Find explanations and troubleshooting tips for an overflowing firepot and an auger that keeps feeding during shutdown.
The term overfeeding is misleading—a grill's auger can't overfeed pellets since it delivers them on a timed schedule set by the controller.
However, some people think their auger is overfeeding; read on to learn why.
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-Connected (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:
- Turn off and unplug your grill.
- Unscrew and carefully pull away the controller from your grill.
- Ensure the wires are undamaged and connected correctly, as shown below.
- If your grill's wires aren't connected correctly, please reconnect them.
- If your grill's wires are damaged, please contact our Customer Support.
- If your grill's wires are undamaged and connected correctly, please contact our Customer Support.
Auger Turning without Beginning Ignition Sequence- Non-Connected 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 by performing a wire swap test.
- Turn off and unplug your grill.
- Unscrew and carefully pull away the controller from your grill.
- Swap the auger motor with the induction fan.
- 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.
- 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.
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 may go out due to the following reasons:
- 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.
- For a Westwood Series Grill, refer to Pellets Overflowing in a Westwood Series Grill for more information.
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:
- 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.
- Always use the proper Grill Startup Guide for your grill. An improper startup can affect your cooking experience, even hours into your cook.
- Store your pellets in an airtight container, such as our pellet storage bucket (Buy on Traeger.com), to ensure high pellet quality.
- Clean your grill thoroughly and regularly.