Troubleshooting: DOT

Here are answers to the most common technical support questions about DOT.

My DOT thermometer is not working. All I seem to get is a flashing “NO PROBE”. The probe is inserted correctly. Any clue what’s wrong?

We would suggest replacing your DOT’s batteries, as a battery change typically fixes these types of symptoms. It is also possible the probe has failed. If this has happened, a new probe will resolve the issue. The most common reasons for probe failures include:

The probe has been used outside of the recommended temperature range. Keep the probe cable away from oven elements, flames, coals, grill or oven racks—all of which can reach temperatures far higher than 700°F (even if an oven/smoker is set lower).

The cable got too wet for too long. While the cable is water-resistant, it is not entirely waterproof (the term “waterproof” means that an item is completely impervious to water). When you’re cleaning your probe, you can carefully wipe down the stainless steel cable as long as you don’t submerge it in liquid. You might find it easiest to clean the cable with our probe wipes.
Excessive wire kinking.

Pro-Series Probes Percautions

Avoid grilling or broiling with your probes unless you protect your probes, as flare-ups often involve temperatures above your probe’s specifications. We recommend that you use an instant-read thermometer—such as a Thermapen ONE.

Learn how to prolong the life of your Pro-Series Probe.
Learn how to protect your probes while grilling.
Learn how to use your probes with a BBQ smoker.

Important to Know

While our probes are designed to be best of class (each batch is tested to make sure they meet our high-quality standards) and are much hardier than those of our competitors, all cooking probes—no matter what type they are, how expensive they are, or who makes them—are subject to decay over time due to the harsh conditions they are used in. Professional BBQ teams always keep extra probes on hand for this reason. Plus, it never hurts to have more types of probes on hand to handle different kinds of cooks!

As a note: Pro-Series probes come with a 6-month warranty. Please let our Tech Support team know if you need help with yours.

I have a DOT which I purchased more than 2 years ago and has worked great until recently. Now, it displays 98 degrees in a 74 degree room. Can you help?

We would suggest replacing your DOT’s batteries, as a battery change typically fixes these types of symptoms. If installing new batteries doesn’t fix it, it is possible that the probe needs to be replaced. Any of the Pro-Series probes will work with your DOT. If these solutions do not help, please let our Tech Support team know.

My DOT is displaying an LLL (or HHH) error. What does this mean?

There are several reasons your DOT may display either an LLL or HHH error, the most common being that the probe wire was damaged or broken. If your Pro-Series probe was exposed to temperatures above or below its temperature range (-58 to 572°F or -50 to 300°C), you will see one of these errors.

LLL means that the probe was exposed to temperatures below its range and HHH means that it was exposed to temperatures above its range.

I plugged the probe into my DOT and nothing happened. The display is still dark.

First, make sure that you have turned your DOT on. The On/OFF button is on the back of the unit. If that does not work, we would suggest replacing your DOT’s batteries, as a battery change typically fixes these types of symptoms. If this does not work, please let our Tech Support team know. They will be happy to help you.

My DOT’s audible alarm no longer works. Is there anything I can do?

We would suggest replacing the batteries to see if it resolves the issue. If that does not help, please contact our Tech Support team.

I received a DOT as a gift about a year ago and it recently started reading incorrect temperatures. Today, it started saying “NO PROBE” when there was a probe attached. What do I do?

It may be time to replace your DOT’s batteries. If new batteries do not resolve the issue, it is possible that the probe failed. If this is the case, a new probe should fix it. If these two steps don’t resolve the issue, please contact our Tech Support team so they can assist you further.

As a note: Pro-Series probes come with a 6-month warranty. Please let our Tech Support team know if you need help with yours.

My DOT is not reading food temperatures accurately. What’s wrong?

Judging the accuracy of your DOT in food or air can be difficult. The best way to verify the accuracy of a probe or digital thermometer is with a proper ice bath test. This can be done quickly and easily at home with the instructions found here.

If your DOT’s Pro-Series probe is accurate, it will read within ± 1.8°F of 32°F (30.2 to 33.8°F). If it is reading accurately in this test, you can rest assured that it is reading accurately in food and at higher temperatures.

Please contact our Tech Support team if you need further assistance. They are always happy to help.

Why did my DOT melt?

It is likely that your DOT thermometer (the body) was exposed to temperatures above its operating range, which is 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C). The DOT’s thermometer does not go in the oven when you use it, as high heat will melt it. It should not be attached directly to a smoker or grill.

Instead, insert the Pro-Series probe’s tip into the food you are tracking, connect the other end of the probe to DOT thermometer, and place DOT outside of the oven/smoker (usually on a countertop). Place the food in the oven/smoker and close the door on the cable. Closing the oven door on the probe’s cable won’t hurt it. Because the cable is thin, your oven, grill, or smoker won’t lose any heat.

I just received my new DOT. I can’t change the temperature. It constantly reads 76°F. What do I do?

Could you check to see if you have removed the screen’s protective film? If you have and your DOT is still not working correctly, please contact our Tech Support team.

How should I care for my DOT?

The directions for caring for your DOT are found here.

What is the warranty of the probe that comes with my DOT? I think mine isn’t working correctly.

Pro-Series probes come with a 6-month warranty. Please let our Tech Support team know if you need help with yours.

DOT Warranty Terms

Your DOT has a 2-year warranty. You can read more about the warranty terms here.

Have more questions?

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact our Tech Support team by calling 1-385-330-0591 or by emailing techsupport@thermoworks.com.