Traeger Pro Series 34 - firebox does not ignite

[Daba's BBQ]

For the second time in 5 cooks, the firebox stops during my cooks. The unit is only 2 1/2 years old. I clean it out every 2-3 cooks and it is spotless. No grease, no carbon, no buildup whatsoever. I use high quality pellets, all name brand, and they are kept in my shed - always dry. The auger works fine and when I take a look, the firebox is filled with unlit pellets. Any ideas what this could be? My initial thought was the hot rod, but I have no idea why it would break, makes no sense. This is now the second cook that was totally ruined. I am seriously thinking of selling the unit and buying a totally different brand of pellet smoker. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[RayClem]

The hot rod is considered to be a user-replaceable part on the Traeger grills. The heating elements used in hot rods and also electric stove coils contain a nickel chromium alloy that gets glowing hot. Thus, over time these heating elements can fail. This can occur with toasters, toaster ovens, electric stove coils and Traeger hot rods.

Fortunately, the hot rods are not expensive and they are not difficult to replace. Be sure to watch one of the YouTube videos on how to replace the hot rod. In particular, take care to make sure the hot rod extends the proper distance into the burn pot. It should extend somewhere between 4-6 mm (1/8 - 1/4").

 

[Daba's BBQ]

I just picked up a replacement via Amazon for $11. Once the rain stops here in NY. I'll replace it. Hopefully this will do the trick. Thanks for the information.

 

[Retinla53]

For the second time in 5 cooks, the firebox stops during my cooks. The unit is only 2 1/2 years old. I clean it out every 2-3 cooks and it is spotless. No grease, no carbon, no buildup whatsoever. I use high quality pellets, all name brand, and they are kept in my shed - always dry. The auger works fine and when I take a look, the firebox is filled with unlit pellets. Any ideas what this could be? My initial thought was the hot rod, but I have no idea why it would break, makes no sense. This is now the second cook that was totally ruined. I am seriously thinking of selling the unit and buying a totally different brand of pellet smoker. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

My fire pot / hot rod on my pro 34 has shut down and or smothered out on 2 previous occasions. And the auger has just continued to punp out pellets, making a big pile that I’ve had to clean out. It shut down after 8 hrs. I clean it out after every use. I used it over the weekend for a 6 hour smoke and It performed. But I don’t trust it it over 6 hr smokes And have considered selling it and getting another brand or-same brand different style. I started sifting the pellets to make sure there was no dust collecting in the bag. So you’re not the only one that has problems with the same pro 34 series. If it’s just down one more time on me, it’s a gone Picone.

 

[Daba's BBQ]

Wow, that sucks. I replaced the hot rod, tested it, and it worked. I have yet to try it on a real cook. I'll be doing that this weekend (pork shoulder). I totally agree with you about selling it if it happens again. If I do, I won't be buying a Traeger, that's for sure. The question then is, what to buy? And, how much can I get for the Pro Series 34? Mine has a shelf and a cover

If I do sell it, I will certainly make sure that it lights, smokes, etc. Unfortunately, the only way to know if it'll happen on (long) cooks, is to do one.

 

[Retinla53]

Wow, that sucks. I replaced the hot rod, tested it, and it worked. I have yet to try it on a real cook. I'll be doing that this weekend (pork shoulder). I totally agree with you about selling it if it happens again. If I do, I won't be buying a Traeger, that's for sure. The question then is, what to buy? And, how much can I get for the Pro Series 34? Mine has a shelf and a cover

If I do sell it, I will certainly make sure that it lights, smokes, etc. Unfortunately, the only way to know if it'll happen on (long) cooks, is to do one.

A buddy of mine has had 2 Pit Boss’s. Not one bit of problem from either. My son’s former company sold me the Traeger. Thats all I ever wanted. We’ll after I bought it he later on told me the Traeger has had some issues, but not specifically that issue. Had I known that i would have bought the Boss. I’m going to try a long 10-12 hr smoke soon. And if it does again, it’s a gone pecone. Post how your smoke goes on the pork shoulder butt goes. That’s my next long cook. Thanks for sharing Daba

 

[Daba's BBQ]

Will do. Good luck with your cook as well.

BTW - which model Pit Boss?

 

[Retinla53]

Will do. Good luck with your cook as well.

BTW - which model Pit Boss?

I’ll text my buddy today and let you know

 

[Retinla53]

I spoke to my buddy, who sold it when he moved out of state. I talked to another buddy/coworker who purchased it, and he’s hasn’t had one issue with the pit boss he bought from my friend. He’s going to check the model in the next day or two and get back with me. As soon as I hear something I’ll get back with you.

 

[Daba's BBQ]

Here is a great brine for pork

1. Quart of water
2. 1 cup salt
3. 1/2 cup of brown sugar
4. Add Rosemary, peppercorns, fennel seed, mustard seed, and garlic for aromatic
5. Bring to a boil
6. Add some ice, and let cool
7. Add pork and let stand for 4-6 hours, If chops are thicker, let stand for 6-12 hours

 

[Retinla53]

Here is a great brine for pork

1. Quart of water
2. 1 cup salt
3. 1/2 cup of brown sugar
4. Add Rosemary, peppercorns, fennel seed, mustard seed, and garlic for aromatic
5. Bring to a boil
6. Add some ice, and let cool
7. Add pork and let stand for 4-6 hours, If chops are thicker, let stand for 6-12 hours

Thanks brother