Weber grills are increasingly popular because they’re affordable and reliable, but that doesn’t mean they’re without fault. There are a few reasons your Weber grill isn’t heating or igniting as it should, so let’s break them down today.
If your Weber grill isn’t lighting or igniting, these are the most likely causes:
- Malfunctioning Regulator
- Clogged Burners
- Loose Ignition Wires
- A Broken Ignitor
- Bypass Mode
In this article, we’ll explain what these issues mean, what causes them, and how you can fix them. We’ll also provide long-term preventative maintenance for your Weber grill.
Malfunctioning Regulator Issues
The regulator is a meter connected to the propane tank that fuels your Weber grill. It regulates how much propane goes through the hoses and to the grill. If it’s not working properly, your grill won’t get enough fuel (if any at all).
Regulators are a propane tank issue, so it’s not a problem on your Weber grill. Nevertheless, it can limit the flame flowing through the grill or prevent it from igniting. It’s important to adjust or replace the regulator when this happens.

How to Fix
Follow these steps to replace a regulator:
- Turn off all of the burners and the propane tank to ensure there’s no gas flowing through the hoses.
- Unscrew the regulator from the propane tank.
- Screw the new regulator into the propane tank under the Weber grill.
- Attach the regulator to the hose leading to the grill.
- Slowly open the propane tank while making sure you don’t flood the hoses.
- SFGate suggests letting the gas flow through the line for a couple of minutes before igniting the flame.
- Turn on one of the switches to ignite the flame, then check if the regulator is allowing the gas through.
Here’s a quick video guide to inspect and switch your regulator:
If there’s still no flame or the Weber grill won’t ignite, head to one of the solutions in the following sections.
Dirty or Clogged Burners
Clogged burners are natural because almost all grilled foods drop oil and scraps. According to Miss Vickie, failure to maintain and clean the burners will prevent the gas from flowing through. There won’t be any fuel, which means the Weber grill can’t light. Fortunately, the solution is quite simple.
Make sure you cover your Weber grill to prevent debris and rain from ruining the burners. Rust and corrosion are irreversible and can permanently damage the burners.
How to Fix
To clean your Weber grill’s burners, scrub the grate and drip pan with a stiff brush, soap, and water. You can also use an abrasive sponge to remove excess grease and other food drippings.
The WeeTiee Grill Brush and Scraper is perfect because it lets you scrape deep-set droppings and brush the grill until it looks brand-new. Two tabs on the bottom push grease and other liquids off of the grill with the pointed wires remove hard-to-reach gunk.
Use a wire brush or sponge to remove the debris from each of the burners, ensuring there’s enough space for the sparks and flames to make their way through the burner.
Loose Ignition Connections
The ignition connections provide power to the ignitor. Without it, the grill won’t work properly. You’ll turn the switch and nothing will happen. This typically happens when people move their grill around too much, especially on bumpy drives or when storing it on its side.
These connections are small wires, but you should ensure they’re attached to the ignitor. Moving the grill around too often or too roughly can loosen the wires, preventing them from powering the ignitor.
How to Fix
If you think there are loose connections reaching the ignitor, perform this method:
- Turn off the gas (or electricity if you have an electric Weber grill).
- Disconnect the doors on the front of your grill to access the panel.
- Unscrew the panel sitting directly below the ignitor switches.
- Pull down the ignitor control board and tighten each of the wires.
- Replace the ignitor control board, panel, and doors.
Some Weber grills don’t have doors below them. If yours doesn’t, simply look for a couple of screws below the ignition switches. These panels let you access the ignitor control board to check each of the wires.

Broken Ignitors
The ignitor is responsible for sparking the flame. If it’s broken or malfunctioning, it won’t light the grill. This common issue is a result of wear and tear. While improper use takes its toll, all Weber grills need a new ignitor eventually. Replacing it is as simple as pulling out the old one and adding a brand-new Weber ignitor.
Some ignitors break because they get covered in rust. Too much rain or humidity can corrode the ignitor, stopping it from sparking.
Hot to Fix
Much like the previous process to access the ignitor connections, you have to remove the doors, unscrew the panel, and pull down the ignition control board.
The ignitor is connected to the board, so all you have to do is disconnect it and replace it with a new one.
Here’s a quick video guide by Charles Coushaine on YouTube:
The Grill Is in Bypass Mode
Bypass mode is a common feature with all Weber grills. This safety mode limits the gas flowing through the grill because it thinks there’s a leak. While it usually triggers on accident, it’s crucial that you ensure there’s no gas leaking from the propane tank, hoses, or grill before overriding the bypass setting.
Bypass mode usually lowers the gas production to about 10%, which stops the flame. Some people get a low flame when their Weber grill is in bypass mode, but it’s practically useless.
How to Fix
Turn off your grill’s switches, ensuring there’s no gas or flames in the grill. Next, close the lid and open the gas valve to let the propane fill the hose. BBQ Host claims this short period is what flips the switch, fixing the bypass issue. If it doesn’t work once you turn on the grill, there’s a leak or another issue afoot.
Additional Grilling Resources
If you ever have grill problems in the future, our other grill troubleshooting articles may be able to help you.
- Camp Chef Pellet Grill Not Heating Up? Why and How to Fix
- Pit Boss Grill Not Heating Up? Here’s Why (and How to Fix)
- Green Mountain Grill Not Heating Up? Here’s Why (And How to Fix)
- Weber Grill Not Getting Hot? 8 Causes (+ How to Fix)
- Weber Grill Not Lighting? 5 Causes (+ How to Fix)
- Gas Grill Not Getting Hot? Here’s Why (+ How to Fix)
- Char Broil Grill Not Heating Up? Here’s Why (+ How to Fix)
- Charcoal Grill Not Getting Hot Enough? 10 Causes (+ Fixes)
- Traeger Grill Not Igniting? 5 Causes (+ How to Fix)
- Traeger Grill Not Heating Up? 7 Causes (+ How to Fix)
- Propane Grill Not Getting Hot? 6 Causes (+ How to Fix)
- Why Does My Gas Grill Smoke So Much? Top 8 Causes (+ Fixes)
- Why Is My Grill Humming, Whistling, Popping, or Clicking?

Jonah has worked for several years in the swimming pool industry installing and repairing equipment, treating pools with chemicals, and fixing damaged liners. He also has plumbing and electrical experience with air conditioning, ceiling fans, boilers, and more. When he’s not writing for Temperature Master, he’s usually writing for his own websites, LawnCareLessons.com and DIYByHand.com.