temperature probe broken?

[ccase39]

All of a sudden I will start getting wierd readings on my meat probe. I will put it in the meat and everything is fine and then all of a sudden it starts fluctuating greatly in temp. I mean like from 120 to 300 degrees. Sometimes it will just flash aH or whatever. Could this be a programming problem or simply a broken probe. Its only a month and a half old.

also I cannot find a replacement meat probe anywhere. I found the box probe on smokinit.com but thats it.

 

[old sarge]

I would try a reset of the unit. If that does not work give Steve a call and either he or Auber should be able to get you up and running.

 

[DivotMaker]

If a power reset doesn't do it, and make sure the probe/plug are clean, call Steve.  He'll send you a replacement (still under warranty).  Unfortunately, probes fail... that's why they only have a 90-day warranty.  They are very sensitive to abuse, like being submerged in water, or dropping onto the element.  Not saying that's what happened, just explaining the short warranty.  You'll get another one, no problem! 

If you need to smoke something by temp, just use an external thermometer, and set the controller to time, until you get your replacement.

 

[ccase39]

How do I get in touch with Steve? By resetting do you mean auto tune? If not how do I reset?

 

[old sarge]

If you visit the main site, you will find contact information via phone or email.

 

[DivotMaker]

Chris, his phone # is on the door sticker on your smoker.  Text/call him at 260-417-9951, or email at smokin.it.info@gmail.com.

 

[SuperDave]

Chris, this happens to me from time to time.  I even sent my Auber into be evaluated and nothing was found.  Plug & unplug probe, reset with on/off switch usually fixes it but sometimes not.  It is one reason that I'm happy that I don't have a D model and can use my analog side of the SI rather than ruin a smoke.

 

[ccase39]

Chris, this happens to me from time to time.  I even sent my Auber into be evaluated and nothing was found.  Plug & unplug probe, reset with on/off switch usually fixes it but sometimes not.  It is one reason that I'm happy that I don't have a D model and can use my analog side of the SI rather than ruin a smoke.

So just turn the switch off and on to reset?

 

[SuperDave]

I try reseating the probe plug and turning the unit on & off.

 

[DivotMaker]

Chris, if you use an external remote thermometer (always a good thing to own, even with a D model), like a Maverick, or simple single-probe from WalMart, you will not be unable to smoke.  Just set your box temp, and the trigger to time, then monitor the meat temp like you would with the analog controller models.

 

[ccase39]

I tried the reset with no luck. I have tried looking for a replacement probe online with no luck for the exact model. Do you have a link or a number I can call to buy a replacement?

 

[DivotMaker]

Chris, see my previous post with Steve's phone # and email.  Best to text or call him - he'll square you away.

 

[pd444]

My first probe stopped working all together. My second has the exact problem described here. I am finally getting around to this forum to find the problem and am disappointed to not find an answer. I've tried everything mentioned here to solve it. I have yet to be able to do a smoke more than a few hours before it starts fluctuating wildly. This kind of negates the money spent on the D since there's nothing I smoke that needs to have a temp change after a set time.
Hoping someone has an answer to those old problem.

 

[old sarge]

pd - Guessing you are talking about the meat probe. There have been a couple of instances where the female connector/jack became loose and tightening  solved the problem. You may need to remove the controller carefully to do this.  The wires in the male plug could be loose and need soldering. The probes are very sensitive to moisture.  If in washing the metal probe, you wipe down the cable and some water enters the probe where the wire connects, that also could be the culprit.  You have a 3 year warranty on the smoker and assuming you got it in 2016, you still have a year.  The controller however is covered only by a one year warranty.  You can purchase a new probe from Steve.  For the same price, you can upgrade to the newer probe, which I have done. Hope that helps.

 

[DivotMaker]

My first probe stopped working all together. My second has the exact problem described here. I am finally getting around to this forum to find the problem and am disappointed to not find an answer. I've tried everything mentioned here to solve it. I have yet to be able to do a smoke more than a few hours before it starts fluctuating wildly. This kind of negates the money spent on the D since there's nothing I smoke that needs to have a temp change after a set time.
Hoping someone has an answer to those old problem.

Hi PD...  I understand your frustration, but it is not that common, hence not finding an answer.  The fact is probes fail.  But, depending on how they are treated, it may not be often, or may be frequent...that's why there is a 90-day warranty on the probes.  If you get moisture in them, they will fail.  If you get them too close to the heating element (outside the meat), they will fail.  I have a 2D and a 3D.  I use them quite frequently, and have had exactly one probe fail in the past 4 years. 

Have you called or texted Steve?  He is a really good guy, and the last thing he wants is a frustrated customer!  He will get some more info from you, and will do what he can to make it right with you.  So, rather than be frustrated that there isn't an answer to your problem here, call Steve and get a resolution to your problem.  The D models are hugely successful, and just don't have many problems.  But, nothing is perfect 100% of the time.