The main reasons behind a Char-Broil grill burner not working are:
- Lack of gas supply.
- Faulty gas regulator.
- Ignition issues.
- Dirty or faulty burner.
Don’t worry, I’ll show you how to diagnose and fix these problems in detail. So, let’s dive in!
Char-Broil Grill Burner Not Working [Solved A-Z]
Here are the main reasons behind the Char-Broil Grill burner problems, along with the ways to fix them:
1. No Gas Supply
The easiest and most obvious reason behind the Char-Broil grill burner not lighting is the lack of a gas supply. Many people forget to check their gas tanks before starting the cook. They check plenty of things but forget to check the most basic thing.
I hope you’re not making the same mistake. But how would you know if the tank is empty? Generally speaking, a full cylinder weighs about 30 pounds and about 17-18 when it’s empty.
There could also be a gas leak that’s causing the issue. You can apply some soapy water to the gas lines and see if bubbles form. If they do, that means there is a gas leak. These are the main reasons behind the Char-Broil grill not getting gas.
Solution:
If the gas tank is empty, you can just replace it with a new one, and that’ll solve the issue. Once there’s a clear and sufficient fuel source, your heater will run properly if there are no other issues.
If there had been or is a gas leak, you can just change the gas lines. They’re pretty easy to replace. Just remove them at the point of the gas tank regulator and the grill. Doing these things should solve the issue.
2. Stuck Gas Regulator
In the previous scenario, the burner may not light up at all. But there’s a whole range of Char-Broil grill burner problems you could be facing. For example, the flames only light up on the joint instead of spreading through the whole burner.
Generally, it happens when the carryover tubes aren’t installed or lined up properly. So, check that first. But if that’s not it, the next thing you should look at is a stuck Char-Broil gas grill regulator.
It happens because the gas flow is blocked when the regulator doesn’t work properly. And without gas coming in, all the burners won’t light.
Solution:
If the carryover tubes aren’t placed correctly, just take them off and readjust them correctly. It’s a really easy process. So, you shouldn’t have any trouble doing it. However, if it’s the gas regulator that’s stuck, then you have to reset it.
How To Reset Char Broil Grill Gas Regulator
It only takes a couple of minutes to reset the Char-Broil grill gas regulator. Here’s how you can do it:
- Turn off the propane tank and disconnect the hose.
- Open the grill lid.
- Turn all burner knobs to HIGH for 2 minutes.
- Turn all knobs back OFF and reconnect the hose.
- Slowly open the tank valve and light the grill normally.
In some rare cases, the gas regulator could be entirely faulty. In that case, you’d have to replace it entirely. Check out my guide on fixing Char-Broil gas regulator issues if you’re facing more problems with it.
3. Ignition Issues
Another common reason behind burner issues in your Char-Broil grill is ignition problems. Now, it can happen in many ways. But I’ll walk you through the most important ones.
The first one you need to be aware of is a dead battery. The most obvious sign of it is the Char-Broil igniter not clicking. That’s because when the grill is out of power, there’s not enough energy to make the igniter click.
The second thing you need to be on the lookout for is moisture or corrosion. Those grills tend to sit outside for long periods of time and are quite prone to it. And it’s not always the external weather that causes the issue.
The internal components can be just as harmful. For example, when the batteries are left unused for a while, acids can leak from the battery. Usually, you’ll see a white layer in the battery contacts when there’s this issue. Even in this case, the grill igniter not clicking is common.
Finally, the last thing you want to check is the igniter module itself. That can be defective, too. In instances of the Char-Broil igniter not working properly, the clicking sound won’t also be there. So, you’d have to test them step by step to figure out what’s wrong.
Solution:
Start by checking out the battery situation, as it’s the easiest to resolve. First of all, make sure that the batteries are placed correctly in the order that they need to be.
If the batteries are in the right order in terms of polarity, they are likely out of power. In that case, you’d have to go for the Char-Broil igniter battery replacement. Don’t worry, it’s as easy as changing the batteries in a remote. All you need is AAA batteries.
Next, if the battery contacts are the issue, you have to clean them. A combination of WD40 and a Q-tip is ideal for this job. Just wait until everything is clean and dry. Then, replace the batteries as well, and your grill should run if there are no issues with the ignition.
If the ignition is faulty, then you’d have to replace it. The process of replacing the igniter isn’t too complicated if you know what to do. I have a guide on Char-Broil igniter replacement if you want to learn in detail how you can do it.
4. Dirty Burner
Another common reason behind your Char-Broil grill is when the burner is dirty. Now, it’s common for the burner to get dirty. That’s why it’s so important to maintain it and cook the food through it thoroughly.
If left uncleaned for a long time, the burner holes or ports can be fully clogged with grease, rust, or dirt. On top of that, spiders or bugs may also build nests in the burner tubes—especially if they have been unused for a while.
That can block the gas from spreading along the burner. Besides a dirty burner, one that is not adjusted properly can also cause this issue. For example, the carryover tubes not being lined up correctly also causes it.
Solution:
You need to clean the burner of your grill. To get to it, you’ll have to remove the grates on top. Now, the intensity of the cleaning job depends on the severity of the problem. If the cleaning job is simple, you can use a pipe cleaner or a small brush to clear the dirt out.
