How to Clean Traeger RTD Temperature Probe

How to Clean Traeger RTD Temperature Probe

To extend its lifespan and maintain its performance, it’s essential that the Traeger RTD temperature probe is maintained thoroughly.

To clean it, you can wash it with water and scrub it with a soft brush. You could also use a dedicated cleaning product.So, how do you clean traeger RTD temperature probe?

The answer is simple: You just follow the instructions on the traeger temperature probe package.

However, if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire a professional cleaning service to do it.

Contents

What are the Major Traeger RTD Probe Problems?

A malfunctioning or troublesome temperature probe can be a source of great frustration to serious grillers because it can cause your grill to lose its ability to maintain the temperature you set it.

There are several sorts of Traeger Temperature Probes available on the market.

Users must understand how an RTD works and how to troubleshoot the various components of their unit before troubleshooting their probes.

RTD is an abbreviation for Resistance Temperature Detector.

The idea stays the same for all kinds, but each one is slightly different and has its own advantages and drawbacks.

It really operates by detecting changes in resistance as temperature changes take place within the sensor’s body.

If the grill or probe is still heated, the sensor will show a reading that is higher than the ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the probe.

If this RTD probe becomes damaged or malfunctions, it can give erroneous readings because the signal being sent from the sensor to the receiver is not accurate anymore.

Why Should I Clean My Traeger RTD Temperature Probe on a Regular Basis?

Aside from the fact that a clean Traeger RTD Temperature Probe is less likely to malfunction than a dirty one, a clean probe will last longer.

Furthermore, proper maintenance will extend the life of your grill and save you a lot of money in the long run.

Maintenance of your barbecue means keeping it clean and well-oiled so all the parts and components will function properly for years to come.

Properly maintaining your BBQ grill requires routine cleaning as well as regular replacement of worn-out parts such as the igniter and the heating elements.

The most apparent reason is that any filth or oil that accumulates on the cooking grates of the BBQ will make food stick.

As a result, a greasy or oily mess will have to be cleaned off the grates by hand after cooking.

The best way to avoid this hassle is to clean the grate after every use.

How to Clean Traeger RTD Temperature Probe

When you look at the temperature probe, you will see two wires running to a black plastic cap.

Using your screwdriver, remove the black plastic cap and take out the temperature probe.

After the screws have been taken off, carefully take the wires out and place them into a cup filled with water and dish soap.

When cleaning the RTD probe using a dishwasher, do not place it in the top rack as it will be exposed to too much heat.

However, if you want to use an old unused dishwasher detergent bottle to clean your probes, you can place them in there and put the water cycle on with high heat settings.

If you use too hot water on the dishwasher cycle, you may damage the connector on the wire of the sensor or the glass tube itself.

As much oil and grease as possible should be removed from the connectors before putting the probe into the soapy water.

Turn your attention to the wire that connects to the temperature sensor; there is a black plastic cap that protects the connection from moisture.

Clean it as thoroughly as you possibly can with a toothbrush and a little soap.

Proceed to the probe glass part; soak it in hot soapy water for 10 minutes or so, then rinse it with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.

It is not required to clean that portion, but if you find that it is dirty, then clean it with the same procedure as above.

Finally, using the screws to secure everything in place, re-assemble the device with the cord connected to the computer and the display on.

And you have successfully cleaned your wireless thermometer.

Things to Consider When Cleaning Traeger Temperature Probe

Before you begin cleaning your Traeger Grill Temperature Probe, it is recommended you turn off the device to prevent damage from occurring.

Although cleaning a Traeger Pellet Grill temperature probe can be quite easy with the right tools and instructions, there are certain things you should keep in mind before tackling the task yourself.

All damaged RTD temperature probes should be replaced immediately to avoid damaging your device further.

Keep the screws secure since you will need them later when reassembling the temperature probe.

When cleaning the temperature probe, always use compressed air to remove debris from the sensor head.

Make sure you don’t pull too hard on the wires as you may damage the connector or dislodge the sensor head.

Is It Necessary to Use a Traeger Temperature Sensor Cover?

Yes, I would strongly consider purchasing a Traeger Temperature Sensor Cover for your pellet grill.

It is usually a good idea to protect your temperature probe from the elements, especially if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rain or snow during the winter months.

The RTD temperature probe’s sensor element can be easily damaged if the unit is exposed to the elements for a long period of time.

Because it is usually easy to replace a sensor head, it makes good sense to protect this valuable part of your pellet grill with a cover (especially during the winter).

Can the Traeger Probe Be Left Inside When Washing or Cooking on the Grill?

Traeger RTD Probe Thermometers are fine to cook with on the grill, but they should never be left inside while the grill is in operation.

In fact, some of them have a grill timer on them and can cause the unit to shut off prematurely.

This is intended to assist the user in the removal of any residue that may be built up in the probe assembly over time.

The insert may always be cleaned with warm soapy water but should be dried before inserting into the probe housing.

To avoid damage, the thermometer should not be immersed in water or any liquid that contains a detergent or other cleaning agent.

Also Read: How Does A Traeger Ignite?

Conclusion

Cleaning tools such as soapy water, white vinegar, or lemon juice may be used if care is taken not to allow any solution to contact the cooking grate surface or heating elements.

The cleaning process described in this manual includes the use of a tool to clean the underside of the cooking grate surface and the cleaning of the griddle plate with a sponge and warm water.

I strongly advise you to maintain your Traeger RTD grill in a clean condition in order to avoid any problems from developing with your grill.

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