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Buy Traeger WiFIRE
Traeger’s WiFIRE remote monitoring app is available on updated models of the Traeger Pro Series, Traeger Ironwood Series, Traeger Timberline, and the Traeger Silverton.
Unfortunately, the D2 Drive series that modulates the fan and internal auger of WiFIRE cannot be installed into older Traeger grills that aren’t originally WiFIRE-enabled.
This is because WiFIRE-enabled grills use DC technology with Traeger’s D2 drive system, to modulate the fan and operate the wood pellet auger. Though, even if you have an older Traeger grill, you could still upgrade your analog and digital controller to boost functionality.
If you have a WiFIRE-enabled Traeger grill and the controller goes out it can easily be replaced using simple tools you already have laying around the house. Though a Traeger Timberline will also need to remove the old Wi-Fi antenna as part of the replacement process.
Replacing the controller is as simple as unplugging the wires from the back. You will also need to replace the QR code sticker under the lid of the wood pellet hopper in order to pair your smartphone with the new WiFIRE system.
While you can’t pair an older Traeger grill to a smartphone, you might still want to download the free WiFIRE app. This will give you access to over 100 great recipes developed specifically to be made on a Traeger wood pellet grill.
What Does Traeger WiFIRE Do?
Traeger WiFIRE lets you remotely monitor the temperature of your Traeger wood pellet grill as well as the food being cooked via an app on your smartphone. You can also set it up with alerts, change the temperature of the grill or set a timer.
The Traeger WiFIRE app also gives you access to over 100 recipes to help you maximize your results. Scrolling through them in your free time can also help inspire you to try certain foods you haven’t made before.
Can You Add WiFIRE to Traeger?
Only Traeger grills that are WiFIRE enabled can use the WiFIRE app. This is due to the way the app controls the D2 drive system, auger, and fans.
You can’t simply connect a WiFIRE digital controller to an older Traeger grill and have it work.
Traeger WiFIRE Controller Replacement
It’s possible with time for your WiFIRE controller to malfunction and need replacing. If it’s within the first three years of purchasing your new wood pellet grill, Traeger’s warranty will cover the replacement costs, leaving you to handle the installation.
There are some minor differences in how to install a replacement WiFIRE controller with the Traeger Timberline, which has a different type of Wi-Fi antenna. Though you can use the following steps to replace your Traeger WiFIRE Controller.
Removing The Wi-Fi Antenna From Traeger Timberline
If you have a Traeger Timberline, you will need to use the following steps to remove the Wi-Fi antenna before your remove and install the replacement WiFIRE controller. If you don’t have a Timberline, you can skip ahead.
Step One: Turn the Timberline off and unplug the grill.
Step Two: Carefully remove the lower panel on the bottom of the pellet hopper. This calls for slowly unscrewing the four screws holding it in place.
Step Three: Locate the lower part of the external antenna, and gently pull it down to give you complete access.
Step Four: Gently grasp the upper part of the coaxial antenna connector, and reverse the thread on the lower nut to remove the lower nut.
Step Five: Gently pull the coaxial connector out of the antenna mount. Set the parts aside someplace safe.
How To Remove The Old WiFIRE Controller
If you have a different WiFIRE-enabled grill than the Timberline or you have removed the Wi-Fi antenna, then you can use the following steps to remove the old WiFIRE controller from your grill.
Step One: Turn the Timberline off and unplug the grill.
Step Two: Carefully remove the four Phillip’s head screws that hold the controller in place.
Step Three: Gently unplug the six wires from the controller. Note the design and coding of each wire, which will help you reinstall the new controller. It would help to take a picture on your phone before disconnecting them all.
You shouldn’t cut the wires, they merely have firm plugs holding them to the ports on the back of the controller.
How To Install The New WiFIRE Controller
Once you have the old WiFIRE controller removed installing the new one is relatively straightforward using the following steps. Note, if you have a Traeger Timberline, you will need to first install the new Wi-Fi antenna.
Step One: If you have a Timberline, carefully feed the line for the WiFIRE antenna through the same hole that you took the old one out of.
Step Two: Carefully Plug each plastic connector into the new controller the same way they were in the old model. (Use the picture from your phone as a guide).
Step Three: Reinstall the four Phillips head screws that hold the controller’s housing in place.
Step Four: Replace the old QR code sticker under the lid of your hopper with the new QR sticker that should have come with your new WiFIRE controller.
Step Five: Plug in the Traeger grill and turn it on.
Step Six: Use the new QR code sticker and the initial setup steps to pair your smartphone app with the new Traeger WiFIRE controller.
Can You Upgrade Traeger Controller?
It is possible to upgrade Traeger analog and digital controllers so long as they are compatible with your model. However, you cannot install a Traeger WiFIRE controller into a grill that isn’t engineered for it.
WiFIRE-enabled Traeger grills, like the Pro Series, Ironwood, Timberline, and newer models of the Silverton have D2 drive systems and DC technology that isn’t compatible with AC components.
How Much Does the Traeger App Cost?
The Traeger app is free on both iOS and Android phones. Though, you need to have a WiFIRE-enabled grill to pair the smartphone app to the grill.
However, the Traeger app does include over 100 recipes, which can inspire you to try new dishes, and you can read these recipes for free through the Traeger app.
Final Thoughts
Traeger’s WiFIRE app can only be paired with the more advanced models in Traeger’s line of wood pellet grills. This includes the Pro Series, Ironwood, Timberline, and newer models of the Silverton.
These WiFIRE-enabled grills have DC technology and Traeger’s D2 drive system, which isn’t compatible with AC systems. However, you can still upgrade your analog and digital controllers on an older Traeger grill to boost functionality.
If your WiFIRE controller goes out on your Traeger grill, it can be replaced with simple tools you already have laying around the house. If you have a Traeger Timberline, you will also need to remove the old Wi-Fi antenna as part of the replacement process.
You won’t need to cut any wires to replace your WiFIRE controller. Though you will need to replace the QR code sticker under the lid of the wood pellet hopper in order to pair your smartphone to the new WiFIRE system.
Even if you don’t have a WiFIRE-enabled grill, you can still download the Traeger app for free. While you won’t be able to pair your phone to your non-WiFIRE grill, you can still use the app to access over 100 inspiring recipes.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.