RTD (temperature sensor): check and clean

Check the RTD

Traeger support's RTD articles. The RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) is the grill's temperature sensor. Traeger: "If the controller reads 245 °F, the grill is 245 °F."

1. Make sure the grill is cold, switched off and unplugged.
2. Lift out the grates, drip tray and baffle so you can see the RTD: an 18 cm (7 in) rod standing upright on the left inside wall.
3. Leave it alone unless it is heavily coated (Traeger support).
4. If it is coated, wipe it gently with a little degreaser or rubbing alcohol.
5. Check it stands upright and touches nothing: an RTD touching metal or grease can read wrong (Traeger's HEr article).
6. Refit the parts and do a short preheat to check: the reading should settle near the dial setting, without jumps of more than 2 °C (4 °F).