Hot rod and firepot

Get the firepot out

Power switch off, cord unplugged, grill cold. The manual: "Disconnect the power cord before servicing the grill." Use hand tools, not a power drill (Traeger support).

Traeger support, "How to Replace the Hot Rod & Firepot for Non-Connected Grills". The manual's test: if the fan and the auger motor both run but the grill does not light, the hot rod needs replacing. Hot rod KIT0088; firepot KIT0396 (sold separately).

1. Unplug and let it cool, then remove the bottom grate under the hopper.
2. Unplug the white plug that joins the purple and white wires to the hot rod's two tan wires. Cut cable ties as needed.
3. Open the lid, lift out the grates, drip tray and heat baffle, and vacuum the firepot.
4. Remove the 4 wing nuts holding the firepot to the auger tube (some firepots have nuts: a 1/4 in nut driver).
5. Push the firepot away from the hopper, turn it 45° and wiggle it out.

New hot rod, firepot back

Traeger support, continued.

1. Loosen the set screw and pull out the old hot rod. Tip from Traeger: tape the new rod's plug to the old one, so pulling the old wires out draws the new ones through.
2. Push in the new one until 3 to 6 mm (1/8 to 1/4 in) shows inside the firepot.
3. Tighten the set screw; do not over-tighten it.
4. Refit the firepot with its 4 wing nuts or nuts.
5. Plug the hot rod into the purple and white wires, tie the wires clear of the fans, and refit the bottom grate.
6. Refit the baffle, tray and grates, light it to test, then season it if you changed the firepot.