SmokeFire Won’t Start

[SteveSpy]

Nope, back to square one… slow cooked a tenderloin at 250 and after an hour it died. I restarted and again, an hour later same thing. Luckily it was cooked enough.

 

[Goneincognito]

Take the finger guard out.

 

[DUSMO]

I was having a similar problem... so I just joined the forum. Please let us know if you have solved the problem and how.

My SmokeFire EX4 ran like a champ last fall (got it around late Sept). But, this spring it has refused to start. Ever. So, thinking I had a glow plug problem, I tried to replace the glow plug... but then glow plug assembly spontaneously disassembled. After reading about your experience I am thinking that I need the replacement assembly (hoping the Weber rep is better than the ChatBot) but it still won't fix the problem.

 

[Goneincognito]

I was having a similar problem... so I just joined the forum. Please let us know if you have solved the problem and how.

My SmokeFire EX4 ran like a champ last fall (got it around late Sept). But, this spring it has refused to start. Ever. So, thinking I had a glow plug problem, I tried to replace the glow plug... but then glow plug assembly spontaneously disassembled. After reading about your experience I am thinking that I need the replacement assembly (hoping the Weber rep is better than the ChatBot) but it still won't fix the problem.

What makes you think it wont?
The issue in this post was pellet bridging.

 

[OGauge4Me]

I was having a similar problem... so I just joined the forum. Please let us know if you have solved the problem and how.

My SmokeFire EX4 ran like a champ last fall (got it around late Sept). But, this spring it has refused to start. Ever. So, thinking I had a glow plug problem, I tried to replace the glow plug... but then glow plug assembly spontaneously disassembled. After reading about your experience I am thinking that I need the replacement assembly (hoping the Weber rep is better than the ChatBot) but it still won't fix the problem.

Need more Info. Does the EX4 information screen turn on and can you set a desired temp? Does the auger send pellets down the chute? Is the glow plug free of any debris in the burn pot? Regardless of the answers you should call Weber and open a ticket.

Before calling Weber make sure you have registered your EX4 on the Weber website. Problem resolution, with Weber, is not always a quick process but they will work with you to fix the problem.

 

[avrick]

Ok I finally took the whole thing apart including the burn pot and there is no carbon nugget, I’m now very confused and worried because I have a brisket to smoke here soon and don’t want to embarrass myself. Anybody have any other ideas?

I feel your pain. I had a party last week and planned to cook a $125. brisket. Smoker wouldn't start due to E2 error code - Fan malfunction. Very embarrassing. To make matter worse Weber doesn't have the parts for me to even repair their faulty smoker.

 

[SteveSpy]

I feel your pain. I had a party last week and planned to cook a $125. brisket. Smoker wouldn't start due to E2 error code - Fan malfunction. Very embarrassing. To make matter worse Weber doesn't have the parts for me to even repair their faulty smoker.

Look at this disgustingness. This was after an overnight smoke. I’m so lucky I managed to finish the brisket in my oven…

 

[Goneincognito]

Look at this disgustingness. This was after an overnight smoke. I’m so lucky I managed to finish the brisket in my oven…

Another pellet void?
Did you end up taking the finger guard out?

 

[SteveSpy]

Another pellet void?
Did you end up taking the finger guard out?

No, it’s still in there. What’s a pellet void?

 

[Goneincognito]

No, it’s still in there. What’s a pellet void?

I think you referred to it as a bridge back in June.
Take the finger guard out ASAP. It will help stop them from forming.

 

[SteveSpy]

I think you referred to it as a bridge back in June.
Take the finger guard out ASAP. It will help stop them from forming.

They’re not bridging

 

[Goneincognito]

They’re not bridging

I would still take the guard out. One less point of failure.
Any idea what caused the issue since you confirmed there was no bridging?

 

[SteveSpy]

I would still take the guard out. One less point of failure.
Any idea what caused the issue since you confirmed there was no bridging?

No. Weber support said I need to completely remove all the pellets from the container and from the chute and clean everything. That’s my last resort. After this, I am selling this piece of shit and getting a Treager

 

[Goneincognito]

No. Weber support said I need to completely remove all the pellets from the container and from the chute and clean everything. That’s my last resort. After this, I am selling this piece of shit and getting a Treager

Honestly, just sell it now and get your Traeger if that's how you are going to approach it.

 

[SteveSpy]

Honestly, just sell it now and get your Traeger if that's how you are going to approach it.

I can't. First, you must exhaust all possibilities, and troubleshoot until there is nothing left to do. Only then will I consider the product a failure. Right now it is on me for improper maintenance according to the manual / Weber support. I have not done a thorough cleanup of the smoker and they are saying that accumulated dust in there could affect the way the pellets are distributed. I get that, I haven't had the time to look after that. Last night I wanted to grill some steaks, that's 15 mins. I turn it on, it gets to 450, I put the steaks on and 10 mins later I go to flip them and they're still raw. I never even got the low-temperature warning. The stupid display still showed 450 degrees. I can't wait to see what it looks like now when I remove all the flavorizer bars and clean it.