The auger is a key component to your Traeger pellet grill, delivering pellets from your hopper to your firepot to keep your grill rolling smoke. Learn about auger and auger motor basics here.
What Is an Auger?
An auger is a rotating metal corkscrew-shaped shaft with a blade at the end that feeds a small number of pellets from the grill hopper to the firepot. The igniter rod/Hot rod lights the pellets and primes the fire, raising the grill to an initial starting temperature based on the controller setting.
What Is an Auger Motor?
The term “auger motor” refers to a device consisting of an electric motor and a reduction gearbox that turns an auger shaft at a predetermined rate (typically 2 RPM, but this can vary) to deliver fuel (i.e., wood pellets) from the hopper to the firepot in a pellet grill.
Depending on your grill, your auger motor will look like one of the images below.
Auger Motor Pin
Auger motor pins are found only in Traeger's AC (non-WiFIRE) grills. It can come in two forms, depending on the age of the grill: a nut and bolt or a quick release pin. This pin's purpose is to secure the auger to the auger motor inside the auger shaft.
For more information on the auger motor pin, check out our Auger Motor Pin article.
Normal Auger & Auger Motor Behavior
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 cycle on and off as it feeds pellets into the firepot. This means that the auger rotation is not continuous, but will pause.
Normal Function in AC (non-WiFIRE) Grills:
- The auger motor will cycle on and off as it feeds pellets into the firepot.
Normal Function in WiFIRE Grills:
- The auger motor 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.
Auger-Related Errors & Notifications
| AC (non-WiFi) Grills | D2 WiFIRE Grills | Touchscreen Timberlines & Ironwoods |
Common Auger-Related Issues
- Auger Jam
- Auger Continuously Feeding Pellets
- Auger motor leaking oil
- Auger Not Turning
- Auger Spinning Backward
- Clicking Sound
-
Missing or Broken Auger Motor Pin
Replacement Instructions
Click on the appropriate replacement instructions link below based on the type of grill you have.