Lion Premium Grills Troubleshooting & Maintenance Guide For your Grill

Lion Premium Grills
Troubleshooting Questions & Proven Fixes
Tip: Always start by shutting off the gas at the source and letting the grill cool before you disassemble anything or run leak-tests.
1. Grill Won’t Light (Clicks but No Flame)
What’s Likely Happening:
You hear the igniter clicking, but there’s no flame. This is one of the most common issues after installing a new tank or reconnecting a gas line.
Possible Causes:
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Empty propane tank (seriously — it’s more common than you think).
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Air trapped in the gas lines after tank swap or new installation.
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Gas valve not fully open.
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Regulator lockout (bypass mode).
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For NG: Main gas shutoff valve is closed or partially turned.
What To Do:
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Open the grill lid to prevent gas buildup.
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Turn all control knobs to OFF.
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Check propane tank — lift it or try another known full tank.
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For NG grills, confirm your shut-off valve is fully open (handle should be in line with the pipe).
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Reset your LP regulator:
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Close the tank valve.
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Disconnect the regulator for 1 full minute.
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Reconnect and slowly open the valve (¼ turn per second).
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Wait 10 seconds, then attempt to ignite again.
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Pro Tip:
It can take 2–3 ignition attempts to purge trapped air, especially after maintenance or new setup.
2. Burner Lights But Flame is Low or Blows Out Easily
What’s Likely Happening:
Your burner ignites but gives off a weak, flickering flame — or goes out as soon as you close the lid.
Causes:
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Regulator went into bypass mode (common with LP).
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Wind blowing directly into the grill box.
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Gas line is kinked or partially closed.
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Low gas pressure on NG supply line.
What To Check:
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Reset the LP regulator using the steps above.
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For NG, check that all valves along the gas line are fully open and the line is dedicated to the grill (no split lines).
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Ensure the hose isn’t pinched, bent, or stretched.
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Relocate the grill or shield it from wind.
3. Grill Heats Slowly or Won’t Reach High Temps
What’s Likely Happening:
After preheating for 15–20 minutes, the grill still won’t climb above 500°F.
Causes:
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Regulator in safety mode.
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Low or nearly empty LP tank.
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Shared gas line (NG) drops pressure when other appliances run.
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Burners are clogged.
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Incorrect hose sizing (especially on NG setups — use ½" min for BTU demand).
What To Do:
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Swap in a full propane tank (not just “feels like there's gas”).
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Run a regulator reset.
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Clean burner ports and flame tamers.
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For NG: Ensure a direct, high-capacity gas line with no other appliance on the same run.
Reminder:
Flames should be solid blue with yellow tips — dancing, inconsistent flames = flow issue.
4. One Burner Isn’t Lighting or Runs Cooler Than the Others
What’s Likely Happening:
All burners work fine except one that refuses to ignite or stays cooler.
Causes:
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Burner misaligned with the gas valve nozzle.
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Clogged orifice or burner tube.
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Bug/insect blockage in venturi.
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Valve stem may be slightly closed or stiff.
Fix:
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Let grill cool.
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Remove grates and flame tamers.
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Pull the problem burner — clean the port holes with a wire brush.
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Clear the venturi and tube (compressed air or pipe cleaner).
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Make sure it’s properly seated over the gas orifice.
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Test by lighting that burner alone first.
5. Clicking but No Spark (No Ignition Sound)
What’s Likely Happening:
You turn the knob, but there’s no “tick tick tick” spark at all.
Causes:
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Battery is dead or installed backward.
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Loose or disconnected igniter wires.
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Faulty igniter module.
Fix:
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Remove the igniter cap and replace the battery (AA, positive side out).
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Check wiring from the igniter box to the electrodes (ensure snug connections).
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Test the igniter by manually lighting the grill — if the flame works, the spark is the issue.
6. Rotisserie Burner Won’t Light or Stay Lit
What’s Likely Happening:
You press the igniter but the rotisserie burner doesn’t light — or glows blue and never turns orange.
Causes:
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Longer gas line takes time to fill.
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Insufficient gas pressure.
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Dirty or blocked ceramic burner surface.
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Wind blowing flame away from ceramic face.
Fix:
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Hold the control knob IN for 5–8 seconds before pressing igniter.
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Let it run for 3+ minutes to fully heat.
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Use in a wind-protected area.
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Shut off main burners if needed to maximize pressure to rotisserie.
7. Fire Inside Burner Tube (Flashback)
What’s Likely Happening:
You hear a roaring sound and see flame coming from beneath the burner box.
Causes:
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Insects (usually spiders) clogging the venturi tube.
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Burner misaligned with orifice.
Fix:
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Shut off gas supply immediately.
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Let grill cool fully.
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Remove burner and clean inside the tube using a long brush.
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Re-seat the burner properly and test again.
8. Grease Fire in the Firebox
What’s Likely Happening:
A flare-up turns into a full-on fire under the grates — flames may leak out of the lid.
Causes:
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Grease buildup in the tray or drain.
