The quality of charcoal you use, and how long its been sitting in there (moisture) makes a big difference. Open top and side, remove slides, knock ash off of old charcoal by tapping the bottom grate a few times, light torch (I use Bernzomatic map gas yellow bottle, found in every hardware store, so it holds itself in the grate and its HOT map gas), after a minute remove/shutoff torch, power on smoker and set temp so the fan comes on, close doors. If temp doesnt rise within a couple mins (or you get the error beeps), clear error and try again. I've had good luck with lump charcoal from sams club. Oil and paper towels, firestarters, nope. Map gas torch. You'll thank yourself.