Traeger Temperature Overshoot / Runaway Heat

Grill overshoots set temperature by 50°F or more and runs too hot.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Grease fire adding extra heat, RTD sensor misreading low, Controller calibration drift, Auger relay sticking on

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: If temperatures are extremely high or you see flames beyond the firepot, treat as a potential grease fire. Turn OFF, unplug, and keep lid closed until safe.

  • 1. Deep clean:
    • Remove grates, drip tray, and heat baffle.
    • Scrape grease from drip tray and barrel.
    • Vacuum ash from firepot and bottom of grill.
  • 2. Check RTD placement and cleanliness:
    • Ensure the RTD probe is not bent or touching metal surfaces.
    • Wipe off heavy grease or soot.
  • 3. Test temperature accuracy:
    • Place a reliable oven thermometer or digital probe near the RTD.
    • Compare displayed temp to actual; if the RTD reads much lower, replace it.
  • 4. Observe auger behavior:
    • At a low setpoint, watch whether pellets continue feeding even when temperature is already above setpoint.
    • If auger runs constantly, the controller may have a stuck relay and should be replaced.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

RTD Temperature Probe
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