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Cooking on high with excessive grease runoff.
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Grease-soaked foil lining the grill bottom (NEVER do this).
What To Do:
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Turn OFF all burners and shut the gas at the source (tank or valve).
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Keep the lid closed to starve the fire of oxygen.
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Do not use water to put out the fire.
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After it cools:
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Remove and empty the grease tray.
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Scrape out all drain channels.
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Clean burner faces and flame tamers.
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⚠️ Warning:
Grease fires can damage valves and wires — they are not covered under warranty. Keep it clean.
9. Yellow or Smoky Flames
What’s Likely Happening:
Flames are mostly yellow and leave black soot on food or grates.
Causes:
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Burner ports partially blocked.
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Improper air-to-gas ratio.
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Grease or seasoning buildup on burner.
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Spiders inside the venturi tubes.
Fix:
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Run the burner on HIGH with the lid closed for 10 minutes.
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If still yellow, remove burner and clean with warm water + mild detergent.
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Inspect and clean air shutters and venturi.
10. Burners Sputter or Go Out Mid-Cook
What’s Likely Happening:
Burners start strong, but then sputter or extinguish suddenly.
Causes:
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Ice forming on the propane tank (overdraw).
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Drop in pressure from other gas appliances (NG).
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Moisture or grit in the hose or regulator.
Fix:
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For LP: Disconnect and purge the gas line. Reconnect and relight.
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For NG: Verify dedicated supply line, no appliances running on the same loop.
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Consider installing a regulator filter if this happens often.
11. Knobs Are Hard to Turn or Feel Sticky
What’s Likely Happening:
Knobs squeak, grind, or don’t turn smoothly.
Fix:
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Remove the knobs and clean valve stems with alcohol.
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Apply high-temp silicone grease sparingly.
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Rotate a few times to work in the grease.
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Reinstall and test for smooth motion.
12. Control Panel Feels Too Hot
What’s Likely Happening:
Knobs and faceplate get hot — sometimes too hot to touch.
Causes:
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Warped or missing heat shield behind panel.
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Improper cooking methods (lid closed on high for long periods).
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Direct summer sun heating panel.
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Gas leak near manifold or valve.
Fix:
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Inspect the heat deflector plate and replace if warped.
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Never use “HI” for longer than 10 minutes — drop to MED or LOW after preheating.
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Check for leaks at valve joints using soap-and-water test.
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Grill in shaded area or cover panel with damp towel if in direct sun.
13. Grill Makes Whistling or Hissing Sounds
What’s Likely Happening:
Audible high-pitched noise when grill is running.
Causes:
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Gas vibrating inside burner tube.
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Incorrect air mix at venturi.
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NG hose too narrow or wrong type.
Fix:
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Adjust the air shutter slightly to change mix.
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Check hose size (½" minimum).
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Avoid yellow “dryer hoses” for NG — they’re known to whistle or restrict flow.
14. Thermometer Is Inaccurate
What’s Likely Happening:
Your lid thermometer shows 100°F too hot or too cold.
Fix:
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Tighten mounting nut.
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Clean the face.
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Test in boiling water (should read ~212°F).
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Replace if reading is still off.
15. Excess Smoke at Low Heat
What’s Likely Happening:
Thick white smoke rises even when cooking at low settings.
Causes:
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Grease tray is full or drain blocked.
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Heavy buildup under flame tamers.
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Water or debris in the firebox.
Fix:
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Pull out the grease tray and scrub it with degreaser.
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Clean out the drain hole and V-channel.
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Let the grill run on HIGH with the lid open for 10 minutes to clear remaining buildup.
🛠️ Replacement Parts Made Easy
We carry everything you need to get your grill back in top shape.
Not sure which part you need? Just call or message us — we’ll help you identify it quickly and make sure you get the right fit for your specific model (L75000, L90000, etc.).
👉 Browse parts here: lionbbqdirect.com/replacement-parts-and-equipment
🧾 Lion Premium Grills Warranty Info
Your Lion grill is backed by one of the strongest warranties in the industry:
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✅ Lifetime warranty on stainless steel housing, cooking grates, and burners
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✅ 1-year warranty on flame tamers, gas valves, knobs, lights, and electronics
To ensure your warranty coverage remains intact:
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Avoid grease fires by cleaning regularly
-
Never modify or replace components with non-Lion parts
-
Save your proof of purchase
-
Register your grill (if you haven’t already)
⚠️ Note: Damage caused by improper use, grease fires, or unapproved modifications is not covered under warranty.
🔒 Built to Last — Backed by Experts
At Best of Backyard, we’ve helped thousands of grill owners restore, upgrade, and enjoy their Lion grills for years to come. We don’t just sell these grills — we support them long after the sale.
If you need help, just call us. Whether you're a first-time griller or a backyard veteran, we're here to keep you cooking.
🔥 Best of Backyard – Official Lion Premium Grills Dealer
📞 (888) 731-2629
📧 support@bestofbackyard.com
🌐 www.LionBBQDirect.com