Diagnosis
This is almost always a simple power connection issue or a safety switch that wasn't engaged during assembly. The Tailgater has a few key links in the power chain that are easy to miss.
How to Fix It
Let's trace the power. 1) First, check your outlet with a phone charger to make sure it's live. 2) Follow the power cord from the outlet to the grill. Ensure the cord is firmly plugged into the port on the back of the grill. 3) Now, the most common culprit: the hopper safety switch. Open the pellet hopper lid. Look on the inside top edge of the hopper box—you should see a small, black plastic plunger. When you close the lid, it pushes this plunger in. This switch tells the grill it's safe to operate. Make sure the lid is fully closing on it and that the plunger moves freely. Sometimes it gets stuck during shipping.
If That Didn't Work
If you have power and the hopper switch is engaged, check the fuse. There's a small, automotive-style fuse holder on the back of the controller, which is behind the hopper. You may need to remove a few screws to access it. Pull the fuse and check if the little wire inside is intact. If it's blown, replace it with an identical 3-amp fuse.
Heads Up
Always, always make sure the hopper lid is fully closed when operating. If that switch isn't depressed, the grill won't start as a safety feature to prevent you from reaching into a running auger. It's a good feature, just frustrating on first setup.