Get to know your grill's thermocouple -- What is it, where is it, and how do I keep it in optimal condition?
- Related Articles:
What is a Thermocouple?
A thermocouple is the grill's temperature sensor -- typically a 1" metal rod in WiFIRE-enabled grills that reads the temperature inside the grill.
The thermocouple communicates the grill's temperature to the controller, which will display the temperature on the screen as well as determine the speed the auger motor should feed pellets to maintain the desired temperature.
NOTE: Thermocouples are susceptible to temperature and tampering, so you want to ensure you do not touch them while using the grill.
Learn More About Thermocouples
Where is the Thermocouple?
Your thermocouple's location depends on which grill you own.
On PIT (Pro, Ironwood & Timberline) grills, the thermocouple sticks horizontally out of the barrel wall on the hopper side.
On Costco grills like our Silverton models, the thermocouple sits vertically next to the bottom grill grate on the hopper side.
| TIMBERLINE 850/1300 | IRONWOOD 650/885 & PRO | TOUCHSCREEN GRILLS | SILVERTON |
Normal Thermocouple Behavior
When working as designed, the Thermocouple reads the temperature inside the grill and communicates that temperature to the grill's controller.
If the controller reads 245°F, the grill is 245°F.
A working Thermocouple keeps the temperature close to the set temp. Spikes or drops after lid openings or temperature changes are normal and will stabilize.
Protect your Thermocouple
Thermocouples are susceptible to temperature and tampering, so let the customer know not to touch them while using the grill.
Grills are shipped with a protective covering over the thermocouple to prevent damage during shipping. Grills manufactured before mid-2021 came with an orange, plastic covering. Grills manufactured after mid-2021 have a cardboard covering.
- If you forgot to remove the orange plastic before seasoning your grill, and the plastic has melted onto the thermocouple, contact Customer Support.
- If the cardboard covering did not burn off during seasoning, remove it--keeping it on can cause temperature issues.
Thermocouple Related Notification & Errors
| NOTIFICATION | DESCRIPTION | RESOLUTION | RELATED ARTICLES |
| WiFIRE D2 Grills | |||
| 707 | The controller is not receiving a signal from the thermocouple. | Check the connection between the thermocouple (yellow connector) and the controller. | D2 Grill Wiring |
| Temp Sensor Out | The controller is not receiving a signal from the thermocouple. | Check the connection between the thermocouple (yellow connector) and the controller. | Temp Sensor Out |
| Touchscreen Grills | |||
| NOTIFICATION | ERROR # | DESCRIPTION | |
| 01.00.05 | 01.00.06+ | ||
| Temp Sensor Not Detected | 0005 | 0006 | The grill detects improper thermocouple readings. |
Thermocouple Replacement
If a thermocouple needs to be replaced, please follow the directions below.
Thermocouple Damage
If visible damage is seen to the thermocouple or the thermocouple wiring, see Damage on RTD or Thermocouple.