RTD Replacement Instructions

Learn how to replace an RTD on your Traeger grill. RTDs are only on grills without WiFi.

Applicable Parts

The steps in this article apply to any of the following RTD part numbers:

• BAC194 - 7" Probe
• KIT0225 - 2" Probe
• KIT0373 - 2" Probe
  
  

Before You Start

Please take the steps below:

• Whenever doing maintenance on a Traeger grill, make sure it is unplugged and is cool to the touch. 
• Use caution around metal edges.
• Wear gloves when working around the fiberglass insulation in the grill and do not touch it more than necessary.
• When re-assembling the grill, make sure all wires are secured so that they do not contact any moving parts.
  
  

How to Replace an RTD

Supplies Needed

• Phillips screwdriver (#2 size)
• Flathead screwdriver (1/8” or 3mm)
• Optional:
  • Cutting pliers or scissors
  • Zip ties, 8” (1-3)

1. Turn off and unplug your grill.
2. Unscrew the screws securing your controller to your hopper and pull the controller away from the grill to expose the wiring and connection points.
3. Locate the green box in the upper corner of the control panel that secure the RTD wires in place. Loosen the two screws holding the RTD sensor wires just enough to be able to remove the RTD wires.
4. Open your grill and locate the RTD temperature probe on the left side of your barrel and unscrew the two Phillips screws holding it in place. 
   • Depending on your grill, the RTD may be 2" or 7".
5. Pull the RTD probe and its wires completely out of the grill.
6. Insert the new RTD probe wires through the same channel you pulled the old RTD out of so that the end of the wires are near the controller.
7. Screw the new RTD probe in place with the two Phillips screws.
8. Insert the new RTD probe wires into the green RTD connection box and gently tighten the screws to secure the wires in place.
9. Make sure no wires are touching the fan blades. If you have zip ties on hand, zip tie the wires together to keep them bundles. 
10. Reinstall the controller to the front of the hopper.
    
    

Replacing an RTD on a Scout, Ranger, or Trailhead

Supplies Needed

• Phillips screwdriver (#2 size)
• Flathead screwdriver (1/8” or 3mm)
• Optional:
  • Thin wire or string, about 2 ft/60cm
  • Grill cleaner
  • Paper towels or rags
  • Gloves
  • Cutting pliers or scissors
  • Zip ties, 8” (1-3)

Replacement Steps

1. Turn off and unplug the grill.
2. Remove the grease bucket, grill grate and drip tray.
3. Empty the hopper and remove any remaining pellets from the firepot.
4. Clean the grill thoroughly.
5. Remove the five Phillips screws that secure the hopper, RTD, and grill cavity in place.
   
6. Lift the hopper-burner assembly (HBA) out of the grill using the handle labeled, Caution Hot.
   
   • If the HBA doesn't have a handle, pull it from the hopper and auger tube/firepot (older Ranger and Scout models do not have this handle).
7. Cut the zip ties that bundle the wires together, careful not to cut any wires.
   
8. Rangers & Trailheads only: Find the back of the power switch and disconnect the two black wires from the power switch on the back of the grill body.
   
9. Unscrew the two Phillips screws holding the controller in place and pull the controller away from the grill to expose the back of the controller.
   
10. Locate the green box in the upper corner of the control panel that secure the RTD wires in place. Loosen the two screws holding the RTD sensor wires just enough to be able to remove the RTD wires.
     
11. Tie a string to the RTD wires. You will use this string to help guide the new RTD back through the grill.
    
12. Gently pull the RTD up and away from the grill, stopping when the leads that connect to the controller are out of the grill and the string is just exposed.
13. Untie the string from the old RTD and tie it to the new RTD. Pull the string and the new RTD wires through the grill so you can attach the new RTD to the controller.
    
14. Remove the wire/string from the RTD connectors and connect the RTD contacts to the controller, tightening the slotted screws just tight enough to keep the RTD wires secure.
    
15. Re-install the controller to the grill body using your Phillips screwdriver.
16. Bundle the wires together and secure them with at least one 8” zip tie, making sure the wires do not contact any moving parts.
    
17. Ranger & Trailhead Only: Re-connect the main power switch wires on or inside the rear of the grill body.
18. Lower the HBA back into the grill body.
19. Reinstall the five screws, noting the difference between the machine thread and self-tapping screws.
    • Machine thread: 3 total, secure HBA to grill body
    • Self-tapping: 2 total, secure RTD to HBA
20. Reinstall the drip tray, grill grate, and grease bucket.