation BlanketModel-specific · $50–$80	Model-specific	$50 – $80

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Low Temp Error the same as LEr?

Yeah, same thing. Traeger updated the interface on WiFIRE models like the Pro 575 and Ironwood series to show 'Low Temp Error' because homeowners found 'LEr' confusing. The logic inside the controller is identical. If the temp stays 15-20 degrees below your set point for too long, the safety protocol triggers this shutdown to prevent the auger from overfilling a dead firepot with raw pellets. Same error, just friendlier text.

Why did I get Low Temp Error but my hopper is full?

Pellet bridging is almost always the reason. The pellets compact and form a hollow arch right over the auger intake, so the auger's spinning but not grabbing anything. Stir the pellets down toward the center and see if they actually flow. If that's not it, dig down to the auger opening and check if pellets got wet and turned into a paste that's blocking the tube. And don't forget the firepot. Ash buildup acts like a fire extinguisher, slowly choking the flame until the sensor triggers the shutdown even with plenty of fuel waiting.

Can I prevent Low Temp Error?

Honestly, cleanliness is everything with a Traeger. Vacuum the firepot after every long cook or every two shorter ones. Don't let ash pile up. And watch your pellets, because this is the thing most people ignore. Pellets that sat in a humid garage for months burn like wet cardboard. Store them in an airtight bucket, not just loose in the hopper. If you live somewhere humid, don't leave pellets sitting in the hopper for more than a week or two without running a cook.

Will this error ruin my food if it happens mid-cook?

Depends on how far along you were. If you're 80% through a brisket and the internal temp is already in the 190s, you're probably fine. Wrap it, rest it, call it done. But if you're only two hours in and the meat's at 130°F, you've got a food safety issue. Protein sitting in the 40-140°F danger zone for more than a couple hours is risky. Check the internal temp with your probe thermometer and make a call. Don't just assume it's fine because the outside looks cooked.

How cold is too cold to use my Traeger without problems?

Below about 35°F you're going to fight this error a lot without extra help. The grill loses heat faster than the fire can replace it, especially in wind. Traeger sells insulation blankets for most models and they're actually worth the $80-100. Also, always preheat at least 15 minutes in cold weather before loading food, and set your temp about 25 degrees higher than you normally would. Park the grill out of the wind if you can. Even just moving it around the corner of the house makes a real difference.

Related Traeger Pelletgrill Error Codes

Code: LErTraeger LEr: Low Temperature Error (same code)Code: HUBTraeger Error Codes

Models Known to Experience LOW-TEMP Errors

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

Pro 575 (TFB57GZEO), Pro 780 (TFB78GLE), Ironwood 650 (TFB65LZBC), Ironwood 885 (TFB89BLBC), Timberline 850 (TFB85WLE), Timberline 1300 (TFB01WLE), Silverton 620 (TBB62RZC)

Written by

Sarah Kim

Smart Home & Specialty Appliance Tech · 12 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026