I suspect you are putting the steaks on too early, before the coals are ready.
Anonymous wrote:You lose your man card for posting this. What's next, asking how to change a flat tire?
Use starter bricks or a chimney, spread the coals out in the middle of the grill and buy a cheap thermometer and put it on the top rack.
Make sure open the bottom vent and the top vent all the way. Put the cover on and check temp after 5 mins. Using a reasonable amount of charcoal, temp should be about 450 which is plenty hot. Should be about 4 minutes per side for a 1 inch thick