Er3
Napoleon Igniter Circuit Failure

Display shows Er3 and grill will not ignite or shuts down shortly after start

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Failed hot rod igniter, Loose igniter connection at control board, Blown igniter fuse on control board, Damaged igniter wiring harness

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the grill and ensure the fire pot is cool before working near the igniter.

Steps:

  • Access the fire pot: Remove cooking grates, drip tray, and heat diffuser to expose the fire pot and igniter tube.
  • Inspect igniter: Look into the fire pot for the igniter tip. Check for heavy ash buildup, deformation, or obvious breakage. Clean ash from the fire pot and around the igniter opening.
  • Check wiring: From the underside or rear service panel, locate the igniter harness. Ensure the connector at the igniter and at the control board is fully seated and not burnt or melted.
  • Continuity test: Disconnect the igniter from the harness and measure resistance across its leads. A typical hot rod will read between about 40–80 Ω. An open circuit (OL) indicates a failed igniter that must be replaced.
  • Board fuse: Some Napoleon pellet controllers include an internal fuse for the igniter circuit. Inspect for a blown fuse (replace only with the same rating) if accessible per the service manual.
  • Reassemble and test: After replacing a failed igniter, reassemble the fire pot components, plug in the grill, and run an ignition cycle while observing through the fire pot. The igniter should glow red within a few minutes.

Warning: Never reach into the fire pot during an ignition cycle. The igniter becomes extremely hot.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Hot Rod Igniter
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