Traeger Fire Keeps Going Out: Wind, Pellets, Fan, and Firepot Solutions

Traeger fire going out mid-cook (not an error code, just the fire dies): #1 firepot ash blocking airflow (vacuum the firepot). #2 pellets too wet (snap test: dry pellets snap cleanly, damp pellets bend). #3 wind blowing across the chimney creating a downdraft that extinguishes the fire. Position the grill with the chimney downwind. #4 the induction fan is slowing from bearing wear - it can't push enough air to sustain combustion. Listen for the fan changing pitch. #5 running at Smoke (lowest) setting in cold weather - the pellet feed rate is too low to sustain fire in cold temperatures. Use a higher setting (225F minimum in cold weather) or insulation blanket.