Woodridge Series Controller Blank / Not Turning On

Symptoms

Controller does not turn on when grill is powered on.

• The grill has power (power switch lights up), but the controller does not turn on

Causes

This most likely is a result of the controller wires not being securely connected.

How to Diagnose a Woodridge Controller not Turning On

Follow the steps below to resolve the controller not turning on. 

Tools Needed: 

• Phillips Screwdriver
• Wrench that fits a #8 nut (typically 11/32")

1. Check Power Components

In this troubleshooting step we will identify if a grill's power components may be causing the controller to not turn on.

Pro Tip: If controller is off and power switch is not illuminated, it is most likely that the grill is not getting power, see No Power - Woodridge Series Grills.

1. Check the Power Cord. Ensure the cord is undamaged and is fully plugged in. 

Damaged power cord: Replace the power cord.

Using an extension cord: Plug the grill directly into the outlet and turn on the grill.

•  
  • Controller turns on: the extension cord is at fault.
  • Controller does not turn on: Continue.

A common cause of the controller display shutting off is a loose plug. To ensure the plug is securely connected, follow these steps:

1.  
   1. Trace the power cord back to the connection point.
   2. Firmly push the power plug into the grill to eliminate any loose connection.
   3. Power on the grill.
      • Controller Turns On: Success!
      • Controller Doesn't Turn On: Continue to Checking the Connections in the Auger Box

2. Checking the Connections in the Auger Box

If the controller does not turn on after securing the wire harnesses, check the component connections in the auger box by removing the auger box panel. 

Pro Tip: You only need to remove the auger box panel; keep the auger box installed to the bottom of the grill.

1. With the grill off and unplugged, unscrew the x10 screws from the auger box (x2 on each end, x3 along each side).
   
2. Disconnect and reconnect the Hopper Wire Harness connection to the Auger Box Motherboard to make sure it's fully connected.
   
3. Confirm wiring is not pinched, cut, or damaged inside auger box.
   • Confirm that there is no visible damage to the circuit board.
     • If there is damage, contact customer service.
4. Reassemble the auger box.
5. Attempt to ignite the grill.
   1. One of the connection points you reconnected wasn't fully seated, and securing the connections resolved the issue.
      • One of the connection points you reconnected wasn't fully seated, and securing the connections resolved the issue. Re-install the controller back to the grill
   2. Controller Doesn't Turn On: Continue to the next step to check connections to the controller.

3. Check the Wire Harness Connections to Controller

1. Turn off and unplug the grill from power.
   1. Woodridge Elite only: Remove the x4 screws from the panel below the controller, remove the panel and set aside.
   2. All Models: Open the hopper lid and remove the x2 screws from the controller trim. Then remove the x2 screws from the lower portion of the controller at the front of the grill and carefully lift up the controller and trim belt so you can access the controller's connections.
      
      
   3. Disconnect and reconnect the wire harnesses ensuring a solid connection. 
      
   4. Power on the grill to see if the controller display turns on.
      • Controller Turns On: Success! One of the connection points you reconnected wasn't fully seated, and securing the connections resolved the issue. Re-install the controller back to the grill. One of the connection points you reconnected wasn't fully seated, and securing the connections resolved the issue. Re-install the controller back to the grill.
      • Controller Doesn't Turn On: Continue to the next step to check the back of the controller.

4. Securing Connections to Back of Controller

1. Remove the x2 screws (8-32 X 1/2") from the top of the controller and pull it upward to separate it from the trim. 
   

2. First, we will need to gain access to the back of the controller. Using a wrench that fits a #8 nut (typically 11/32"), remove the x1 nut (8-32) with the lock washer from the threaded stud on the back of the controller trim. Remove the ground lead wire from the stud.

3. Ensure the Auger Box motherboard is fully connected to the back of the controller motherboard.
4. Power on the grill.
5. Controller Turns On: Success! One of the connection points you reconnected wasn't fully seated, and securing the connections resolved the issue. Re-install the controller back to the grill.
6. Controller Doesn't Turn On: Continue contact customer service.