Pit Boss It Light Blinking: Quick Fixes
Have you ever started your Pit Boss and noticed the IT light blinking? This little blinking light can be confusing and frustrating. If you own a Pit Boss grill, you know how important the IT (internal temperature) light is for ensuring a perfectly cooked meal. However, troubleshooting and finding a solution is easier than you might think.
In this article, camping harmony will talk about why the Pit Boss IT light blinking happens and how you can fix it, all in simple steps. We’ll give you easy tips and tricks to make sure your Pit Boss works great and how to keep it from happening again.
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WHAT IS PIT BOSS IT LIGHT?
The Pit Boss IT light, also known as the “Ignition Temperature” light, is a key part of your grill’s operation. Under this system, your grill’s LCD screen will flash or blink to give you the signal that it is perfectly ready.
A timer of Pit Boss IT light is the most important part of the device because it constantly checks the temperature inside the grill. This data is sent back to the control board, which changes the speed of the fan and the rate at which pellets are fed to keep the temperature in the range you set.
You need to note that keep the Pit Boss IT light on because it controls the grill’s temperature and safety features. The light checks the inside of the grill to make sure everything is safe and working well. If the light begins to blink, it means the grill is having trouble getting hot or staying at the right temperature.
4 REASONS WHY YOUR PIT BOSS IT LIGHT BLINKING?
Let’s find out common reasons for the IT light’s blinking behavior, providing you with the knowledge to troubleshoot effectively
Insufficient Pellet Supply
Not having enough pellets is one of the main reasons the Pit Boss IT light might start blinking. A steady flow of pellets is what keeps the heat and smoke going in your Pit Boss grill. The grill has trouble keeping the temperature you want when the supply runs out, which is why the IT light blinks as a warning.
How It Affects Your Grill
Your Pit Boss grill runs on pellets. They are made from wood that has been pushed together and are used for smoking and cooking. The screw system that sends pellets into the grill’s burn pot can’t work well when there aren’t enough pellets in the bin. This problem could make the grill’s temperature drop, which would make the IT light blink.
What You Can Do
You should check the amount of pellets in your hopper often and make sure it’s full before and during cooking sessions. Also, check that the pellets are dry and of good quality. Pellets that are wet or not of good quality can get stuck in the feeding system and cause the same problems.
Pit Boss Fails To Hold Temperature At “Cook” and “Smoke” Mode
The Pit Boss grill’s temperature setting varies depending on the two cooking modes.
Furthermore, stable temperature and consistent smoke are crucial for achieving perfect grilling results. Temperature fluctuations can lead to uneven cooking, with parts of your meal being over or undercooked. In “Smoke” mode, maintaining a consistently low temperature is essential for imparting that rich, smoky flavor to your food, such as smoked corned beef brisket, smoked ribs, or smoked beef short ribs. When the grill fails to hold these temperatures, it’s usually a sign of problems with airflow, pellet quality, or the grill’s internal components.
How It Affects Your Grill
- Smoke Mode: When set to “Smoke,” Pit Boss grills usually operate at temperatures ranging from 180°F to 250°F (82°C to 121°C). The “Smoke” setting on a Pit Boss grill is typically used for low and slow cooking.
- Cook Mode: Pit Boss grills can reach temperatures of up to 500°F (260°C) or more, depending on the model. This higher temperature range cooks the food for a shorter period compared to smoking.
What You Can Do
If the grill doesn’t have enough airflow, it might not be able to reach and stay at the right temperature. Make sure that the grill’s vents are clear and not blocked so that air can flow properly.
Notice that: the “Smoke” setting of your Pit Boss grill operates at a temperature above 110 degrees Fahrenheit and the “grill” is 200℉ – 500℉.
Temp Probe Is Dirty
I realize that cleaning the temperature probe is an important but often overlooked reason causing the IT oven light to blink. The temperature probe, an essential part of the Pit Boss oven, helps you monitor the internal temperature of the oven. Thanks to this probe, your oven can maintain the set temperature to cook food accurately.
How It Affects Your Grill
The temperature probe can become clogged with food, dirt, and grease over time. This can make temperature probes less sensitive and distort the data they send to the oven’s processor. I’ve noticed that this can cause your oven to be either too cold or too hot, which will display fluctuating temperatures on the screen and cause the IT light to flash as a warning.
What You Can Do
Wipe the probe with a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution or grill cleaner. Avoid strong substances that could damage the probe. Before you try to clean your grill, make sure it’s always turned off and unplugged. After cleaning, you should use a wet cloth to rinse the probe and let it dry completely before putting it back on the grill.
Feeding System Stops Working
When the feeding system stops functioning correctly, it is another major problem that might cause the IT light to flicker. Pellets are transferred from the hopper to the firepot by the feeding system, which consists of an auger and a hopper. The pellets are then lit to produce smoke and heat.
How It Affects Your Grill
If the feeding system is not working correctly, you might notice that the grill struggles to reach or maintain the set temperature. For example, no smoke is a clear indication that the pellets are not being fed into the firepot.
What You Can Do
Turn off and unplug the grill, then inspect the auger for any blockages. Clean the auger’s ash or grease build-up and dirty hopper. If the Pit Boss fails to heat up to the desired temperature, you’ll need to check whether the burn pot is getting enough oxygen to heat up properly.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
In addition to extending the life of my grill, I’ve learned a few maintenance tricks that have prevented the IT light from flashing. Some of the most important things I do on a regular basis to keep my grill in top shape are these:
- Regular Cleaning: When I’m done using the grill, I always clean the sides with a grill brush to get rid of any leftover food. I find it easier to scrape off anything stuck to the sides when I do this while the grill is still warm (but not hot).
- Checking the Pellet Feeding System: I’ve found that using a shop vac to remove dust and debris from the hopper helps prevent blockages that could interrupt the feeding mechanism and affect the grill’s temperature.
- Grill Cover: I always put a lid on my Pit Boss grill when it’s not in use. The weather can rust and do other damage to grills over time, but a good grill cover will keep them safe. This easy step has helped keep my grill in great shape in an easy way.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Notes |
| Clean Grill Grates | After every use | Use a grill brush while warm for easier cleaning. |
| Check and Clean Temperature Probe | Every 3-5 uses | Use a soft cloth and mild detergent; ensure it’s dry before use. |
| Inspect and Clean Hopper/Auger | Every 5 uses or monthly | Vacuum out pellet dust to prevent blockages; check for mechanical issues. |
| Check Power Supply and Electrical Components | Every 3 months | Look for wear or damage; ensure secure connection. |
| Inspect and Possibly Replace Igniter | As needed, check every 6 months | Monitor for wear or failure; follow manufacturer’s guidelines for replacement. |
| Apply Protective Cover After Use | After every use, when cooled | Protects against weather, rust, and dust. |
| Season Grill Grates | Before and after every use | Helps prevent food from sticking and protects against rust. |
FINAL THOUGHT
The flashing IT light isn’t just a warning; it’s also a chance to learn more about your Pit Boss grill and how to take better care of it. You can usually easily fix this problem, though, with a little knowledge and regular upkeep. IT light blinking problems can usually be avoided by doing regular maintenance. So, the next time you see that Pit Boss It Light Blinking, remember that it’s telling you to do something, and you can do it if you know what to do and work carefully.