Few things are more frustrating than turning the key on your Pit Boss and watching the digital display stay stubbornly dark. This complete guide walks through the most common reasons a Pit Boss will not turn on, providing clear diagnostics and actionable fixes. Understanding the specific behavior of your unit—the lights, sounds, and error messages—narrows down the possible causes quickly.
Initial Checks and Simple Fixes
Before diving into complex repairs, verify the most basic power requirements. A Pit Boss will not turn on if the power source itself is interrupted or insufficient. Always start here to save time and avoid unnecessary disassembly.
Confirming Power Delivery
Check the connection at both ends of the power cable. Ensure the plug is fully seated in both the pellet grill and the wall outlet or extension cord. If using an extension cord, confirm it is rated for the amperage your model requires and is in good condition without cuts or frays. A tripped Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is a frequent culprit; reset the outlet or bypass it by plugging the grill into a different, dedicated circuit.
Check outlet with another device
Inspect power cable for damage
Verify circuit breaker is not tripped
Re-seat plug and outlet connection
Inspect DC power adapter for wear
Diagnosing Display and Battery Issues
If the grill shows no signs of life but the power cable is solidly connected, the issue often lies with the controller board’s memory or the internal backup power source. Many Pit Boss units rely on a small battery or capacitor to retain settings and wake from sleep mode.
Resetting the Controller
A hard reset clears temporary faults and refreshes the electronic control system. To perform a reset, unplug the grill from the power outlet and wait for a full sixty seconds. This waiting period is critical because it allows residual electricity in the capacitors to drain completely. After the time has passed, plug the unit back in and attempt to power it on normally. This simple step resolves a significant number of "no power" complaints.
Battery Backup Failure
Over time, the small CR2032 battery on the controller board can deplete, preventing the unit from maintaining memory or turning on. If the display is completely blank and a reset did not work, locate the battery compartment on the board (usually near the digital display) and replace the battery with a new one. Ensure the polarity is correct—positive side up—to avoid damaging the circuit.
Examining the Power Supply
When the grill shows flickering lights or attempts to power on but fails, the issue is often the external power adapter or the internal power supply circuitry. These components convert household AC power into the stable DC voltage the electronics require.
Testing the Power Adapter
Verify the output of the power adapter with a multimeter if you have one available. Compare the reading to the voltage rating printed on the adapter itself, usually 12V or 24V DC. A significant deviation indicates a failing adapter. If the adapter feels excessively hot during previous use, it is likely overheating and needs replacement. Never bypass the adapter by connecting power directly to the socket, as this will destroy sensitive components.
