If you own a Pit Boss grill, you know how much easier it makes outdoor cooking. But sometimes, things go wrong—like when the IT light starts blinking. This tiny light can cause big confusion, especially if you’re not sure what it means. Whether you’re new to pellet grills or have been grilling for years, understanding why the IT light blinks and what to do next is important. This guide will help you decode the blinking light, fix common issues, and keep your grill running smoothly. Let’s break down what’s happening and how you can get back to grilling without stress.
What Is The Pit Boss It Light?
The IT light on your Pit Boss grill is part of the temperature monitoring system. IT stands for “Internal Temperature,” and the light is connected to the probe that measures the heat inside your food. When you’re cooking, this probe sends temperature readings to the control board. The IT light helps you track these readings, making sure your food cooks to the right temperature.
Most Pit Boss models use a digital display and a set of indicator lights. The IT light shows the status of the probe:
- Solid light: Probe is working, and temperature is stable.
- Blinking light: There’s an issue—either with the probe, wiring, or control board.
Understanding the IT light is the first step in troubleshooting.
Why Does The It Light Blink?
A blinking IT light isn’t just random. It’s the grill’s way of telling you there’s a problem. Here are the main reasons:
- Probe not connected: The probe may be unplugged or loose.
- Faulty probe: The probe is damaged, worn out, or dirty.
- Wiring issues: Broken or frayed wires interrupt the signal.
- Control board error: The grill’s brain isn’t reading the probe correctly.
- Temperature out of range: The reading is too high or too low for safe cooking.
Let’s look deeper at each cause and how to fix it.
Troubleshooting The Blinking It Light
Solving the blinking IT light can be simple or complex. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
1. Check The Probe Connection
Start by making sure the temperature probe is plugged in fully. Remove and reinsert it into the port. Sometimes, dust or food residue can block the connection. Clean the port if needed.
2. Inspect The Probe
Take out the probe and check for signs of damage:
- Bent tip
- Broken casing
- Corrosion
Wipe it clean with a damp cloth. If it looks damaged, you may need a replacement.
3. Examine The Wires
Look at the cable attached to the probe. If you see fraying, cuts, or exposed wires, the probe won’t work correctly. Never use a damaged probe—replace it for safety.
4. Reset The Grill
Sometimes, the control board just needs a reset. Turn off the grill, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Restart and check if the IT light stops blinking.
5. Try A New Probe
If your probe is old, swap it for a new one. Many Pit Boss owners find that replacing the probe solves blinking light issues. Use only official Pit Boss probes for best results.
6. Check Internal Settings
Some models have settings for probe calibration. Read your grill’s manual to see if you can adjust the probe’s sensitivity or reset the temperature readings.
7. Inspect The Control Board
If none of the above works, the problem may be inside the grill. The control board could have a software bug or hardware fault. This is rare but possible. Contact Pit Boss support for help.
Common Mistakes When Fixing The It Light
Many grill owners make the same mistakes when the IT light blinks:
- Ignoring the blinking light: This can lead to undercooked food or worse.
- Using cheap replacement probes: These often don’t match Pit Boss specs.
- Overlooking wire damage: Small cuts can cause big problems.
- Forgetting to reset: A simple reset can solve many issues.
Avoid these mistakes for safer cooking.
Pit Boss It Light Vs Other Grill Brands
How does Pit Boss compare to other pellet grills when it comes to temperature monitoring? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Brand | IT Light Function | Common Issues | Ease of Troubleshooting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Boss | Tracks probe status; blinks for errors | Probe, wiring, board | Moderate |
| Traeger | Digital probe; error codes on screen | Probe, calibration | Easy |
| Z Grills | Probe readout; no light indicator | Probe connection | Moderate |
| Weber SmokeFire | Digital display; alerts for faults | Probe, firmware | Easy |
Pit Boss uses a simple light system, while others rely more on digital readouts or error codes. Each has advantages, but Pit Boss’s blinking IT light is easy to spot and diagnose.
How To Replace A Pit Boss Temperature Probe
If your probe is faulty, replacement is straightforward. Here’s how:
- Buy a compatible probe from Pit Boss or an official dealer.
- Turn off and unplug the grill.
- Remove the old probe by pulling it gently from the port.
- Insert the new probe fully into the port.
- Restart the grill and check the IT light.
Most probes cost between $15–$30. Avoid third-party probes that may not fit correctly.
