(10 Common Reasons) Pit Boss Pellet Grill Not Heating Up

Struggling with the question, “Why Is My Pit Boss Pellet Grill Not Heating Up”? You’re not alone! 

Many grill owners face this issue, and it can be frustrating when your grill doesn’t work as expected. 

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 common reasons why your Pit Boss pellet grill might not be heating properly and how to fix them easily.

Why Is My Pit Boss Pellet Grill Not Heating Up (Short Overview)

Your Pit Boss pellet grill might not heat up due to issues like blocked fire pot, low-quality pellets, or a faulty igniter. 

Make sure the grill is clean, use good-quality pellets, and check the components for damage. Fixing these can quickly get your grill working again!

Read 10 Common Reasons With Her Fixes…

1. Blocked Fire Pot 

One common reason your Pit Boss pellet grill may not heat up is a blocked fire pot. 

Over time, ash, grease, or leftover pellets can clog the pot, preventing proper airflow and disrupting the heating process. 

This blockage stops the pellets from burning effectively, leaving your grill struggling to reach the desired temperature. 

Cause 

A blocked fire pot is usually caused by a buildup of ash or debris from previous grilling sessions.

When the fire pot isn’t cleaned regularly, it restricts airflow and affects how pellets ignite and burn. 

Fixes 

To fix this issue, clean the fire pot thoroughly. Start by removing the grates and vacuuming out ash and debris. 

Check for any stuck pellets and ensure the pot is clear. Regular cleaning after each use will prevent future blockages and keep your grill heating efficiently.

2. Low-Quality Pellets 

Using low-quality or damp pellets can be a common reason your Pit Boss pellet grill isn’t heating up properly. 

Poor-quality pellets produce less heat and can even clog the auger, disrupting the grill’s performance. 

Always check that your pellets are high-quality, dry, and stored correctly to keep them in optimal condition. 

Cause 

Low-grade or damp pellets may not burn efficiently, leading to temperature issues and uneven grilling. 

Fix 

Empty the hopper and replace the pellets with a fresh, high-quality batch. Store pellets in a dry, airtight container to prevent moisture damage. 

Regularly clean the hopper and auger to avoid blockages and keep the grill running smoothly.

3. Faulty Igniter 

A faulty igniter is a common reason why your Pit Boss pellet grill isn’t heating up properly. 

If the igniter is damaged or not working, it won’t ignite the pellets to create heat. 

This can leave you frustrated when trying to cook.

Causes 

The igniter might wear out over time, get clogged with debris, or fail due to electrical issues.

Fixes 

Check the igniter for damage or buildup. Clean it thoroughly and ensure it’s receiving power. If it’s still not working, replacing the igniter is often the best solution. 

Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe replacement.

4. Jammed Auger 

A jammed auger is a common reason why your Pit Boss pellet grill isn’t heating up. 

This happens when wood pellets get stuck in the auger, blocking the flow of pellets into the firepot. 

Without a steady supply of pellets, your grill won’t generate enough heat.

Causes of a Jammed Auger 

• Using damp or low-quality pellets. 
• A buildup of sawdust inside the auger. 
• Overloading the hopper with too many pellets. 

How to Fix a Jammed Auger 

• Empty the hopper and remove any stuck pellets. 
• Clean the auger thoroughly, removing sawdust or debris. 
• Always use high-quality, dry wood pellets for better performance. 

5. Dirty Grill Interior 

A dirty grill interior is a common reason why your Pit Boss Pellet Grill isn’t heating up properly. 

Grease, ash, and food residue can block airflow and disrupt the grill’s heating process, causing uneven or low temperatures. 

Regular cleaning is key to ensuring your grill performs at its best.

Cause

When the interior of your grill is clogged with debris, it restricts proper airflow, which directly impacts the grill’s ability to reach and maintain high heat.

Fix

To fix this, clean out the ash from the firepot, remove grease buildup, and scrub away leftover food particles. 

Make sure to clean your grill thoroughly after every few uses for consistent performance and optimal heat levels. 

6. Electrical Issues 

One common reason your Pit Boss pellet grill isn’t heating up could be electrical problems. 

Faulty wiring, a tripped breaker, or a damaged power cord can stop your grill from functioning. 

Always check the power source and connections to ensure they’re secure.

Causes 

• Damaged or loose wiring 
• Power cord issues 
• Electrical components not working 

Fixes 

• Inspect and tighten loose connections 
• Replace damaged cords or wires 
• Reset the breaker or check the outlet 

7. Damaged Temperature Probe 

A damaged temperature probe could be the reason your Pit Boss pellet grill isn’t heating up properly. 

The probe measures the grill’s internal temperature and communicates with the control board to adjust the heat. If it’s faulty or broken, the grill may overheat or fail to heat at all. 

Causes 

The probe might be worn out from regular use, suffer physical damage, or collect debris over time, leading to inaccurate readings. 

Fixes 

To solve this, inspect the probe for visible damage or buildup. Clean it gently with a soft cloth, and if it’s still not working, replace it with a compatible Pit Boss temperature probe.

8. Incorrect Settings 

One common reason your Pit Boss Pellet Grill might not heat up is incorrect settings. 

If the temperature setting is too low or the grill is accidentally set to “smoke” mode, it won’t reach the desired heat level. 

Always double-check that you’ve set the right temperature for your cooking needs. 

Cause: 

The grill’s controls may be improperly adjusted or set to a mode like “smoke,” which is designed for low heat. 

Fix: 

Ensure the temperature dial is set correctly and not on a low-heat setting. Refer to your user manual if you’re unsure about the proper settings for your grill.

9. Insufficient Pellet Supply 

If your Pit Boss pellet grill isn’t heating up properly, one common cause could be an insufficient supply of pellets. 

When the pellet hopper is empty or low, the grill can’t generate enough heat to cook your food. 

This can also happen if the pellets are old, damp, or jammed in the auger, disrupting the fuel supply. 

Cause: 

Pellet hopper running low, clogged or damp pellets blocking the auger. 

Fix: 

Always check the hopper before grilling to ensure it’s full of fresh, dry pellets. Clear out any jams in the auger and replace any pellets that appear moist or degraded. .

10. Malfunctioning Fan 

If your Pit Boss pellet grill isn’t heating up, a malfunctioning fan could be the culprit. 

The fan is essential for circulating heat and smoke inside the grill, and if it’s not working, the grill won’t reach the desired temperature.

Cause: 

The fan may be blocked by debris, worn out, or not receiving power.

Fixes: 

First, check for any blockages or dirt around the fan and clean it thoroughly. If the fan still doesn’t work, inspect the wiring for damage or replace the fan if it’s faulty. 

A properly working fan is key to even heating and great grilling results!

FAQs

Why is my Pit Boss pellet smoker not getting hot? 

If your Pit Boss pellet smoker isn’t getting hot, it could be due to issues like a jammed auger, dirty grill interior, or low-quality pellets. 

Always check the pellet supply, clean the grill, and inspect components like the fan and igniter to ensure everything is working properly.

Why is my Pit Boss smoking but not igniting? 

Your Pit Boss might smoke without igniting if the igniter is damaged, clogged, or not receiving power. 

Try cleaning the igniter and ensuring it has a proper power connection. If it’s still not igniting, replacing the igniter should solve the problem!

How Do I Get My Pit Boss to Heat Up? 

To get your Pit Boss grill to heat up, start by ensuring the hopper is loaded with dry, high-quality pellets. 

Clean the grill thoroughly to remove ash, grease, or debris that might block airflow. 

Finally, check all settings, power connections, and components like the fan or temperature probe to make sure everything is working properly.