Issues Lighting a Gas Grill at Home

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Common Issues When Lighting a Gas Grill at Home

5 minute read | PGS Grills

When you buy a new gas grill for your backyard, it's essential to take the time to read through the owner's manual. Most grills come with some assembly required, so following the instructions carefully is key to ensuring safe and proper operation.

This guide covers common issues that may arise when lighting your grill, along with safety tips for using an outdoor gas grill. While this article focuses on PGS grills, many of these tips are applicable to most gas grills on the market today.

Lighting Your Gas Grill Safely

Before lighting your grill, always check the gas hose for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any cuts, cracks, or excessive abrasion, replace the hose immediately before using the grill. Contact your local dealer for the correct replacement part.

Always open the grill lid fully before lighting the burners. This prevents gas from accumulating inside the unit, which could lead to an explosion if ignited. Avoid standing over the grill while lighting the burners to ensure your safety.

  • Open the lid and inspect the interior to make sure everything looks normal.
  • Set all control knobs to the "OFF" position before attempting to light the grill.
  • Turn the gas supply on at the tank or source.
  • Turn one knob to "Medium" and press the ignitor button. You should hear a clicking sound and see a flame within four seconds. The second burner should ignite automatically when you turn the other knob to "HI."
  • Check that both burners are lit and the flames are steady. Close the lid and let the ceramic rocks heat up for five to seven minutes to ensure even cooking.

We recommend staying nearby for at least two minutes after lighting the grill. Small leaks or spider fires can be easily fixed if caught early.

Quick reference guide for common grill issues and their possible causes
Grill Problems Possible Causes
No Flame Gas shut off, obstruction in orifice, leak in gas line, no gas in tank
Low Flame Leak in gas line, clogged orifice, natural gas valve not fully open
High Flame Incorrect orifice size, venturi air shutter out of adjustment
Flames out of control panel Spider webs in venturi tubes
Valve knobs won’t turn Lubrication burned out or dried
Warped lower casting Burner malfunction, incorrect rocks, venturi misalignment
Rusting stainless steel Exposure to pool chemicals
Peeling paint Chemical exposure on aluminum base
Grill won't light with module Dead battery, cracked electrode, loose wire
Electrode missing Electrode clip failed
Upper casting not fitting Misaligned hinge pins, warped casting

If the Burner Won’t Light

If the burner fails to ignite, immediately turn the controls to "OFF" to prevent gas buildup. Wait five minutes for the gas to dissipate, then try again. If the electronic ignition still doesn't work, use a match or long-handled lighter to light the burner. In windy conditions, you may need to adjust the grill's position or light the burner through a vent opening.

Do not throw a lit match into the grill and turn the gas on. This is extremely dangerous.

If the grill still won't light, check the gas supply. You may have run out of propane or the natural gas line may be turned off. If the gas is on and the grill still won't light, test the ignitor by checking for sparks. If there’s no spark, check the battery and the wiring connections.

Flashbacks and Spider Webs

In some regions of the U.S., spiders and insects have been known to create flashback issues. These pests build nests or webs inside the venturi tubes, blocking gas flow and causing internal fires. This can damage your grill and pose a serious risk.

Even if the grill lights, the blockage can cause gas to back up and ignite in the venturi area. To prevent this, your PGS grill has fine mesh brass screens around the venturis. Never remove or damage these screens during cleaning. If you live in an area with lots of spiders, clean the venturis regularly and consider using non-flammable insect repellent near the base.

Flare-Ups and How to Handle Them

Cooking fatty foods on a gas grill often leads to flare-ups as juices drip onto the hot ceramic rocks, creating flames and smoke. A moderate amount of flare-up is normal and adds flavor. However, too much can be dangerous. Trim excess fat from your meat before cooking, and avoid high temperatures when grilling fatty foods.

To manage flare-ups:

  1. Reduce the heat setting on the control knob.
  2. Move the food to a cooler part of the grill, especially if you have a dual-burner model.
  3. Cook with the lid open to reduce heat and allow grease to burn off.
  4. If needed, spray the flames with water or sprinkle baking soda on the briquettes (not on the food).

Tips for Maintaining Your Gas Grill

  1. Before using your grill for the first time, light both burners on high for 10–15 minutes to burn off any oils on new surfaces. Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the cooking grids before turning on the grill.
  2. After each use, preheat the grill for 5–7 minutes to burn off residue. Extended burning is not recommended, as it can damage components.
  3. Once the cooking grid has cooled, gently scrub it with a nylon pad to remove stuck-on food. Always reapply a light coat of oil before the next use.
  4. If the grids are heavily soiled, soak them in a plastic bag with ammonia for a day. Rinse thoroughly before using.
  5. You can clean stainless steel grids with a brass wire brush.
  6. Never put cooking grids, rock grates, or rocks in a self-cleaning oven.
  7. Always cover your grill when not in use to protect it from the elements.

AEI Corporation

AEI Corporation has been a leading manufacturer of gas grills and outdoor heaters since 1966. Known for its high-quality appliances, AEI serves homes and businesses across North America with reliable and durable products.

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