But if it’s worse than that, you’d literally have to get your hands dirty. Just remove the covers of the burner and clean them thoroughly. Make sure the grill is cool when you do this. If that solves the issue, you’re all done. If not, you have to continue diagnosing.
5. Faulty Burner
It should come as no surprise that if you’re facing issues with your Char-Broil grill’s burner, the issue could be—well, the burner. Though Char-Broil grills are pretty reliable, they can go bad after years of use. Especially if they’re not maintained well or cleaned after every cook.
No judgments—but if that’s you, then now’s the time to pay the price. Cooking foods with lots of salt in them can also make the burners go bad quickly.
Solution:
If the burners are bad in your case, your only solution is to replace them. Don’t worry, Charbroil grill parts are pretty easy to find. And replacing the burner isn’t the hardest job in the world.
How To Replace The Char Broil Grill Burner
I’ll walk you through all the essential steps you need to know for proper Charbroil grill burner replacement. Make sure you get the right Char-Broil burner replacement kit before you get started. Once that’s sorted, just follow these steps to do it:
Step 01- Removing the Old Burners and Cleaning the Grill
Start by removing the cooking grates and the burner covers. Then take out the burners themselves. My grill had five burners, and I was facing the Char-Broil grill side burner not working problem.
In your case, you may have five burners like mine, or fewer, but the process is the same. Expect that old burners will be rusty and may even break apart when you pull them out.
Don’t forget to remove the carryover tubes—these are the small pieces that let the flame pass from one burner to the next. Each burner has a small clip at the back holding it in place. Use a pair of pliers to pull those clips out.
Most burners should slide out easily, except for one. That particular burner will be connected to the igniter, and it may be stuck. Instead of unscrewing it, trace the wire underneath the grill and carefully pull it free. That will let you remove the burner without damaging the igniter.
Once the burners are out, clean the inside of the grill. There’s a tray underneath that collects grease and juices—it slides out like a drawer. Scrape all the gunk into that tray with a chisel or scraper. This makes sure the grill is clear before you install new parts.
Step 02—Preparing and Installing the New Burners
Next, get your replacement kit ready. A good kit should include new stainless steel burners, burner covers, carryover tubes, screws, clips, washers, and sometimes new igniters. Mine came with all these parts, and it was also really good in quality.
Start with the burner that connects to the igniter. Thread the igniter wire back through and slide the burner into place. Make sure it fits properly. While you’re there, you may also want to replace the igniter’s batteries.
The batteries are usually hidden inside the igniter box. It’s better to do it then, but you can save that for later if needed. Test the igniter to see if it sparks.
Install the remaining burners one by one. If you have five burners like me, you’ll need four carryover tubes to connect them. These tubes allow the flame to travel across all burners. To install them, clip the tubes together, flip them upside down, and connect them so each burner links to the next.
Check the clips at the back. If your kit doesn’t include replacements (mine didn’t), you can reuse the old ones. These clips are often shaped like hairpins. Clean them up and slide them back into place so the burners are held securely.
Step 03 – Testing & Making Sure Everything Works
Once everything is installed, turn on your propane tank and press the igniter. The first burner should light up with a bright blue flame. The flame will then spread across the carryover tubes to the other burners. You want to see an even, strong blue flame across all burners.
Turn the burners down to low and check that they still maintain a steady blue flame. Be very careful during this test because propane is dangerous. Never leave the flames unattended.
For my issue—a Char-Broil grill with one burner not working—I found that it was fixed once I tested it after doing the replacement job. After testing, turn the burners off and let the grill cool.
When it’s safe to touch, put the burner covers back in. Each one has two prongs that fit into slots, and they rest on the frame inside the grill. After that, return the cooking grates to their positions on top.
Do one final test by turning the burners back on. With the covers and grates in place, it may be harder to see the flames directly, but you can peek through the sides and confirm that the blue flames are burning evenly across the grill.
On my grill, I notice the front tends to get hotter than the back because of how the carryover tubes are positioned. If yours is the same, just move food around during cooking to balance the heat.
That’s it—you’ve removed the old burners, installed new ones, and tested everything, and your grill is ready to cook again. If this issue still remains, I would strongly urge you to get in touch with a qualified technician.
FAQs
Why is the heating uneven in my Char Broil grill burner?
The most common reason behind it is the carryover tubes. As they are located in the front part, it’s generally always hotter compared to the back.
Can alcohol wipe be used to clean the battery terminals?
Yes, it’s also a good solution for cleaning the battery contacts. The important thing here is to wait until the terminals are fully dry. Then, you can try again.
How do I make sure the propane tank is properly connected?
The propane tank cylinder valve and the coupling nut should be fully connected. If that’s not the case, hand-tighten it by turning the coupling nut gradually until a solid stop.
What is the main reason for getting a yellow flame instead of a blue flame?
The main reason behind it is the unevenness in gas pressure. That is often the result of a faulty gas regulator. Try resetting it. If that doesn’t work, you’d have to change it.
Conclusion:
Now, you know all the main reasons behind the Char-Broil grill burner not working and how you can fix it. Start by checking the gas supply and work your way towards the other issues.Hopefully, it’ll be something simple for you.
Honestly, they’re all pretty easy issues to fix. Except for when the burner goes bad, maybe that’ll take a little time to fix and replace it. Apart from those issues, if you’re facing other issues in your grill, like the thermometer not working, I also have a guide on it.
