Troubleshoot All The Traeger Error Codes With This Guide

Anyone that has ever grilled anything in their life has probably heard about Traeger. The company was the one behind the original wood pellet grill, and many people have bought them since. You might have bought one, too, to take your outdoor cooking to the next level.

However, after a while, you might notice that the grill is giving you certain error codes. If there is something wrong with the grill, it will let you know by displaying an error code on the screen. You have to know what it means to be able to troubleshoot it. 

So, if you want to learn about the error codes to fix the grill, you have come to the right place. Here is what you need to know about them. 

Traeger Error Codes: What They Mean 

Here are some of the most common Traeger error codes you will find and what they might mean:

1. LEr

If you are looking at this error code, then it means Low Error Reading. Such an error only shows up on non-WiFire grills with digital controls of three digits. It simply means that the temperature of the grill has dropped below 125F for at least ten minutes or more. 

Because of this, it is crucial to check the temperature and make sure it says consistent. You might get the LEr error code for a few reasons. Here are some of them to help you fix the issue:

• You did not start your grill in the correct manner 
• There are either too many pellets in the firepot, or there is a lot of ash and sawdust 
• The weather is too cold, and the wind is decreasing the temperature of the grill 
• You don’t have good-quality pellets, which means they will not burn properly 
• You need to adjust the P-setting so that your pellets can easily maintain a consistent temperature 

How To Fix The LEr Error Code 

Now that you know the reasons for this code, you might wonder how you can fix it. Here are a few ways that can help you solve this issue:

Check The Firepot 

The first thing you can do is check the firepot. There might be a jam that you need to clear, or there may be no pellets to ignite the grill anymore. If the grill is jammed, then you can simply clear it all out. 

On the other hand, if your pellets are completely used up, then you can add new ones to restart the fire. Make sure they are of good quality so this problem doesn’t occur again. 

Check The Hot Rod 

There might be times when the hot rod of the grill is not heating up properly. You can turn off the Traeger grill and check the connection of the hot rod with your controller. You can do this by taking out the screws of the controller to ensure that the connections are accurate. 

Then, you can turn the grill back on, set it to smoke, and feel the temperature. However, if there is still no sight of heat, then it is highly likely you might require a new hot rod. If this is the case, you can get in touch with the company so they can provide you with this part. 

2. HEr

One of the top Traeger error codes you might witness is the HEr error code. It means a high error reading, which means that the temperature of your grill has exceeded 287C or 550F. This usually happens when there is a flare-up or fire inside the grill. 

Keep in mind that the traeger grill will automatically shut offif it exceeds this temperature to ensure safety of the grill. Here are some top reasons you might be seeing this error on your Traeger grill:

• You have not maintained the grill properly 
• A grease fire
• You didn't take steps to resolve a LEr code from the last time you were cooking.
• Too much dust in pellets 
• The temperature controller or probe is faulty

How To Fix The HEr Error Code

Here are some of the ways you can utilize to fix the HEr error code so that you can use the grill without any issues: 

Thoroughly Clean The Grill 

If the reason for the error code was a grease fire, then we recommend that you thoroughly clean the grill. Clear any pellets remaining in the firepot, and clean the grill completely. The grill needs to be in good condition again for you to begin grilling. 

Because of this, it is also crucial to clean your grill from time to time so that you don’t run into such issues. Too much debris or dust is never a good idea for outdoor cooking grills. 

Check The Heat Baffle And Drip Tray 

Both of these features are important for you to have a consistent temperature so that the grill can work properly. If they are damaged or not installed correctly, then you will have to take steps to fix them. That is because a damaged drip tray can be the cause of the grease not draining properly. 

On the other hand, a damaged heat baffle can cause the temperature of the grill to be incredibly high. If these are the issues with the grill, then we recommend that you call Traeger Customer Support to resolve your issues. 

Turn Off The Grill And Let It Rest 

Finally, if everything is in working order, then we recommend that you turn off the grill. Then, you can clear all the pellets from the grill so that everything is clear. In addition, it will allow you to fire up the grill once it has sufficiently cooled down. 

However, if you were cooking meat on the grill, then it is highly likely that your meat might have burned. So, you will also have to remove the meat and begin cooking another one to serve the most delicious meat to your friends and family. 

3. ERR Code 

The ERR Code is one of the top error codes, which means you need to replace something in the grill. Such a code will commonly show up when the grill needs to let you know that you need to replace the Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) probe. If you don't know already, it means the sensor probe inside your grill measures the temperature. 

Before you diagnose anything, you must ensure to check the connection first. If it is loose, then you can connect it yourself. On the other hand, if there is another issue, then you will have to order a new RTD for the grill. 

4. ER1 Code 

The ERR and ER1 Traeger error codes are more or less the same. If the ER1 shows up on the grill, then it can be an issue with the RTD or the internal connection within the grill. Whatever the reason may be for his code, it is highly likely that you will have to contact the customer support of the company. 

Keep in mind that there are a few resources online that will show you how to fix this error. However, we recommend that you don’t opt for these because you need technical skills to make this happen. Instead, we recommend that you leave this to a professional and let them take care of the issue. 

5. ER2 Code 

This error code means that the RTD has completely failed. In this case, it is best to contact the company so that they can replace the RTD. There is nothing you can do when you get this error code to fix the issue by yourself. 

