What to do if you find a broken or compromised RTD or thermocouple sensor.
Applicable Grills
This article applies to all WiFIRE and Non-WiFIRE pellet grills.
Related Articles
Learn more about these parts:
Non-WiFIRE - RTD | WiFIRE - Thermocouple
Why You Might Think Your RTD or Thermocouple Is Damaged
- Visible Damage: The probe looks bent, chipped, cracked, or broken. Continue to Damage on Your RTD or Thermocouple below.
- Wiring Concerns: You notice frayed wires, exposed copper, burn marks, or melted insulation. Continue to Damage on Your RTD or Thermocouple below.
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Error Messages: Your controller displays RTD/thermocouple errors.
- If you have received an RTD/thermocouple related error, please see Errors & Alerts for steps on the error seen.
Damage on Your RTD or Thermocouple
Just finished a deep clean or pulled your grill out of storage? You might notice damage to your RTD or thermocouple. Don’t worry, your grill can usually continue to work as intended even if the RTD/thermocouple looks bent or chipped.
Select the type of damage you see below to find out what to do next.
Bent RTD/Thermocouple
What to Look For:
RTD/Thermocouple is visibly bent or misaligned.
What to Do:
- Gently straighten the probe.
- If it cannot be bent back into place, contact Customer Service.
RTD/Thermocouple Contact with Grill Wall
What to Look For:
RTD/Thermocouple is touching the grill wall or other components.
What to Do:
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Bend the RTD away from contact.
- If unable to adjust, Customer Service.
Chipped or Broken RTD/Thermocouple
What to Look For:
RTD/Thermocouple is cracked or missing pieces.
Example of Chipped Thermocouple Example of Broken Thermocouple
A broken, bent, or chipped RTD can still work perfectly fine. Continue below to verify if the damage affects how the temperature is being read.
What to Do:
Run a brief preheat cycle to confirm the RTD is reading properly.
- If the controller reads correctly, the damage does not affect RTD's/Thermocouple's functionality.
- If you were directed here from another article to check RTD/thermocouple damage, return to that article to continue taking steps.
- If the grill emits an error, follow the article for that error. See, Errors & Alerts.
- If the controller reads irregularly, see:
- If the temperature is reading considerably higher or lower than set temperature,
Frayed, Cut or Melted Wiring
What to Look For:
- Wires show fraying, cuts, or exposed copper strands.
- Heat damage on wiring insulation.
What to Do:
- If damaged, contact Customer Service.