Controller Display Not Turning On - AC Timberlines

Steps to take when the display of an AC WiFi Timberline controller doesn't turn on.

Applicable Grills

• Timberline 850 - TFB85WLB
• Timberline 1300 - TFB01WLB
• Tito's Timberline 1300 - TFB01WCD
  
  

Symptoms

• The controller display is not turning on.
• The display seems to turn on, but they cannot see anything on the screen.
  • This includes a black, dark or blank screen, fading pixels or a flickering screen. See AC WiFi Controller Display Issues.
• The controller is turned on, but the grill isn't igniting. See AC Grill Not Igniting.
  
  

Causes

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

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

What to Do

Tools Needed:

• Phillips Screwdriver
• Zip ties 

1. Go through Preliminary Checks

1. Press the grill's standby button or controller knob to wake up the controller.
2. Check the grill's firmware and config to make sure they're correct and updated.
   
   

2. Check Power Connections

1. Confirm the grill is plugged in, the power switch is set to the ON position, and the grill is not on standby.
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.
         • Depending on the grill model, you may need to remove the protective grate by removing the screws and securing it in place.
      2. Thoroughly inspect the internal parts of the power cord for damage, such as frayed wires from rodents, etc. 
         • If there is any damage to the power cord, contact Customer Support for assistance.
           
           

3. Check the Outlet

1. If the outlet a GFI/GFCI outlet, make sure it hasn't tripped by pressing the middle button.
2. Plug another appliance into the outlet (e.g. toaster, blow dryer, etc. Something pulling at least 300W — a phone charger is not strong enough).
   • If the outlet continues to trip, there is an issue with the outlet or the circuit box. Consult an electrician to resolve the issue.
3. If the outlet does not trip with another appliance, the grill is tripping the outlet. Proceed to the next step.
   
   

3. Power Cycle the Grill

• If the controller does not turn on, continue.
  
  

4. Inspect the Controller & Wire Connections

1. Turn OFF and unplug the grill.
2. Unscrew the access panel below the hopper and locate the wires that connect the components to the controller.
   • Disconnect and reconnect all connections.
3. Unscrew the four screws on the controller and carefully pull it away from the grill to see the connections in the back.
   • Inspect the wires to make sure they aren't damaged and that there isn't any rubbed/melted insulation on them.
4. Plug in and turn ON the grill.
   • If the controller does not turn on, continue to next steps.
     
     

5. Determine Which Part of the Grill is the Cause of Controller Display not Turning on.

The goal here is to disconnect each component connection to see if the controller turns on when the component is disconnected.

1. With the grill powered off, disconnect the red, orange, and purple wires from their Molex connectors. Leave the black attached. (See Controller Wiring Diagram below)
2.  Plug in and turn on the grill. The controller should turn on.
   
   • If the controller does not turn with everything disconnected, contact Customer Support.
   • If the display turns on, proceed to next steps.
3. Turn off and unplug the grill.
4.  Go through the following steps for each Molex connections:
   
   1. CHECK THE HOT ROD (this is the most common culprit of a blown fuse).
      • Connect the hot rod (tan wires) to the controller (purple/white wires).
      • Plug the grill into power and turn ON the grill.
      • Ignite the grill and let run for 5 minutes.
        • If the hot rod trips the outlet, reach out to Customer Support for assistance.
          If the outlet does not trip, turn off the grill and continue.
   2. CHECK THE FAN
      • Connect the induction fan (orange wires) to the controller (orange/white wires).
      • Plug the grill into power and turn it ON.
      • Ignite the grill and let run for 5 minutes.
        You should be able to see the fan from under the grill and hear the fan running.
        • If the outlet trips, contact Customer Service.
          If the outlet does not trip, turn off the grill and continue.
   3. CHECK THE AUGER MOTOR
      • Connect the auger motor (red wires) to the controller (red/white wires).
      • Plug the grill into power and turn it ON.
      • Ignite the grill and let run for 5 minutes.
        • If the outlet pops, contact Customer Support.

AC WiFi models have a controller that share the same visual style & functions as the D2 models, but the wiring is configured like our other AC models.

NOTE: While the image in the diagrams below depict a Pro controller, the wiring applies to any type of AC controller (Including the AC WiFi controllers). The wiring is the same regardless of the controller face.