Common Problems With The Traeger Grills 

Now that you know how to troubleshoot the Traeger error codes, there are also some other issues this grill can face. These are some common issues that anyone with such a grill can face from time to time. It is crucial to understand the causes and solutions so that you can fix such issues to make use of your grill. 

Here are some common problems that you might face when using Traeger grills: 

1. Problems With The Ignition 

The Traeger grills have electrical parts that you need to care for to ensure it works and starts properly. If there are issues with the ignition, then you might have trouble creating a fire or keeping it consistent. So, if you are facing this issue with your grill, then here are some of the things you can do to resolve this problem:

Check The Equipment 

The first thing you can do to resolve this issue is to check the equipment of your grill. For example, you can check the power supply to ensure it is in working order. Here are some issues with the power supply that can lead to ignition issues:

• Loose connection 
• An outlet that doesn’t work 
• A faulty cable 
• A cable that has been chewed on by an animal 
• And much more

You will have to check for yourself and see what the problem is. That is because if the grill is not getting any power, then it will simply not work. You can also plug the grill into different outlets to see which one works best for your grilling needs. 

Mechanical Problems 

When there are issues with the ignition, you might be facing mechanical problems within the grill. The two most important components that can cause this issue are the fan and the RTD. There is an easy way to check if the RTD is working. 

This includes the following:

• Turn on your Traeger grill 
• Set it to a temperature you need 
• Place your hand near the ignition rod to check if it is working (don’t touch the rod)
• If it is working, it will heat up without any issues

However, if it is not working, then you will not feel the heat of the rod. On the other hand, the fan of the grill must be slightly audible. This means when you put your hand inside the firepot, you should easily be able to sense the flow of air passing through. 

Before you take any of these steps, we recommend that you empty the pellets from the grill. If you don't, there might be a risk of an accidental fire. So, taking such a precaution is incredibly important. 

Switch Off The Default Demo Mode 

Some of the Traeger grills come with a demo mode that has been set automatically when you purchase the grill. It is the default mode used as a safety precaution. When such a mode has been turned on, it means that the ignition will not work properly to heat up the grill.

However, fixing this issue is incredibly easy. All you have to do is find the grill controller, go through the menu, go into the settings, and switch off the demo mode. Once you do this, the grill will ignite without any problems. 

2. Issues With The Pellet 

If your pellets are not right or of high quality, they will create issues for you when you are grilling. There are a few problems that come with the pellet. Here are some you might face and how you can fix them:

The Interior Temperature Of The Grill Is Low 

The first problem that you will face if there are issues with the pellet is when the temperature of the grill has become low. Because of this, the meat will not cook properly, and there won't be adequate heat inside the grill. The main reason for this can be moist pellets. 

This is why we recommend that you check the pellets and make sure they are in working order. It will allow you to maintain the temperature of the grill so that you can cook without any issues. 

There Is A Lot Of Thick Smoke 

If you have been grilling for a long time, then you understand that the smoke from your grill should be thin. Thick smoke is an indication that the pellets are not burning in the correct manner. That is because they need to reach an accurate temperature for them to let out a thin and hazy smoke. 

So, you have to make sure you are using the right pellets and that they are burning properly. Once you do, you will notice a thin smoke coming out of the grill. This means that there are no issues with the pellet. 

3. Fluctuations In The Temperature 

Another issue that is common among many Traeger grills is that the temperature might vary from time to time. However, an important note here is that some fluctuation and variation will be normal. This includes anything between 15 and 20F. 

Here are some reasons that might lead to temperature issues and what you can do to fix them:

The RTD Is Broken 

You can think of the RTD as a thermostat within the grill that takes care of the temperature. If this is faulty, then it will read the temperature wrong, which means it will vary. You can check the sensor and see if it is working or not. 

There are times when the RTD might break, and you will have to replace it completely. The company will connect with you and help you replace this in no time. It will also not put a steep dent in your pocket, as replacing it is affordable. 

The Fire Pot Is Broken 

Another reason for the temperature fluctuation might be that the fire pot is broken and doesn’t work properly. It can work well initially, but because it is made of steel, it tends to corrode and warp easily. When this happens, the flow of air will not be proper. 

Our recommendation would be that you upgrade the fire pot to a stainless steel one so that you don’t face any issues. You can also replace the drip pan and the heat baffle and opt for stainless steel ones. Making this switch will guarantee that the temperature stays consistent so that you can cook the meat without any issues. 

Pellet Issues 

Finally, even issues with the pellets can cause the temperature to fluctuate. This is why it is crucial to select the right pellets and invest in high-quality ones. The low-quality ones might work well for a while, but in the long run, they cause issues to your grill. 

Problems with the pellets can lead to many other issues that you might think are not related. So, if you want to avoid this, then you must ensure that the pellets you get are of high quality. 

Final Thoughts 

That was everything you needed to know about Traeger error codes to fix this issue without any problems. If you can't seem to figure out the issue and you need some help, then it is best to call the company. They will help you out, as the professionals know what to do. 

Make sure that you are not following any tutorials from the internet unless you are well-versed with electrical issues. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can wreak havoc on the grill. So, follow these guidelines and diagnose the issue today.