Auger Continuously Feeding Pellets

Here you will find an explanation and troubleshooting for an overflowing firepot and an auger continuing to feed during the shutdown cycle.

Auger 'Overfeeding' Pellets

The term overfeeding is a misnomer—a grill's auger can't overfeed pellets because it supplies pellets to the firepot on a timed schedule set by the grill controller. 

With that said, there are several reasons why some people believe their auger is overfeeding pellets; read on for more information.

Low Or No Flame

You may have a lot of pellets in your firepot because your grill's flame went out; this means that there was no heat source to consume the fuel (pellets). 

Cause

Your grill's flame can go out for the reasons below:

• Improper grill startup or shutdown
• Poor pellet quality
• Mechanical errors

When your grill's flame goes out, your grill will try to reignite and raise its temperature while feeding pellets into the firepot. 

If your grill can't reignite, it will have a LEr - Low Error Reading or Low Temp Error, depending on the model. This can—and often will—lead to a buildup of pellets and an overflowing firepot.

Solution

If your Traeger grill gets a LEr - Low Error Reading or a Low Temp Error, please follow the steps below to solve the issue:

1. If your grill is shutting itself off, always double-check the firepot to ensure it isn't overflowing with pellets or ash before starting your grill.
2. Always use the proper Grill Startup Guide for your grill. An improper startup can affect your cooking experience, even hours into your cook.
3. Store your pellets in an airtight container, such as our pellet storage bucket, to ensure high pellet quality.
4. Clean your grill thoroughly and regularly. 

Auger Feeding Pellets During Shutdown

WiFIRE Enabled Grills

On a WiFIRE-enabled (D2) grill, it's normal for the auger to continue feeding pellets into the firepot during the shutdown. This is an enhanced design feature to prevent the pellets remaining in the auger from catching on fire. After feeding all the remaining pellets, the auger should stop turning while the fan continues running.

Non-WiFIRE Grills

Non-WiFIRE or AC grills shouldn't feed pellets during the shutdown. If you have an AC grill feeding pellets during the shutdown, follow the troubleshooting steps below:

Cause

Most often, the problem is with wires being swapped in the grill.

Solution

Please take the steps below to solve the issue:

1. Turn off and unplug your grill.
2. Unscrew and carefully pull away from the controller from your grill.
3. Ensure the wires are undamaged and connected correctly, as shown below.
   1. If your grill's wires aren't connected correctly, please reconnect them.
   2. If your grill's wires are damaged, please contact our Customer Support.  
   3. If your grill's wires are undamaged and connected correctly, please contact our Customer Support. 

Auger Turning without Beginning Ignition Sequence- Non-WiFIRE Grills Only

Common Causes

If the grill's auger is turning without you turning the AC controller dial to Smoke, there is either a problem with the grounding wires or the controller. 

What to Do

Determine the problem my performing a wire swap test.

1. Turn off and unplug your grill.
2. Unscrew and carefully pull away from the controller from your grill.
3. Swap the auger motor with the induction fan.
4. Plug in and turn on the grill. Check if the induction fan is spinning.
   • If the induction fan is spinning, there is a problem with the controller. Replace the controller.
5. If the induction fan is not spinning, there is an issue with the grounding wire connection. Replace the auger motor.

Auger Swaying

It is normal for a grill's auger to sway; this primarily occurs after replacing an auger pin. The grill is working properly.