Smoker temperature swings widely, with large overshoots and drops; difficult to maintain a stable cooking temperature.

Safety first: Unplug the smoker before accessing sensors and wiring.

Steps:

• Clean the RTD sensor: Remove heavy grease and soot from the probe to improve response time.
• Check sensor wiring: Reseat the RTD connector at the control board and inspect for intermittent connections.
• Avoid frequent door opening: Opening the door often will cause natural swings; minimize door openings during cooking.

Repair: If swings remain excessive, replace the RTD temperature sensor probe and, if equipped, the ambient thermistor sensor. If the issue persists, the main control board may require replacement due to faulty control logic.