Test your hot rod by removing the grates, drip tray and flame shield from your grill. Then try to ignite the grill with no pellets in the hopper. You should see the hot rod start to glow red for a few minutes. The hot rod is only designed to come on for about 5 minutes after you push the ignite button. After that, the fire should be self sustaining until you shut down the grill.
Do you have a voltmeter? If so you should be able to test the voltage on the terminals to which the hot rod plug connector connects. I have not replaced mine, so I do not know if this is an AC or DC voltage. My guess is AC. If you are not getting a voltage across the terminals, then Traeger might be right about your needing a new controller. Of course, if you have skill in electronic repair, you might be able to repair the controller, but I do not think schematics are available to help you do so.
