Traeger Weak Ignition / Poor Pellet Contact

Hot rod igniter glows but pellets still fail to ignite or take very long to light.

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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

Hot rod not centered in firepot, Excessive ash insulating pellets, Too few pellets feeding during startup, Airflow blowing flame away

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the grill and allow it to cool before adjusting the hot rod or cleaning the firepot.

  • 1. Clean firepot:
    • Vacuum all ash and debris from the firepot.
  • 2. Check hot rod position:
    • Remove the firepot and verify the hot rod extends slightly into the pot, near the bottom center.
    • Adjust mounting so pellets rest directly on or just above the igniter.
  • 3. Verify pellet feed:
    • During startup, confirm a small pile of pellets drops into the firepot over the igniter.
    • If feed is too slow, inspect the auger motor and controller timing.
  • 4. Confirm airflow:
    • Ensure the fan is running but not so strong that it blows pellets away from the igniter (stock Traeger fans are usually correct; issues may indicate misalignment or aftermarket parts).
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Hot Rod Igniter
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