Pit Boss ErL Code: What It Means and How to Fix It

What the ErL Code Means on a Pit Boss

A Pit Boss runs a simple loop. The RTD probe inside the barrel reads the temperature, the controller compares it to your setting, and the auger feeds pellets into the fire pot to add heat. The igniter lights those pellets at startup and the combustion fan keeps them burning.

When the probe reports a temperature far below what the controller expects, it throws ErL, which most owners read as “Error Low.” Pit Boss uses different code sets on different controller generations, so check the code chart in your model’s owner’s manual to confirm what each code means on your grill.

Why Does My Pit Boss Say ErL?

Your Pit Boss says ErL because the grill’s temperature dropped, or never rose, below what the controller expected. The usual causes are a fire that didn’t light, a fire that went out mid-cook, or a probe that can’t read the heat. Cold, windy weather makes all three more likely.

ErL Causes and Fixes at a Glance

What to Check First: The 10-Minute ErL Diagnostic

Unplug the grill before touching anything inside, and let it cool completely. A fire pot can hold heat long after the display goes dark.

1. Reset the controller. Turn the dial to OFF, open the lid, wait a few minutes, then set your temperature again. Some ErL codes are one-off startup failures. (If the grill runs fine but barely makes smoke, that’s a different issue: see why a Pit Boss isn’t smoking.)
2. Look in the fire pot. Pull the grates, drip tray and heat baffle. If the pot is packed with ash or unburned pellets, vacuum it out with a shop vac (cold ash only).
3. Check the hopper. Is there enough fuel? Are pellets tunneling or bridging over the auger? Stir them. Swollen, crumbly or dusty pellets have taken on moisture, so replace them.
4. Prime the auger. If the hopper ran dry, use your model’s prime function (or run the grill on Smoke) until pellets drop into the pot.
5. Clean the RTD probe. It’s the thin metal rod on the inside wall of the barrel, usually near the hopper side. Grease and smoke residue insulate it and slow its readings. Wipe it with a degreaser or warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and don’t bend it.
6. Reseat the probe connector. Behind the controller, make sure the probe plug is fully seated and the wire isn’t pinched or melted.
7. Test the igniter. With the pot clean and the lid open, start the grill and carefully hold your hand a few inches above the fire pot. You should feel heat within a few minutes. No heat means a failed igniter.
8. Check the fan. You should hear the combustion fan running at startup. A silent fan means no air for the fire.

If ErL clears after steps 1 to 6, the cause was fuel or buildup. If it comes back after that, you’re looking at a part: igniter, probe, fan or control board. For a full cleaning routine, see how to clean a pellet grill.

How Do I Clear the ErL Code on a Pit Boss?

To clear ErL on a Pit Boss, turn the temperature dial to OFF, open the lid and wait a few minutes before selecting a temperature again. That resets the controller. If the code comes back, the cause is still there: clean the fire pot, refill and prime the pellets, and clean the temperature probe before restarting.

Why Does My Pit Boss Keep Showing ErL After I Clean It?

A Pit Boss that keeps showing ErL after cleaning usually has a failing part, most often the igniter or the RTD temperature probe. Test the igniter first, because it’s the most common wear item. Traeger owners see the same pattern with the LEr code. If the fire lights and holds but ErL still appears, the probe or its connection is the next suspect, then the control board.

Cold Weather and the ErL Code

ErL shows up more in winter. Cold air and wind pull heat out of a thin steel barrel faster than a small fire can put it back, especially at low settings like Smoke. Owners in the Midwest and Northeast see this far more than cooks on the Gulf Coast or in the Southwest.

• Park the grill out of the wind, or set up a windbreak.
• Use an insulated blanket made for your model.
• Start on a higher setting, then drop to your cook temperature once the fire is established. If your model has a P setting, a lower number feeds more pellets and helps in the cold; see our Pit Boss P setting guide.
• Keep pellets bone-dry. Cold and damp together is the worst combination for ignition.
• Expect a longer startup, and restart if the first attempt fails.

Can Cold Weather Cause an ErL Code?

Yes. Cold weather can cause an ErL code because the barrel loses heat faster than the fire can replace it, especially in wind or on the Smoke setting. Shelter the grill, add an insulated blanket, and start at a higher temperature before dropping down.

How to Prevent the ErL Code

• Vacuum the fire pot every 2 or 3 cooks, and before every long cook.
• Wipe the RTD probe whenever you clean the grates.
• Store pellets in a sealed bin, not the bag, and don’t leave them in the hopper through rainy weeks.
• Always use the shutdown cycle instead of pulling the plug. It burns off the pellets left in the pot.
• Cover the grill between cooks.

Is the ErL Code Dangerous?

The ErL code itself isn’t dangerous. It means the grill is too cold, not too hot. The risk comes from restarting over a pot full of unburned pellets, which can light all at once with a big flare. Always clear the fire pot before you restart after ErL.

When to Replace a Part or Call Pit Boss Support

If the igniter doesn’t heat, the fan doesn’t spin, or the probe stays unreliable after cleaning, you need a part. Pit Boss sells replacement igniters, probes and controllers, and most models can be fixed with basic tools. If your grill is still under warranty, contact Pit Boss support before buying parts, because they may send them at no cost. Find current contact options on the official Pit Boss website.

Does the ErL Code Mean My Food Is Unsafe?

Not by itself, but check your meat. If the grill sat cold for a while, confirm the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Per USDA guidance, food shouldn’t sit between 40 and 140°F for more than 2 hours. If you can’t fix the grill quickly, finish the cook in your oven at the same temperature.

Pit Boss ErL Code FAQs