Frustrated that your Pit Boss smoker isn’t reaching that perfect smoking temperature?
You’re not alone! There have been a number of reports of this issue in forums.
But don’t worry about it, this guide will help you to find out the reason and get your smoker working as the way it should.
In this post, I’ll go over the common reasons why your Pit Boss smoker is not heating up and give you the solutions for each of them.
The first reason why your Pit Boss smoker is not heating is due to a deteriorated hot rod.
The hot rod is responsible for heating up the pellets in the burn pot. Over a period of time, it can wear down or become damaged by preventing it from functioning properly.
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If the hot rod is not working as it should be, it will fail to burn up the pellets by resulting in a no or low heat production.
To resolve this issue, you may need to replace the hot rod with a new one
You can DIY it following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, or you may need to seek professional assistance if you are unsure about the process.
The next reason is a corroded burn pot.
The burn pot is where the pellets are burned to generate heat.
Over time, the burn pot can wear out by developing holes or cracks that allow air to escape, which can cause issues during the combustion process.
A corroded burn pot may not hold the pellets properly, which may obviously lead to uneven burning and insufficient heat production.
If you notice such corrosion or damage to the burn pot, it is advisable to replace it with a new one to ensure the proper heating process takes place in the smoker.
Another potential cause of your Pit Boss smoker not heating up could be an ignition failure.
This can occur due to a faulty igniter or other issues with the ignition system.
If the igniter is not functioning properly, it will fail to burn the pellets by preventing the smoker from heating up.
So inspect the ignition system for damage and clean it if necessary.
If that doesn’t work, consider replacing it with a genuine Pit Boss part following the manual’s instructions. In case of complex electrical issues, consult a qualified technician for a proper diagnosis and repair.
Another reason why it does not heat up is because the combustion fan isn’t working.
The combustion fan plays a crucial role in supplying oxygen to the burn pot, which results in proper combustion and heat generation.
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If the combustion fan is not working in an effective way, it can restrict the airflow by leading to insufficient heat production.
So go ahead and check the fan for any obstructions or debris that may be a barrier of its rotation, and ensure that it is functioning properly.
If the fan is malfunctioning, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Over time, ash and debris can accumulate in various parts of your Pit Boss smoker, such as the burn pot, heat deflector, and other components.
This build-up can obstruct the airflow and prevent the smoker from heating up properly.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure the optimal performance of your smoker.
Unexpected weather conditions, such as heavy rain or strong winds, can also be a part of the issue to your Pit Boss smoker’s inability to heat up.
This is because exposure to moisture can dampen the pellets by making it difficult for those to heat up and burn properly.
Plus, the cold weather can make it harder for the smoker to reach and maintain its desired temperature too.
The smoker works by burning pellets to generate heat, and colder outside air temperatures can steal heat away from the smoker’s chamber, making it take longer to preheat and requiring more fuel to stay at the set temperature.
Also Read: Can you use a smoker in the rain
To overcome this issue, it is recommended that you use a pellet smoker cover or a shelter to protect it when not in use, and avoid operating it during extreme weather conditions.
FAQs
If your Pit Boss grill is running hotter than the setting you selected, make sure the grill is free from grease buildup, as this can affect the temperature. It might be helpful to verify if your grill’s firmware is up to date and consider updating it if necessary.
Plus, adjusting the P-setting can help manage the pellet feed rate to better control the temperature.
When the IT light on your Pit Boss grill is blinking, it usually indicates an issue with the temperature probe. Inspect the probe for any damage or disconnection.
And make sure that the probe is properly inserted into the grill and connected to the control board.
If the probe looks faulty, it may need to be replaced.
If your Pit Boss grill takes a long time to heat up, try keeping the grill lid closed while it is preheating. Also make sure you have enough pellets and that they are dry.
Cleaning the fire pot and ensuring there are no obstructions in the air intake can also help.
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