DIAGNOSIS Foreign object (usually a stray pellet) caught in the induction fan blades, or the fan motor/bearing is failing.
FIX Clear the fan housing.
- Unplug the grill and let it cool completely.
- Remove the cooking grates, heat baffle, and drip tray.
- Remove the firepot access plate. The induction fan is mounted directly behind this opening.
- Use a flashlight and needle-nose pliers or tweezers to carefully remove any visible debris (pellets, ash clumps) from between the fan blades and the housing.
- Manually spin the fan to check for smooth rotation.
IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The fan motor assembly may need replacement. If the noise persists after clearing debris and the fan wobbles or is hard to turn, you'll need to order a new induction fan motor. It's a few screws and a wire connector to swap.
HEADS UP This often happens after filling the hopper if a pellet falls into the firepot area during shutdown. Be meticulous when vacuuming ash to prevent this.