10 Common Reasons Traeger Grill Not Igniting (With Fixes)

Struggling to fire up your Traeger grill? You’re not alone! If you’re asking, “Why is my Traeger grill not igniting?” 

we’ve got you covered. From simple fixes like checking pellets to troubleshooting the igniter, this guide dives into 10 common reasons your grill won’t ignite and how to get it back to cooking your favorite meals in no time.

Why Is My Traeger Grill Not Igniting (Short Overview)

There could be a few reasons why your Traeger grill isn’t igniting. 

It could be due to an empty hopper, wet or old pellets, or a dirty firepot blocking the process. Additionally, the igniter rod may be faulty or unplugged. 

Don’t worry, checking these areas can quickly get you back to grilling!

Read Common Reasons With Her Fixes in Details…

1. Empty hopper 

One common reason your Traeger grill isn’t igniting is an empty hopper. 

The hopper feeds the grill with wood pellets needed to start the fire. If it’s empty or low, the grill won’t ignite. 

Cause 

The issue occurs when there are no pellets in the hopper, or they’ve run out during cooking. Without pellets, the grill cannot produce heat or smoke.

Fix 

Check the hopper and refill it with fresh, dry wood pellets. Make sure the pellets aren’t jammed or stuck, as this can also prevent ignition. 

Always keep the hopper stocked to avoid interruptions while grilling.

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2. Wet pellets 

One common reason your Traeger grill may not ignite is wet wood pellets. 

Pellets absorb moisture when exposed to humidity or water, making them clump together and preventing proper ignition. 

This can lead to issues with the firepot or uneven heating. 

Cause: 

Wet or damp pellets clogging the auger or firepot. 

Fix: 

Empty the hopper and firepot, then replace the wet pellets with fresh, dry ones. Always store your pellets in a sealed, dry container to prevent moisture buildup. 

Regularly check for moisture to keep your grill running smoothly.

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3. Old pellets 

One common reason your Traeger grill might not ignite is old or damp wood pellets. 

Over time, pellets can absorb moisture, especially if they’re not stored properly, making them hard to burn. 

This can prevent your grill from building enough heat to ignite.

Cause: Moisture in Pellets 

When pellets are exposed to humidity or water, they lose their ability to burn efficiently, which disrupts the ignition process.

Fix: Use Fresh, Dry Pellets 

Always store your pellets in a sealed, moisture-proof container. 

Replace old or damp pellets with fresh, high-quality ones to ensure your Traeger grill ignites properly and operates smoothly.

4. Dirty firepot 

A dirty firepot is a common reason why your Traeger grill isn’t igniting. 

Over time, ash and debris can build up in the firepot, blocking airflow and preventing the igniter from working properly. 

This can stop your grill from lighting up as it should.

Cause: 

Ash buildup or leftover debris in the firepot blocks the igniter and airflow.

Fix: 

Clean out your fire pot regularly to remove ash and debris. Use a shop vac or brush to ensure the firepot is clear before starting your grill. 

Keeping it clean improves ignition and overall grill performance.

5. Faulty igniter 

A faulty igniter is one of the most common reasons your Traeger grill isn’t lighting. 

The igniter is responsible for heating the pellets to start the fire, so if it’s not working, the grill won’t ignite. 

Over time, the igniter can wear out or become damaged, preventing it from functioning properly. 

Causes 

• Wear and tear over time 
• Accumulation of dirt or debris 
• Electrical connection issues 

Fixes 

• Inspect the igniter for any visible damage or dirt buildup. 
• Clean the igniter and surrounding area to remove any debris. 
• Test the electrical connection to ensure it’s secure. 
• If the igniter is still not working, replace it with a compatible Traeger igniter part. 

6. Unplugged igniter 

One common reason your Traeger grill isn’t igniting could be an unplugged or loose igniter. 

The igniter is crucial for starting the grill, and if it’s not properly connected, the grill won’t heat up. 

Cause: 

The igniter might have become unplugged during cleaning or regular use. 

Fix: 

Check the igniter connection inside the firepot and make sure it’s plugged in securely. If it’s damaged or not working, you may need to replace it for proper ignition.

7. Power issues 

One common reason your Traeger grill might not ignite is power-related problems. 

Check if the grill is properly plugged in and that the outlet is working. 

A faulty power cord or tripped GFCI outlet can also disrupt the power supply. If there’s no power, the igniter won’t work, leaving your grill unable to start.

Cause:

• Faulty power cord 
• Tripped GFCI outlet 
• Loose connection 

Fixes: 

• Ensure the grill is securely plugged in. 
• Test the outlet with another device. 
• Reset the GFCI outlet if it’s tripped. 
• Replace damaged power cords. 

8. Auger jam 

An auger jam can be one of the main reasons your Traeger grill isn’t igniting. 

The auger is responsible for moving the wood pellets to the firepot, but when it’s jammed, pellets don’t reach the ignition area. 

This often happens due to damp or old pellets expanding and clogging the auger.

Causes 

• Using wet or low-quality pellets 
• Pellet buildup over time 

Fixes 

• Empty the hopper and remove old pellets. 
• Clean the auger thoroughly to clear any debris. 
• Use only dry, high-quality wood pellets to prevent future jams. 

9. Controller error 

A controller error can be one of the reasons why your Traeger grill isn’t igniting. The controller manages the temperature and ensures the grill runs smoothly. 

If it’s malfunctioning, your grill won’t heat up or ignite properly. This issue could be due to faulty wiring, a broken controller, or inconsistent power supply. 

Causes 

• Faulty wiring or loose connections 
• Damaged or malfunctioning controller unit 
• Power supply issues 

Fixes 

• Check the wiring for any loose or damaged connections. 
• Reset or replace the controller if it’s not working. 
• Ensure the grill is plugged into a stable power source.

10. Temperature sensor

If your Traeger grill isn’t igniting, the temperature sensor might be the issue. This sensor plays a key role in monitoring the grill’s heat and ensuring proper functioning. 

A faulty or dirty sensor can send incorrect readings, preventing the grill from starting. 

Causes 

• The temperature sensor is dirty or covered in grease buildup. 
• The sensor is damaged or not functioning properly. 

Fixes 

• Clean the sensor with a soft cloth to remove any debris or grease. 
• If cleaning doesn’t work, replace the faulty sensor with a new one to restore proper ignition. 

FAQs

Why won’t my Traeger grill light up? 

Your Traeger grill might not light up due to issues like old pellets, a dirty firepot, a faulty or unplugged igniter, power problems, or an auger jam. Check each potential cause and follow the appropriate fix.

Do Traeger grills have a reset button? 

No, Traeger grills do not have a reset button, but you can reset the controller by powering off the grill, unplugging it, waiting a few minutes, and then plugging it back in.

How do I reignite my Traeger? 

To reignite your Traeger, ensure the firepot is clean, pellets are fresh and dry, and the igniter is working properly. Then follow the regular startup procedure by powering on the grill and setting your desired temperature.

Why is my Traeger pellet grill not turning on? 

If your Traeger pellet grill isn’t turning on, the problem could be a faulty power cord, a tripped GFCI outlet, or a connection issue. Ensure the grill is securely plugged in and check the outlet or replace damaged cords.