Is this problem the result of a poor electrical ground? The story has a wording problem that makes me think a simple ground rod was installed improperly.
I think that they are saying that it was a GroundBased System that has to do with the Ignition of the fuel mix as it comes out of the exhaust cones. The system would be equal to a stick lighter being used to light a gas BBQ Grille that the spark ignition didn’t work.
Video of the Space Shuttle main engine startup. Note the shower of sparks being shot from the tubes that are part of the launch pad to ignite the fuel coming out of the engine nozzles.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RcJ89sMcU3w
Falcon 9/Merlin engine ignition is by the chemical reaction of “TEA-TEB”, not by “electrical spark”. TEA-TEB ignites upon exposure to air/oxygen. Also used on the Saturn 5 F-1 engines and the SR-71:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triethylborane#Rocket