Pit Boss Er1 Error — RTD Probe 1 Fault Fix Guide

What Does This Error Mean?

Er1 means the primary RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) probe — the main grill temperature sensor — has failed.
Either the probe is disconnected, the wire is damaged, or the probe itself has failed.
Power off, find the probe (mounted inside the grill body), and inspect.
Most cases need a probe replacement — 20–40 USD part.

Affected Models

Pit Boss Pro Series
Pit Boss Lockhart
Pit Boss Navigator
Pit Boss Sportsman
Pit Boss Austin XL

Common Causes

RTD probe wire disconnected at the controller
Wire damaged or insulation melted
Probe itself failed (open or shorted)
Connector pins corroded
Controller's RTD input damaged

How to Fix It

Power off and let cool.

Press the power button.
Unplug.
Wait 30 minutes for the grill to cool fully — the RTD probe gets very hot during operation.
Open the controller compartment.

Most Pit Boss grills have a controller panel on the front or side.
Remove screws and lift off the cover.
You'll see the controller board.
The RTD probe wire connects via a small plug at the controller end.
Inspect the wire.

Trace the RTD wire from the controller into the grill body.
Look for damage — burned spots, cuts, melted insulation.
The probe is usually clamped inside the grill near the firepot.
Note any visible problems.
Reseat the connector.

Push the RTD connector firmly into its socket on the controller.
If pins are corroded or dirty, clean with a small wire brush.
Apply a tiny amount of dielectric grease before reconnecting.
Sometimes Er1 is just a loose connector.
Replace the probe.

If the wire is damaged or probe failed, order a Pit Boss replacement RTD probe.
Match part number to your grill model.
20–40 USD typical.
Replacement is straightforward — disconnect old probe, route new one through the grill body, connect at controller.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Er1 and Er2?

Pit Boss models with two probes have separate codes for each.
Er1: primary probe (main grill temp).
Er2: secondary probe (often the meat probe input).
Different probes, similar fix path — replacement.
The code tells you which probe to focus on first.

Will my grill work with Er1?

No — without a working temperature probe, the grill can't be controlled safely.
The ErN code prevents operation until the probe is fixed.
Some users have meat probe-only setups using a third-party thermometer, but the grill itself won't run.
Replace the probe and resume.