Resolving Questions and Issues with Your Prime Pellet Grill

Troubleshooting Guide, Controller Errors, Powering On the Controller, Burn Pot Lighting, Temperature Issues, Smoke Issues, Flare-ups

In this article… 

Troubleshooting Controller Errors

Controller Not Powering On

Pellet Grill Fails to Ignite the Pellets in the Burn Pot

Pellet Grill Fails to Reach or Maintain Temperature

Excessive or Discolored Smoke Produced by the Pellet Grill

Frequent Flare-Ups and How to Handle Them


If you appreciate the authentic taste of smoked food, the convenience of portability, and reliable performance, then you've made the perfect choice in the Prime Pellet Grill from HALO! As you embark on your culinary adventures, you may encounter questions or face issues while using your pellet grill. But fret not! We have developed a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help you solve common problems and ensure that your grill consistently delivers flawless performance and mouthwatering results.

To avoid common operational problems, it is important to keep your HALO Prime Outdoor Pellet Grill clean, and properly maintained, and use clean, dry, and high-quality fuel. If you encounter any issues with your grill not functioning as expected, the following troubleshooting tips will be helpful.

Controller Errors

If you happen to come across an error message on the control panel, there's no need to worry! We have a useful guide that provides detailed information on potential issues and the steps to resolve them.

ERL - Low Temperature

Problem

The temperature cannot increase by more than 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 14 minutes after starting up the grill.

Solution

To resolve the issue, remove any pellets from the burn pot and ensure that the hopper is filled with an ample amount of pellets.

Problem

If the temperature drops below the set temperature and the grill reignites for more than 20 minutes, you can resolve this issue by turning the controller OFF and then ON again and restarting the grill.

Solution

To resolve the issue, try turning off the controller, then turning it back on and restarting the grill. This simple step can often fix the problem and get your grill back up and running smoothly.

ERF - Blower Fan Malfunction, Blower Fan Stuck, or Blower Fan Connector Loose

Problem

The blower fan is not functioning properly.

Solution

To address the issue, it is recommended to replace the blower fan. Before restarting the grill, make sure to turn off the controller and then turn it back on again. This simple step can often solve the problem and get your grill up and running smoothly.

Problem

Blower fan obstruction detected.

Solution

Clear any obstructions that may be preventing the blower fan from functioning properly. Turn off the controller, then turn it back on and restart the grill to resolve the issue.

Problem

The blower fan has become disconnected.

Solution

Inspect the blower fan connector to make sure it is securely connected. Then, turn off the controller, turn it back on, and restart the grill to resolve the issue. 

ERH - High Temperature

Problem

The temperature goes beyond the maximum allowable temperature of 600°F.

Solution

To address the issue, allow the grill to cool down completely. Once cooled, turn off the grill and remove any remaining pellets from the burn pot. After clearing the burn pot, restart the grill. If the problem continues to persist, please contact our Consumer Service Team for further assistance.

ERC - Igniter Malfunction, Igniter Connection Loose

Problem

The igniter is not functioning properly.

Solution

To resolve the issue, unplug the A/C adaptor and allow the igniter to cool down for 3-5 minutes. Afterward, restart your pellet grill. If the problem continues, it may be necessary to replace the igniter.

Problem

The igniter has become disconnected.

Solution

Inspect the igniter connector to ensure it is securely connected. Turn off the controller, then turn it back on and restart the grill to resolve any issues with the igniter.

ERN - Auger Jammed, Auger Motor Malfunction, Auger Motor Connection Loose

Problem

The auger is jammed.

Solution

To resolve the issue, clean out any pellets in the hopper that may be causing debris buildup. Once the debris is cleared, turn off the controller, then turn it back on and restart the grill. This simple step can often fix the problem and get your grill working smoothly again.

Problem

The auger motor is not functioning properly.

Solution

To resolve the issue with the auger motor, you will need to replace it. After replacing the motor, make sure to turn off the controller, then turn it back on before restarting the grill. 

Problem

The auger motor has become disconnected.

Solution

Inspect the connector for the auger motor. Turn off the controller, then turn it back on and restart the grill to resolve any issues with the motor.

ERR - RTD Sensor Malfunction, RTD Sensor Connector Loose

Problem

The RTD sensor is not functioning properly.

