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Several reasons could stop your Traeger grill from turning on. These are some of the things you will want to check out during your troubleshooting: anything clogging the fan or motors, wire damage, hot rod going out, induction fan stuck, or perhaps the auger is not feeding the pellets to the fire.
Why Won’t My Traeger Grill Turn On?
First, check to see if your Traeger grill is plugged in. If there is an on/off switch on the front of the unit, turn it to the off position, then check your plug for continuity or replacement.
Ensure all wires are intact and not pinched or cut anywhere from the power source to the components in and around the grill.
Following the wire trail will help you determine what may be the culprit. A wire tester may come in handy for this troubleshooting step.
What Causes a Traeger to Stop Turning On?
You can check to see if your Traeger grill is getting power by using a continuity tester on the plug.
Ensure there is no damage to the grill’s exterior or any of its components, including wires. Clean out all parts and check for any debris that may have built up over time. An auger jam may prevent the pellets from being fed into the fire pit.
The second possible reason for the Traeger grill not turning on is the control board or its components.
Once you have determined that your grill is getting power but still will not turn on, resetting the controller is a good idea.
If there is a misfire in the controller, simply remove the plug from the control box and press start again; however, make sure your grill is plugged back in to reset it.
This may take several attempts before your Traeger grill turns on.
It’s also possible for the thermal controller (the brain of your grilling machine) to go out. If this is the case, it will need to be replaced; however, you must not damage any surrounding components while taking it apart and putting it back together.
How Do I Fix a Traeger Grill That Won’t Turn On?
If your grill still does not turn on, the problem is most likely the hot rod or temperature controller. If you have checked all of your components from the power source to the cooking machine and still cannot find the issue, it is recommended that you contact Traeger for support.
With a little know-how and a few checks with tools, you can quickly determine the problem with your grill and how to fix it.
If any of the components have been damaged, including the power cord, you should replace them as soon as possible. If the entire unit cannot be replaced, contact Customer Service for further instructions on what steps to take.
Checking the Hot Rod
- Wire Damage: During your search, you may find a wire that has been chewed through by a mouse or something. You may also find wires that may be disconnected from the motor or power source or broken.
- Replace Hot Rod: The hot rod is the heat source of the fire. If this goes out, there will be no fire or heat. You can check it by removing the grates and passing your hand close to the bottom of the grill. If there is no heat, it may have gone out.
Checking to See If the Induction Fan is Spinning
You may find the induction fan is not working. This is the bigger fan directly below the grill. Try turning it manually, then see if it will start after giving it a good spin. It may be clogged with dirt, sand, or some form of debris, especially if it hasn’t started in a while.
Auger Not Feeding Pellets to Fireboat
The auger turns the pellets and feeds them to the fireboat, where the heat source is for the flame.
As it continues to turn, it sends pellets into the fire. If this gets clogged, the grill will not turn on because something stops the wheel from turning. Do the same thing as the induction fan and give it a good twirl and see if that helps.
YouTube (Watch More Here)
Check out this video which breaks down the troubleshooting of the Traeger Grill.
Final Thoughts
With this knowledge, you can now refer back to the article and fix any issues with your Traeger grill stopping from turning on or not firing up at all.
You are more than welcome to give Customer Service a call at 1-800-872-3437 to schedule an appointment with one of our certified service technicians if there is no solution in sight.
We hope this helps you get your Traeger grill up and running to add more memories to your grilling!
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.