Grill Power Issues - AC Timberline

Steps to take when the AC Timberline grills experience power issues. This information applies to both Timberline 850 & 1300.

Symptoms

What does it mean when the grill has power issues? Below are some of the common symptoms you may see.

• The controller display is not turning on.
  
  • This includes a black, dark or blank screen, fading pixels or flickering.
• Cracked or damaged screen
• The controller is turned on, but the grill isn't igniting.
  
  

Causes

Power issues may be caused by many factors, which we explore in the troubleshooting below. Most often, causes include the following:

• Tripped outlet
• The outlet isn't working
• Faulty extension cord
• Wiring connections
• A grill power component is shorting out the controller
• A grill power component isn't delivering power from the outlet to the grill
• Occasionally, a failing controller
  
  

What to do

1. Check Power Connections

1. Confirm the grill is plugged in and the power switch is set to the ON position.
2. Is the Grill Connected via an Extension Cord?
   • Occasionally extension cords fail. Try plugging the grill directly into the outlet. If the outlet is too far for the cord to reach, try plugging another device into the extension cord to confirm it is delivering power.
3. Inspect the Power Cord
   1. Look for any signs of damage or kinks.
   2. Confirm the Internal Parts of the Power Cord Aren't Damaged.
      1. Access the internal portion of the power cord through the bottom of the hopper.
      2. Thoroughly inspect the internal parts of the power cord for damage, such as frayed wires from rodents, etc. 
         
         

2. Inspect if the GFI Or GFCI Outlet Tripped

1. If plugged into a GFI or GFCI outlet (outlet with a small center button, commonly found in bathrooms or near water), did the outlet trip?
2. If so, reset the outlet by pressing the center button.
3. Turn the grill ON.
4. If the outlet trips again, continue troubleshooting.
   • If the center button does not pop out, the outlet did not trip, and the outlet is not the issue. This means one of the components is the issue. Move to step 3.
5. Unplug the grill, plug another appliance (toaster, blow dryer, coffee maker) into the outlet, and turn it on.
   
   • The appliance must pull at least 300 watts for this test to work. Small appliances similar to those listed should work. A phone charger will not suffice.
   • If the GFI outlet trips again, there is an issue with the outlet or the circuit box. The customer should consult an electrician to resolve the issue.
     NOTE: GFI (GFCI) outlet information – Although GFI outlets have a lifespan of 20 years, they often begin to have issues after five years.

3. Find the Grill Component Shorting out the Controller

The goal here is to disconnect each component connection to see if the controller turns on when the component is disconnected. Keep in mind that disconnecting the grills components connection to the controller may generate an error. Clear or move past the error to test each individual component.

1. Turn off and unplug the grill.
2. If you have not already done so, unscrew the controller from the hopper. Carefully pull out the controller from the hopper.
3. Disconnect the Hot Rod, Auger Motor, Induction Fan and Thermocouple.
4. Plug in and turn on the grill. The controller should turn on. 
5. If the controller does not turn with everything disconnected, Contact Customer Support.  
6. Turn off and unplug the grill.
7. Go through the following steps for each connection on the back of the controller, starting with the hot rod: 
   1.  Connect a component into its spot on the back of the controller. 
   2. Plug in and turn on the grill and attempt to wake the controller. 
      • If the controller does not turn on, the component is shorting out the controller:
        1. Replace the part you just connected. 
        2. Turn off and unplug the grill. 
        3. Disconnect the faulty part and repeat with the next connection to make sure no other part is also shorting out the controller. 
      • If the controller turns on, the component is fine:
        1. Turn off and unplug the grill. 
        2. Keep the component connected and repeat with the next connection.
        3. Contact Customer Support for assistance in how to replace any part that shorted out the controller.