How to Clear a Jammed Auger on a Pellet Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re an avid user of a pellet grill, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of an auger jam. The auger, which feeds wood pellets into the firepot, is crucial for maintaining the right temperature and keeping your grill running smoothly. However, it’s prone to jamming due to various reasons. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to safely and effectively clear a jammed auger on your pellet grill.

Why Does an Auger Jam?

Before jumping into the solution, it’s helpful to understand why your auger might be jammed. Common causes include:

• Wet or damp pellets: Moisture causes pellets to expand, leading to blockages.
• Debris or foreign objects: Small pieces of wood, dust, or residue can accumulate and obstruct the auger.
• Pellet quality: Lower-quality pellets are more likely to break apart or contain debris, increasing the risk of a jam.
• Lack of maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent jams.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing a Jammed Auger

1. Turn Off and Unplug the Grill

Always ensure the grill is powered down and unplugged from any electrical source. You’ll be working around the auger and motor, so you don’t want any accidental movements or electric shocks.

2. Remove the Pellets from the Hopper

To access the auger and prevent further issues, start by emptying the pellet hopper. You can do this by:

• Scoop out pellets: Use a cup or small scoop to remove as many pellets as possible.
• Vacuum out the rest: A shop vacuum works great for removing the remaining pellets and any dust or debris.

3. Clear the Auger Tube

Once the hopper is empty, you’ll need to focus on the auger tube itself. Sometimes, you’ll see broken pellets or a clog directly in the tube. To clear it:

• Use a metal rod or coat hanger: Carefully insert the tool into the auger tube and gently work it back and forth to dislodge any stuck pellets. Avoid using excessive force, as you don’t want to damage the auger.
• Check for wet or swollen pellets: If the pellets are damp, they may have expanded and caused the jam. Try to break them apart and push them out.

4. Access the Auger Motor

In some cases, the jam may be deeper or closer to the auger motor, requiring you to access it. This typically involves:

• Remove the back panel: Many pellet grills have a rear panel or cover that allows access to the auger and motor. Consult your grill’s manual for specific instructions on removing the panel.
• Inspect for blockages: Check if there’s any debris or stuck pellets near the motor or along the auger shaft.

5. Manually Rotate the Auger

If the auger is stuck, you might be able to clear the jam by manually rotating it. To do this:

• Locate the auger shaft: Once you have access to the motor, you should be able to find the auger shaft.
• Rotate the shaft by hand: Gently turn the shaft to try and free any blockages. If it’s difficult to move, be patient and use gentle force. Avoid forcing it, as this can damage the auger or motor.

6. Reassemble the Grill

After you’ve cleared the jam, it’s time to put everything back together:

• Replace any panels or parts you removed to access the auger motor.
• Refill the pellet hopper with fresh, dry pellets to ensure the problem doesn’t happen again.

7. Test the Grill

With everything reassembled, turn the grill back on and test the auger. Keep an eye on it to ensure that pellets are feeding into the firepot smoothly. If everything is running as expected, you’ve successfully cleared the jam!

Preventing Future Auger Jams

Now that your auger is clear, here are some tips to prevent future jams:

• Use high-quality pellets: Cheap pellets can be dusty, more likely to break, or include debris. Investing in better-quality pellets can prevent jams.
• Store pellets properly: Moisture is the enemy! Always store your pellets in a cool, dry place or in a sealed container to avoid dampness.
• Regular cleaning: Clean your pellet hopper, auger tube, and motor area regularly to keep debris and pellet dust from building up.
• Inspect your grill often: Get into the habit of inspecting your grill for signs of wear or blockages. Replace the auger shaft with a new one if necessary.

Conclusion

Remember, regular maintenance and using quality pellets will go a long way in preventing future jams and ensuring smooth operation. If there is something wrong with your auger shaft, you can reach out to us at at Support@grillpartsreplacement.com or the online chat, our Support team will help you find the correct replacement part.