If your Traeger grill isn’t turning on or Igniting, it’s essential to diagnose the problem.
Troubleshooting your grill can be completed by examining its components and determining which one is causing the problem.
So, why isn’t my traeger grill turning on or igniting?
Traeger grills are known for their great taste, versatility, and convenience. They’re ideal for camping and tailgating and make cooking easy.
However, some Traeger users complain that the grill doesn’t turn on or ignites randomly. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re camping or a tailgating party.
Fortunately, there’s a simple fix for this problem. If your Traeger grill isn’t turning on or igniting, it may be that you need to manually reset your firebox or igniter.
Here are the steps: Preheat your grill to 500 degrees. Then, open the Traeger lid and light the charcoal using a chimney starter or lighter fluid.
Next, once the coals glow, add a small amount of charcoal manually to the firebox and close the lid. After 1-2 minutes, open the lid and make sure that all the coals are glowing red.
Then, turn off the grill and wait for it to cool down. Finally, clean your grill and reassemble it.
Contents
Why Isn’t My Traeger Grill Turning On or Igniting?
A lot of Traeger owners experience trouble when their grills suddenly stop working.
Usually, a grill won’t turn on or won’t light up when the fan or ignition system needs repair. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s no longer safe to use the grill.
Before troubleshooting your Traeger grill, make sure it’s plugged in and turned on. Next, inspect the whole system for damage, loose parts, and clogs.
If the grill still doesn’t work, the power switch might be faulty, so check if this switch is working by using another power switch.
If the above steps don’t fix the problem, check the system’s wiring for damage. If the wiring is in good condition, then the grill may be receiving too much power.
Try reducing the power by turning down the power level to 50% or less.
If the grill still won’t start, the problem is with the igniter or spark generator.
Replace the igniter or take it to your local Traeger repair center for inspection.
If the igniter is good, then the problem might be with the ignition switch. Check the switch for a loose connection or loose screws.
Tighten the screws or replace the switch if it is damaged.
If the grill still won’t start, then it might be a problem with the ignition module.
Connect the electrode cable to the spark plug and check for a strong spark.
If there is no spark, then the module may be damaged and needs to be replaced.
How to Fix a Traeger That Won’t Turn On or Ignite?
Examine the Power Cord and the Extension Cord
Sometimes, a Traeger won’t start or won’t light the coals.
Here are the steps you need to take to fix the problem if it’s a power issue. First, make sure the power cord is connected properly to the Traeger and to a grounded outlet.
Next, make sure the power cord isn’t damaged in any way. You should also clean the power cord with a damp cloth, making sure to remove all the dust and debris.
Finally, make sure nothing is blocking the power cord or the Traeger’s vent. If that doesn’t solve the problem, try replacing the inner Traeger igniter.
If that doesn’t work, try replacing the entire Traeger igniter.
Examine the Power Outlet
Traeger Pellet Grills have built a reputation for producing amazing smoked meat.
However, sometimes, these grills stop working. Perhaps the grill won’t turn on or the igniter won’t light.
These problems can be very frustrating, but they can be easy to fix. First, make sure that the grill is on and plugged in.
Next, turn the grill off for 10 seconds and then turn it back on again. This sometimes fixes problems related to a malfunctioning igniter.
If this doesn’t work, then try plugging the grill into a different outlet. If none of these solutions works, try replacing the igniter or the circuit board.
Remove the Control Panel and Inspect the Fuse
A Traeger grill won’t turn on or ignite if the control panel is broken or the fuse has blown.
First, try unplugging the power cord and plugging it back in. If this doesn’t work, inspect the control panel for damage.
If the control panel is intact, look for a blown fuse in the cord receptacle. Next, inspect the air tube and manifold for damage.
Check the manifold and the air tube for obstructions and clean them if necessary. Finally, check the electric igniter.
If it’s dirty or damaged, replace it. If none of these steps work, you may need to replace the Traeger igniter.
Start Connecting One Wire at a Time in the Controller Board
The spark generated by the Traeger igniter isn’t strong enough for the auger motor to start spinning the flywheel and heat up the grill.
This can happen if the igniter is loose or dirty. In this case, the igniter must be replaced.
To replace the igniter, remove the three screws on the controller board and remove the cover. Then, unplug the igniter plug from the controller board.
Remove the igniter and set it aside. Disconnect the wire from the igniter and remove it from the controller board.
Changing Faulty Traeger Grill Parts
Faulty Traeger Grill Parts are commonly found in Traeger Grills that are no longer working as intended.
A complete list of Faulty Traeger Parts can be found on our Traeger Grill Replacement Parts Page.
Traeger Grills have been on the market since 1986, and in that time, there have been many replacement parts developed for both Traeger Grills and all other brands of pellet smokers and grills.
Traeger Grills are well known for their durable construction, but they will break over time and need to be replaced or repaired.
Do I Need to Prime Auger Every Time Traeger?
Pellets stay in the auger tube when it’s full of pellets and food debris.
The only time you need to prime your hopper is when you first start grilling with the grill for the first time after it’s been sitting unused for a while.
How Long Should It Take for a Traeger to Ignite?
Traeger grills, like any other cooking item, take time to get them up to temperature and cook food evenly.
The ignition time of a Traeger grill depends on the type of pellet being used and how much food is on the grill at one time.
A properly functioning Traeger grill, on a full load of pellets with enough food, should take between five to eight minutes to heat up completely.
Can I Leave My Traeger Plugged In?
You do not have leave an unplugged pellet smoker on overnight or for a long period of time.
Traeger grills need electricity to power their heating elements.
When you’re through cooking and have finished grilling for the day, unplug the Tgrill and leave it to cool down to room temperature before storing it.
However, although there is nothing dangerous about leaving an unplugged pellet smoker on for extended periods of time, there is the possibility that it may wear out sooner than expected due to inactivity and heat buildup.
Also Read: How to Clean Traeger Grill Grates
Final Words
Traeger won’t turn on and ignite is a common problem that many people have encountered with Traeger grills.
There are a few possible causes for this problem. First, the igniter may be broken.
Second, the igniter may be stuck. Third, the igniter may not be getting power.
Fourth, the igniter may be receiving too much power. Finally, the grill may be too hot, damaging the igniter.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to fix these problems. First, try using a different igniter.
Next, try cleaning the grill grates. Finally, try using a different power source.
If none of these fixes work, the grill may need to be disassembled and repaired.
