New Timberline 1300, version 2.00.00, not connecting

[rdfrancis516]

Just picked up a new Timberline 1300 a few days ago. Looks like it's on version 2.00.00, which I have read was a problem child about a year ago.

Going through the pairing process, I get to the "Grill failed to download certificate files" error. I've been on the phone with support two nights in a row now, have done everything you can imagine in terms of troubleshooting (all of the reinstalling, rebooting, trying wifi extenders, different devices, etc.), and it's now been escalated.

Would they really ship these $2,000 grills out with garbage controllers just so that they need to be replaced? If so, why wouldn't the dealers know about it? Is there some sort of obvious fix someone knows about?

Thanks in advance if anyone has any insight.

 

[TheGrumpyGriller]

Just picked up a new Timberline 1300 a few days ago. Looks like it's on version 2.00.00, which I have read was a problem child about a year ago.

Going through the pairing process, I get to the "Grill failed to download certificate files" error. I've been on the phone with support two nights in a row now, have done everything you can imagine in terms of troubleshooting (all of the reinstalling, rebooting, trying wifi extenders, different devices, etc.), and it's now been escalated.

Would they really ship these $2,000 grills out with garbage controllers just so that they need to be replaced? If so, why wouldn't the dealers know about it? Is there some sort of obvious fix someone knows about?

I got a Timberline 1300 for Christmas (2020) and my firmware is V T2.01.00. Maybe you got old stock?

 

[RemE]

Here's the discussion thread for this;

New Grill? WiFi CONNECTION ISSUES?? START HERE FIRST!! | Traeger Owners Forum | Traeger Grill (traegerforum.com)

Traeger changed the back end setup and botched the migration so that some grills didn't make the leap and new grills in the pipeline were orphaned. The only fix for these is a controller swap to one at the minimum newer version.

 

[rdfrancis516]

I got a Timberline 1300 for Christmas (2020) and my firmware is V T2.01.00. Maybe you got old stock?

Looks like mine was built in June 2020 per the barcode.

 

[rdfrancis516]

Here's the discussion thread for this;

New Grill? WiFi CONNECTION ISSUES?? START HERE FIRST!! | Traeger Owners Forum | Traeger Grill (traegerforum.com)

Traeger changed the back end setup and botched the migration so that some grills didn't make the leap and new grills in the pipeline were orphaned. The only fix for these is a controller swap to one at the minimum newer version.

Ah, this is what I needed to know. I used that thread, and then I realized there was an even longer thread dedicated to this after posting mine. Thanks for the info. I'll get back on the phone with them and tell them to send a new controller.

 

[RemE]

Good deal, I'm surprised that support ran you in circles, they should know this stuff!

 

[rdfrancis516]

Good deal, I'm surprised that support ran you in circles, they should know this stuff!

Yeah, it was odd but I could tell they didn't actually know how to help and they were reading from a script. Appreciate the help!

 

[rdfrancis516]

Still not working unfortunately. They supposedly escalated it and I was supposed to hear back 24-48 hrs later, which was 4 days ago. I've done all kinds of things to change my network and nothing seems to work. So glad I spent 2 grand to get the same thing I had before.

 

[RemE]

Don't give up, stay on them, demand a new controller.

 

[rdfrancis516]

Don't give up, stay on them, demand a new controller.

I guess I can try just demanding to talk to a supervisor or something. I tried telling her that last time and she said "oh no, we can verify that it isn't the controller, it looks like something else is the issue." Lol I'm sure lady.

 

[RemE]

In reviewing the WiFire section 2.0 should work I believe but it's about as old as possible. Initially you must insure that your phone is only auto connecting to your 2.4ghz wifi. The phone first connects to the grill's access point mode, then the phone passes your 2.4ghz network info to the grill. The grill then connects directly to your WiFi and then to Traeger's cloud servers. Your phone now talks to the grill thru the cloud servers as well. You can verify that the grill is connected to your router by checking the wifi status in the grill display in settings about WiFi.

Can you describe how far you got?

 

[rdfrancis516]

Yeah I know how it all connects and I have my network set up well here, even went as far as disabling 5G networks altogether, trying an extender, etc. It gets to the point where the grill does connect to the network, and then when it starts to download the files, I get the message that it has failed to download the certficate files.

App has been uninstalled probably 20 times, Traeger reset the same amount of times, and all of the other troubleshooting steps they repeatedly have you try.

Last night, I finally got them to order me a new controller by telling them I was returning it and buying another brand. Only downside is that they aren't in stock until end of March, so I won't even see it until early April. So I'm back with basically the same Traeger I had before this $2,000 one. Frustrating to say the least.

 

[RemE]

Got it, ya, that "failed to DL certs is the killer. People who got that generally had to replace controllers. I'm on my 3rd controller.

Original #1, worked great, made it thru all of the updates, but the temp setting knob when adjusting temps would cause the digits to sometimes go down when turning slowly up.

Controller #2, fixed that issue but its WiFi radio would go weak after startup. Access point within 6ft normal signal strength reporting at -25 to -30db excellent. Then it would drop connections and show -70db odd. Traeger dragged feet for 4 months to get me a replacement, claimed backorder.

Controller #3, arrived with current firmware. So far works perfectly, solid signal (-30db consistent), best temp regulation compared with Fireboard, and zero disconnects.

So they can work well, but you have to be polite and stand your ground with any company.

If it would help you I could dig out my original controller and send it to you, to hold you over? Having control over the grill is pretty handy.

And since you are starting up, do research the Fireboard WiFi thermometers because you will soon find out that the Traeger's temp readings leave lots to be desired in both accuracy and alarming. The Fireboard's take temp monitoring to another level with Alarms, Logging, Live Data Sharing with friends while cooking, and even Apple Watch support. This may be the best tool you can add, along with a good instant read like a Thermapen MK4

 

[Jim G]

Maybe you can contact "The Grill Center" in town to see if they have one. They are a Platinum dealer. Hopefully Traeger customer service can authorize one of their units.

 

[rdfrancis516]

Maybe you can contact "The Grill Center" in town to see if they have one. They are a Platinum dealer. Hopefully Traeger customer service can authorize one of their units.

I unfortunately didn't buy it from them this time, but I have bought my previous ones there, and know them pretty well. I'm contacting the other place to see if they can help.