Timberline 850 pellet sensor problem

[Mikshann]

Have been getting constant pellet low level alarm no matter what the level actually is. Even when hopper is nearly full. When I go through calibration process, I get to the step where I cover the sensor light with my hand and get a message saying "calibration error try again". No matter how many times I retry, I can't get past this step. Anybody else have similar experience. Have not been able to get a response yet from Traeger.

 

[bfletcher]

I haven't installed my sensor yet. Is there a chance that dust on the sensor is causing an issue?

 

[RemE]

I have found my sensor to be pretty inaccurate. Initially it read lower than what the hopper had. Then I calibrated it and it shows full until the hopper is below about 25%, then it changes. It now is pretty good when the hopper is almost empty which is most important to me at least.

 

[Mikshann]

I haven't installed my sensor yet. Is there a chance that dust on the sensor is causing an issue?

Bfletcher, this is the recent 850 model with sensor included. I'm certain it's not dust - I wiped the lens of the light used to do the sensing. Thanks though.

 

[Mikshann]

I have found my sensor to be pretty inaccurate. Initially it read lower than what the hopper had. Then I calibrated it and it shows full until the hopper is below about 25%, then it changes. It now is pretty good when the hopper is almost empty which is most important to me at least.

I could live with inaccuracy - as you said only an issue when it is very low. My problem is that the alarm rings non stop the entire time I'm cooking. As I said I can't get through the calibration process without an error that prevents me from completing the last step.

 

[Bruce N]

Try removing the sensor, unplugging the harness, and plugging it back in again. Might have a small connection issue.

 

[LeGrand]

I could live with inaccuracy - as you said only an issue when it is very low. My problem is that the alarm rings non stop the entire time I'm cooking. As I said I can't get through the calibration process without an error that prevents me from completing the last step.

I have a new 850 with the exact same problem ! Did you ever get fixed ? Thank you

 

[RemE]

I have a new 850 with the exact same problem ! Did you ever get fixed ? Thank you

How are you calibrating?

I start with empty hopper, cal empty with door closed. When it asks for the full cal, I cup the underside of the sensor in my hand and close the door as much as possible to keep out stray light.

If that fails, call service.

 

[LeGrand]

How are you calibrating?

I start with empty hopper, cal empty with door closed. When it asks for the full cal, I cup the underside of the sensor in my hand and close the door as much as possible to keep out stray light.

If that fails, call service.

Thank you have been through this it’s been an hour with service on the phone yesterday troubleshot disassembled everything won’t let me calibrate says calibration error they said they’re sending me a new sensor to install....two days old used twice

 

[RemE]

Thank you have been through this it’s been an hour with service on the phone yesterday troubleshot disassembled everything won’t let me calibrate says calibration error they said they’re sending me a new sensor to install....two days old used twice

Bummer, it happens with new stuff, but once working, it should be reliable.