Solution

To resolve the issue with the RTD sensor, you will need to replace it. First, turn off the controller and then turn it back on again. After that, restart the grill to ensure that the new sensor is properly functioning.

Problem

The RTD sensor has become disconnected.

Solution

To address any issues with the RTD sensor, check the connector to ensure it is properly connected. Turn off the controller, then turn it back on and restart the grill. This will help ensure that the sensor is functioning correctly and resolve any problems you may be experiencing.

ERU - Power Supply Overload

Problem

The power supply is experiencing excessive electrical load.

Solution

To resolve the issue, turn the controller OFF and then ON again to restart the grill. If the issue continues, we recommend replacing the A/C adapter.

Controller Not Powering On

Problem

Nothing occurs when pressing the Power button.

Solution

To troubleshoot the issue of the controller not powering on, try pressing the Power Button again. If that doesn't work, make another attempt and hold the button for two seconds to verify the connection.

Problem

The grill is not connected to a power source or the GFCI outlet has tripped.

Solution

Make sure that your grill is securely plugged into a functioning power source and check if the GFCI outlet has tripped. If it has, reset the breaker if necessary. It's important to ensure that the GFCI outlet is a minimum of 10 Amp service. Also, double-check that all wire connections are securely connected and dry to prevent any issues.

Problem

The controller is not functioning properly.

Solution

If you find that the controller is not functioning properly and needs to be replaced, we recommend contacting our Consumer Service Team to request a replacement part. They will be able to assist you in getting a new controller for your pellet grill.

Problem

The battery is not inserted into the unit.

Solution

If you are using battery power, make sure to insert the battery into the unit. Additionally, it is recommended that the battery be fully charged before using it.

Pellet Grill Fails to Ignite the Pellets in the Burn Pot

Problem

The auger has not been properly primed.

Solution

To ensure proper ignition of the pellets in the burn pot, it is important to prime the auger before using the unit for the first time or whenever the hopper is completely empty. Priming the auger allows the pellets to fill the burn pot, preventing the igniter from timing out before the pellets ignite.

Problem

The auger motor is experiencing a jam.

Solution

To resolve this issue, start by removing the cooking grid and grease plate. Then, press the Power Button and turn it to select Set mode, which will turn the unit on and allow you to inspect the auger feed system. Take a visual inspection to ensure that the auger is properly dropping pellets into the burn pot. If you find that the auger is not operating correctly, we recommend contacting our Consumer Service Team for assistance or to request a replacement part.

Problem

The igniter is not functioning properly.

Solution

Follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue. First, remove the cooking grid and grease plate from the cooking chamber. Press the Power Button to turn the unit on, then turn the Control Dial to Set and press it to inspect the igniter. Visually confirm that the igniter is working by looking for sparks between the two electrodes. Additionally, ensure that the igniter gap in the burn pot is approximately 6mm / 0.25 inches. If the igniter is not operating properly, follow the Manual Start-up Procedure below to continue using the pellet grill. If you need further assistance or a replacement part, please contact our Consumer Service Team for support.

Manual Start-up Procedure

If you have already tried starting your pellet grill normally but the pellets are not lighting, you can follow this manual start-up procedure.

  1. If your grill is already turned on and you have set the temperature, but the pellets did not light, please proceed to step 3. If your grill is off, please proceed to step 2.
  2. Plug the A/C adapter power cord into a grounded (GFCI) power source or use a Halo 12V rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. Refer to the "Pellet Grill Start Up" section in the user manual to turn on your grill and select a temperature setting.
  3. Remove the cooking grid and grease plate to visually check the burn pot and ensure there are no obstructions that may prevent a proper spark.
  4. Open the hopper lid and make sure there are no foreign objects in the hopper or auger feed system. If the hopper is not already full, fill it with dry, all-natural hardwood barbecue pellets.
  5. If there are no pellets in the burn pot, place a handful of pellets into the burn pot or push the PRIME button to feed the pellets into the burn pot. If there are already pellets in the burn pot, proceed to step 6. Make sure you have enough pellets in the burn pot to cover the electrode.
  6. After lighting the pellets inside the burn pot with a butane torch, allow them to burn for 1 to 2 minutes. It is important not to add more pellets during this time to avoid causing an uncontrolled fire.
  7. Carefully place the grease plate, cooking grid, and install the searing damper linkage handle. Make sure to keep the lid and sear damper closed throughout the start-up cycle.
  8. Following these steps, your unit should now operate correctly.