Probe Replacement Data
Here’s a look at probe replacement costs and average lifespan:
| Brand | Average Cost | Average Lifespan | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Boss | $20 | 2 years | 1 year |
| Traeger | $25 | 2.5 years | 1 year |
| Z Grills | $18 | 2 years | 6 months |
Replacing your probe every 2 years is a good rule of thumb.
Credit: www.simplymeatsmoking.com
Practical Tips To Prevent It Light Blinking
You don’t want to deal with blinking lights every time you grill. Here are practical tips to prevent problems:
- Clean the probe after each use.
- Store the probe inside to protect from weather.
- Avoid bending or twisting the probe wire.
- Use official accessories and parts.
- Update your grill’s firmware if your model allows.
These steps will keep your grill’s temperature monitoring reliable.
Advanced Troubleshooting: When The Light Won’t Stop Blinking
If you’ve tried everything and the IT light still blinks, it’s time for advanced troubleshooting. Here’s what you can do:
- Open the control panel and check for loose wires or burnt components.
- Use a multimeter to test the probe for continuity.
- Inspect the control board for signs of water damage or corrosion.
- Contact Pit Boss customer support for replacement parts.
Some owners have found that updating the grill’s firmware solves stubborn blinking lights. You can find instructions on the Pit Boss website or user forums.
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Real-world Example: Solving The It Light Issue
Let’s look at a real case. Jason, a Pit Boss owner from Texas, noticed his IT light blinking after a rainy day. He checked the probe and found corrosion at the port. After cleaning and drying the port and probe, the light stopped blinking.
Jason learned that weather can affect the probe’s performance—something many beginners overlook.
Another example: Maria replaced her probe with a cheap third-party model. The IT light kept blinking, and the readings were inaccurate. After switching to an official Pit Boss probe, her grill worked perfectly. This shows the importance of using the right parts.
How The It Light Affects Cooking Results
A blinking IT light isn’t just an annoyance—it can change your cooking results. If the probe isn’t working, you might undercook or overcook your meat. Food safety depends on accurate temperature readings. According to the USDA, cooking meat to the right internal temperature is crucial for preventing illness (USDA Food Safety Temperature Chart). If your IT light is blinking, don’t guess—fix the problem before you cook.
Pit Boss It Light And Grill Model Differences
Not all Pit Boss grills use the same IT light system. Here’s a comparison:
| Model | IT Light Location | Probe Ports | Display Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic 700 | Control panel | 1 | Digital |
| Pro Series | Control panel | 2 | Digital |
| Sportsman | Side panel | 1 | Analog |
| Navigator | Front panel | 2 | Digital |
Knowing your grill’s model helps you find the right troubleshooting steps.
Non-obvious Insights Beginners Usually Miss
- Humidity affects probe performance: Moisture can cause the probe to misread temperatures or trigger blinking lights. Dry your probe and port after rain or cleaning.
- Firmware updates matter: Some newer Pit Boss models let you update firmware. This can fix bugs in how the IT light works. Check your manual for update steps.
These insights help you solve blinking IT light problems faster.
When To Call For Professional Help
If the IT light blinks after you’ve tried all basic steps, it may be time for expert help. Signs you need a pro:
- The grill won’t read any probe, even new ones.
- The control panel shows error codes.
- You see sparks or smell burning near the control board.
Contact Pit Boss support or a certified technician. Most repairs are simple, but don’t risk your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does It Mean When The Pit Boss It Light Blinks?
A blinking IT light usually means the grill isn’t reading the probe correctly. This can be due to a loose connection, damaged probe, bad wiring, or control board error.
Can I Use Any Temperature Probe With My Pit Boss Grill?
No. Pit Boss grills work best with official probes. Third-party probes may not fit or give accurate readings, causing the IT light to blink.
How Often Should I Replace My Pit Boss Temperature Probe?
Most owners replace their probes every 2 years, or sooner if they see damage or inaccurate readings. Regular cleaning extends probe life.
Is It Safe To Cook If The It Light Is Blinking?
It’s not recommended. The blinking light means your grill can’t confirm the food’s internal temperature. This increases the risk of undercooked food and health issues.
What Should I Do If Troubleshooting Doesn’t Fix The Blinking It Light?
If basic steps fail, check for wiring or control board problems. If you can’t solve the issue, contact Pit Boss support or a technician for help.
Getting your Pit Boss grill working right is easier when you understand the IT light. A blinking light means something’s wrong, but most issues can be fixed with careful troubleshooting. Clean your probe, check connections, and use official parts for best results.
Taking care of your grill ensures safe, delicious cooking every time.
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