Augers & Auger Motors

This article provides an overview of what an auger and auger motor is and what their function is on pellet grills. The article will also provide links for part replacement instructions as well as troubleshooting articles.

What is an Auger?

An auger is a rotating metal corkscrew-shaped shaft that feeds a small number of pellets from the grill hopper to the firepot. Auger size and dimension will vary by grill type.

Auger Components:

• Auger shaft
• Auger motor pin
  • A handful of some of our older models have a quick release (QR) pin rather than a traditional nut and bolt.
  • Auger motor pins are specific to Non-WiFIRE grills; WiFIRE grills have a different type of auger motor that is secured directly to the grill body.
• Auger bushing
  • A plastic ring found at the base of an auger.

What is an Auger Motor?

An auger motor is a device consisting of an electric motor and a reduction gearbox that turns an auger shaft at a predetermined rate to deliver wood pellets from the hopper to the firepot.

Non-WIFIRE/AC Grill Auger Motor	WiFIRE/D2 Grill Auger Motor	Touchscreen Grill Auger Motor

Normal Auger & Auger Motor Behavior

Non-WiFIRE Grills:

• It is normal for the auger to cycle on and off as it feeds pellets into the firepot. This means that the auger rotation is not continuous but will pause. 
• It is normal for the auger motor to rotate the auger at a predetermined rate (typically 2 RPM) but can vary.
• It is normal for the auger motor to sway or rock at times. This usually happens after replacing an auger pin.
• Some movement will be expected as the auger turns to feed pellets through the auger shaft.

How to Prime an Auger on a Non-WiFIRE grill

1. 1. Plug in the grill to an electrical outlet. Turn it on using the switch on the front of the controller.
   2. Add hardwood pellets to the hopper.
   3. Prime the auger with pellets.
   4. On the grill controller, set the temperature to high (or highest temperature possible), until pellets begin to fall into the firepot. Usually takes about 2-5 minutes. 

WiFIRE & Touchscreen Grills:

• It is normal for the auger to cycle on and off as it feeds pellets into the firepot.
• It is normal for the auger motor to sway or rock at times. Some movement will be expected as the auger turns to feed pellets through the auger shaft. 
• It is normal for the auger to continue feeding pellets into the firepot during the shutdown.

Prime Auger Function

WiFIRE controllers have a built-in function called, Prime Auger. This fills the auger tube with pellets without turning on the hot rod and is intended to be used prior to seasoning the grill or after replacing an auger.

1. Make sure all internal components are inside the grill.

2. Plug in the grill to an electrical outlet and turn it on using the switch on the back of grill.

3. Add hardwood pellets to the hopper.

4. On the controller, navigate to Select Auger > Prime Auger.

5. When the pellets begin to fall into the firepot, select Done to turn off the auger.

Prime Auger Function- Woodridge Series Grills

Priming your auger on your Woodridge Series grill is as easy as filling your hopper with pellets and turning on your grill. Woodridge Series grills do not have a "Prime Auger" function like Traeger's other WiFIRE-enabled grills.

1. Plug in the grill to an electrical outlet. Turn it on using the switch on the front of the controller.
2. Add fresh, dry pellets to the hopper.
3. On the grill controller, set the temperature to high (or highest temperature possible), until pellets begin to fall into the firepot. Usually takes about 2-5 minutes.

Auger & Auger Motor Errors and Troubleshooting

Non-WiFIRE/AC Grills

WiFIRE Grills

Touchscreen Grills

Woodridge Series Grills

Auger & Auger Motor Replacement Instructions