Pellet Grill Fails to Reach or Maintain Temperature

Problem

There is Insufficient Air Flow Through the Burn Pot

Solution

To address the issue of insufficient air flow through the burn pot, follow these steps:

  1. Check the burn pot for any ash build-up or obstructions. If you notice any, refer to the Care and Maintenance instructions to properly clean the burn pot.
  2. Inspect the fan to ensure it is functioning properly and that the air intake is not blocked. If the fan is dirty, refer to the Care and Maintenance instructions to clean it.
  3. Verify the operation of the auger motor and make sure there are no blockages in the auger tube. This will help ensure proper pellet delivery to the burn pot.
  4. Once you have completed these steps, start the pellet grill and set the temperature to 300°F (148°C). Ignite the pellet grill and check that the fire is bright and vibrant, indicating proper air flow and combustion.

Problem

Fuel Issues: Insufficient Fuel, Poor Quality, or Obstruction in Feed System

Solution

First, check the hopper to ensure that the fuel level is sufficient. If it is low, refill it with pellets. If you are experiencing poor-quality wood pellets or if the length of the pellets is too long, this can cause obstructions in the hopper and auger. In this case, remove the pellets and refer to the Care and Maintenance instructions for further guidance.

Problem

The temperature sensor (RTD) is reading incorrectly.

Solution

If you suspect any issues with the temperature probe, it is important to check its status. If you notice that the probe is covered with creosote, you can follow the Care and Maintenance instructions to clean it properly. However, if the temperature probe is damaged, it is recommended to contact our Consumer Service Team for assistance and inquire about a replacement part. They will be able to provide further guidance and support.

Excessive or Discolored Smoke Produced by the Pellet Grill

Problem

There is excessive grease build-up on the grill.

Solution

To address the issue of grease build-up, it is important to follow the Care and Maintenance instructions provided with your grill. These instructions will guide you on how to properly clean and maintain your grill to prevent excessive grease accumulation. Regular cleaning will ensure optimal performance and reduce the risk of producing excessive or discolored smoke.

Problem

The quality of wood pellets is diminished.

Solution

To resolve the issue, start by removing any moist wood pellets from the hopper. Then, refer to the Care and Maintenance instructions provided with your grill to properly clean out the hopper. Once the hopper is clean, replace the moist pellets with dry wood pellets. This will ensure optimal performance and prevent any issues. It is recommended that you use premium-quality wood pellets in your HALO Prime Pellet Grill.

Problem

The burn pot is blocked.

Solution

To address the issue, follow these steps:

  1. Remove any moist wood pellets from the burn pot and hopper.
  2. Select the Clean Out mode to clear the auger tube.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the burn pot is clear and free from any obstructions, allowing for proper pellet delivery and optimal performance of your pellet grill.

Problem

The fan is not receiving enough air intake.

Solution

To resolve the problem, follow these steps:

  1. Check the fan to ensure it is functioning properly.
  2. Make sure that the air intake is not blocked.
  3. If the fan is dirty, refer to the Care and Maintenance instructions to clean it.

To ensure your pellet grill performs at its best, it's important to make sure the fan is receiving enough air intake. This is crucial for optimal performance. By following these steps, you can guarantee that the fan is getting sufficient airflow, which is essential for the overall efficiency of your grill.

Frequent Flare-Ups and How to Handle Them

Problem

Experiencing frequent flare-ups while cooking greasy food at high temperatures.

Solution

When cooking greasy food, it is recommended to lower the temperature to minimize the risk of flare-ups. Grease has a lower flash point, meaning it can ignite at lower temperatures. To prevent this, keep the cooking temperature under 350°F (176°C). By cooking at a lower temperature, you can enjoy your meals without the frequent flare-ups that can occur when cooking greasy foods.

Problem

There is excessive grease accumulation on the cooking components causing issues.

Solution

To prevent any problems caused by grease build-up, it is important to follow the Care and Maintenance instructions provided with your grill. These instructions will guide you on how to properly clean and maintain the cooking components, ensuring optimal performance and reducing the risk of flare-ups.