Controller displays ER-1 and grill will not start heating

Safety first: Unplug the grill from power and allow it to cool completely before opening any panels.

ER-1 on Memphis pellet grills typically indicates the RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) probe is not being detected by the controller.

• Inspect the RTD probe: Locate the stainless temperature probe inside the cook chamber (usually on the left side wall). Check for physical damage, kinks, or burned insulation on the lead.
• Check connections: Remove the access panel under or behind the hopper to reach the control board. Find the two-wire RTD connector going to the probe. Reseat the connector firmly and look for corrosion or broken pins.
• Test continuity: With the grill unplugged, disconnect the RTD from the board and measure resistance across the two RTD leads with a multimeter. A typical Memphis RTD will read a few hundred ohms at room temperature. An open (OL) reading indicates a failed probe or broken wire.
• Inspect wiring harness: Follow the RTD cable from the probe into the cabinet. Look for pinch points, melted insulation near the firebox, or rodent damage. Repair any obvious breaks with high-temp wire and proper connectors, or replace the harness.
• Replace RTD if needed: If the probe is open or badly damaged, remove the mounting screws inside the cook chamber, pull the probe out, route the new RTD lead along the original path, and reconnect to the controller. Secure the cable away from the firebox and moving parts.
• Power up and test: Plug the grill back in and power on. ER-1 should clear and the display should show ambient temperature. If ER-1 persists, the controller RTD input may be faulty and the control board may need replacement.