Pit Boss pellet grill error ErL
Failed start-up
Unplug and let it cool. Check pellets, probe, igniter and fan, then restart. In extreme cold, try a second start.
- Hot surfaces
- DIY
- 20 min
- I just want the part ↓
- When to call a pro ↓
Why
Fix it step by step
Second start in extreme cold
- 5 min
- None
- DIY
Turn the grill off, wait, then turn it on again.
Why & details
Second start in extreme cold.
Pit Boss chart, ErL (p.14): "In extreme cold, the grill may require a second start. Turn grill off, wait, then turn on again."
Did the code clear?Check the cooking components
- 3 min
- None
- DIY
Safety: Unplug the grill and let it cool completely before you open it. Unplug and let the grill cool before opening it.
Make sure grates and parts inside are positioned correctly.
Why & details
Check the cooking components.
Pit Boss chart, ErL (p.14): "Check proper positioning of cooking components."
Did the code clear?Check the hopper and feed
- 10 min
- None
- DIY
Safety: Unplug the grill and let it cool completely before you open it. Pit Boss (p.13): "Always disconnect the electrical cord prior to opening the grill for any inspection, cleaning, maintenance or service work." Pit Boss (p.2): the hopper safety screen "must not be removed unless directed by Customer Service or an authorized dealer."
Enough pellets, nothing blocking the feed system.
Why & details
Check the hopper and feed.
Pit Boss chart, ErL (p.14): "Check hopper for sufficient fuel or if there is an obstruction in the feed system. Remove pellets and follow Care and Maintenance instructions." Pit Boss also says poor-quality or overly long pellets can obstruct the feed system (p.14).
Did the code clear?Check the grill probe
- 5 min
- None
- DIY
Safety: Unplug the grill and let it cool completely before you open it. Unplug and let the grill cool first.
Confirm the temperature reading is accurate; clean if dirty.
Why & details
Check the grill probe.
Pit Boss chart, ErL (p.14): "Check grill probe. Confirm if actual temperature is correct and accurate. Follow Care and Maintenance instructions if dirty."
Did the code clear?Check the igniter
- 10 min
- None
- Caution
Safety: Unplug the grill and let it cool completely before you open it. Pit Boss (p.9): "Avoid touching the igniter to avoid injury, as it may be extremely hot." Unplug before removing cooking components.
Is it positioned right and heating up? Don't touch it.
Why & details
Check the igniter.
Pit Boss chart, ErL (p.14): "Check ignitor positioning and that it is heating up properly." Igniter Failure Procedure (p.9): with cooking components removed and the fire pot cleared, turn the unit on at SMOKE and feel for heat above the fire pot; confirm the igniter protrudes about 13 mm / 0.5 in into the fire pot. "Avoid touching the igniter to avoid injury, as it may be extremely hot." If it is not working, Pit Boss says to follow the Manual Start-up Procedure and call Customer Service for assistance or a replacement part (p.13).
Did the code clear?Check the fan
- 5 min
- None
- DIY
Safety: Unplug the grill and let it cool completely before you open it. Pit Boss (p.13): "Always disconnect the electrical cord prior to opening the grill for any inspection, cleaning, maintenance or service work."
Make sure it runs; clean it if dirty.
Why & details
Check the fan.
Pit Boss chart, ErL (p.14): "Check fan. Ensure it is working properly. Follow Care and Maintenance instructions if dirty." Igniter Failure Procedure (p.9): confirm the combustion fan is working by listening for a torchy roar.
Did the code clear?Contact Pit Boss service
- Decision
- None
- Pro decision
Igniter, fan or board faults need a replacement part.
Why & details
Contact Pit Boss service.
If the igniter, fan or auger is not working, Pit Boss says to call Customer Service for assistance or a replacement part (pp.13-14). Do not open the control board or wiring yourself.
Still showing ErL?Still ErL → see the partNeed a pro → call a pro
Did this fix it?
What ErL means
The grill did not light and come up to temperature during start-up. Pit Boss lists fuel, feed, probe, igniter and fan checks.
More detail
5-minute checks
Full answer & models
Pit Boss ErL means the grill failed its start-up cycle. Check pellets and the feed, the grill probe, the igniter and the fan; in extreme cold, start it a second time.
Call a pro if…
- The igniter does not heat, or the fan or auger does not run.
- ErL returns after the pellet, probe, igniter and fan checks.
- A fix would mean opening the hopper's electrical panel or wiring.
Part you'll likely need
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Only if the igniter check shows it is not heating. You can also order it from Pit Boss Customer Service (p.13).
Pit Boss replacement igniter for your grill model
Pit Boss names the igniter in the ErL checks and lists it as a part (parts list p.20, "Igniter"). If it is not working, Pit Boss says to call Customer Service for assistance or a replacement part.
FAQ
What does ErL mean on a Pit Boss?
Pit Boss's manual says the grill failed to perform its start-up cycle, or will not stay lit.
Why does ErL show up in cold weather?
Pit Boss says that in extreme cold the grill may require a second start: turn it off, wait, then turn it on again.
How do I check the igniter?
With the cooking components removed and the fire pot cleared, turn the grill on at SMOKE and feel for heat above the fire pot. Pit Boss says the igniter should protrude about 0.5 in (13 mm). Don't touch it; it may be extremely hot.
Source: Pit Boss Navigator Series Wood Pellet Grill Owner's Manual PB550G/PB700G/PB850G/PB1150G (110V): Troubleshooting pp.13-14, Igniter Failure Procedure p.9, Safety p.2, Parts list p.20 (PDF page numbers; hosted on the Dansons/Pit Boss manuals S3 bucket). Written by the DIY Error Codes team. Updated 2026-10-17. DIY Error Codes is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Pit Boss.