Z Grills
Igniter Not Heating / Failed Hot Rod
Grill fails to ignite pellets; no visible flame after several minutes, but auger is feeding.
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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
Burned-out igniter hot rod, Loose igniter connection at control board, Excess ash insulating igniter from pellets
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the grill and ensure the firepot is cool before touching the igniter area.
Steps to repair:
- Expose firepot: Remove grates, drip tray, and heat baffle.
- Inspect igniter: Look at the igniter tip in the firepot. If it is heavily coated in carbon or broken, it may not heat properly.
- Clean firepot: Vacuum all ash and debris so pellets can contact the igniter.
- Test igniter glow: With the interior still open, plug in and start the grill. Within a few minutes, the igniter should glow red. If it does not, unplug and proceed.
- Check wiring: Remove the access panel and verify the igniter connector is firmly attached to the control board.
- Replace igniter: Remove the mounting screw(s) and slide the old igniter hot rod out. Install a new igniter, ensuring the tip extends slightly into the firepot and the wire is routed away from hot surfaces.
- Reassemble and test: Reinstall internal components and run a startup to confirm reliable ignition.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Igniter Hot Rod
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