Why Won't my Grill Start?

One of the best parts about the summer season is firing up the grill on a beautiful day surrounded by family and friends, but what if you want to fire up the grill and it just won’t start? You certainly can’t leave your guests hungry! We will take you through all the parts to inspect and how to determine why your grill won’t start. Once you have determined the part you need to replace, we’ve got you covered! All you need is your grill’s model number to get started.

Step One: Check the Propane Tank

When you have a grill that just won’t start, the first thing to check is the propane tank. This may seem obvious, but the propane tank is often the issue when a grill won’t start. Check to see if the tank reads empty. If you don’t have a gauge on the tank, check for the smell of propane. If you can smell propane, it most likely isn’t a propane issue. While you are at it, this is the perfect time to do a general check of the tank itself. A routine inspection of the tank should be done every so often to ensure safe grilling. You will want to check all the valves, fittings, and check the entire tank for signs of corrosion, dents, and anything that could impact the safety and stability of the gas and its delivery mechanism.

Step Two: Check the Igniter

Next, try to light your grill with a wand lighter. If your grill lights, it could be an issue with your igniter. Inspect the electrodes on your igniter and make sure the wires are not broken or damaged. Also, check that the ground wire isn’t rusted or corroded. If you leave your grill outside during the off-season, rust can form and that may just be your problem.

Step Three: Check the Burner Assembly

The next thing you want to look at is your burner assembly. Check for any dirt, debris, or nests that could be blocking the venturi tubes. The venturi tubes extend from the control valve to the burner. If these are blocked you may get a no-start situation.

Step Four: Check the Regulator

The next thing you want to look at is your regulator. The regulator is attached to the hose, which is attached to the manifold and valve assembly. Make sure there’s no corrosion on the regulator. If there’s any rust or corrosion it may be plugging it off and you will need to replace it.

Step Five: Check the Burner Valves

The last thing you should check is the burner valves themselves. Most grills have more than one burner control on them. Check to make sure that each control is functioning properly. Sometimes they can get sticky and not work properly, causing a no-start situation. They can be cleaned, but if they are damaged or really corroded, they will need to be replaced.

We hope by going through these troubleshooting steps you were able to pinpoint the part you will need to get your grill up and running again. If you need a replacement part for your grill, use your model number to search our extensive library of OEM parts! For more troubleshooting and repair tips, check out our YouTube channel. Happy grilling!