We strive to provide you with authoritative, trustworthy, and expert advice. In doing so, the staff at bbqdropout.com performs extensive research, editing, and fact checking to every post on this webiste. If you feel that this article can improve, please feel free to reach us at staff@bbqdropout.com
Why won’t the auger turn on my Traeger?
The auger on your Traeger is responsible for feeding pellets into the firepot to maintain the set temperature. If the auger is not working, it could be due to several different reasons.
The first reason could be that something is blocking the auger from turning.
Check to make sure that nothing is preventing the auger from moving freely.
Another reason the auger might not be turning could be because the motor is not working.

Try checking the motor to see if it is getting power and if it is working properly.
If neither of these solutions solves the problem, then there might be an issue with the control board on your Traeger.
Try checking the control board to see if it is functioning properly.
Does the Traeger auger always turn?
No, the auger on a Traeger will not always turn.
The auger is designed to only turn when needed to keep the temperature consistent in the cooking chamber.



When the temperature in the cooking chamber gets too low, the auger will turn on and begin feeding pellets into the fire pot to raise the temperature.
Once the temperature in the cooking chamber gets back to the set point, the auger will turn off.
Traeger Auger jammed with wet pellets
Many different types of wood pellets can be used in a Traeger grill, and the best type to use will depend on the flavor you want to impart to your food.
Some common options include hickory, mesquite, apple, cherry, and oak.
Each type of wood pellet will give food a slightly different flavor, so experiment until you find the perfect one for your taste buds!



If your auger is jammed with wet pellets, it is likely because the pellets were not fully dried before being put into the hopper.
Make sure to only use pellets that are completely dry to avoid this issue.
If your auger is already jammed, you can try using a pellet auger cleaning tool to clear the jam.
Traeger auger motor problems
Traeger grills use what’s called an induction motor.
That means that the heating element is actually inside the grill, and the fan blows air over it to circulate the heat.
The result is even, consistent cooking temperatures, which is ideal for smoking meats.
And since the heating element is sealed inside the grill, there’s no risk of fire or explosions.
If you have problems with the auger motor, it is likely because the motor is not getting power or the motor is defective.



Try checking the power of the motor and testing the motor to see if it is working properly.
If the problem persists, you may need to replace the auger motor.
Traeger auger stops after a few minutes
There are a few reasons why the auger might stop after a few minutes.
One reason could be that the temperature in the cooking chamber has reached the setpoint and the auger is no longer needed to maintain the temperature.
Another reason could be that something is blocking the auger from turning, such as wet pellets or an object in the way.



If the problem persists, try checking the auger for blockages and clear any that you find. You may also need to replace the auger motor if the problem continues.
How to prime auger on a Traeger
If your Traeger isn’t starting up properly, one potential issue could be that the auger isn’t being primed correctly.
This can be fixed by priming the auger manually.
To do this, simply open up the hopper and pour a small number of pellets into the auger tube.
Then, use a screwdriver or other tool to rotate the auger until it is clear of any pellets.
After that, close up the hopper and try starting up your Traeger again. If this doesn’t work, then there could be another issue with your grill.
If you need to prime the auger on your Traeger, first make sure that nothing is blocking the auger from turning.
Next, check the power of the motor and make sure that it is receiving power.



If the motor is not getting power, you may need to replace it.
Finally, test the motor to see if it is working properly. If the motor is defective, you will need to replace it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re having problems with your Traeger grill, one potential issue could be the auger.
The auger is responsible for feeding pellets into the firepot to maintain consistent cooking temperatures.
If the auger is jammed or the motor isn’t working properly, it can cause problems with your grill.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.



First, try clearing any blockages from the auger. Next, check the power of the motor and test it for defects.
If necessary, you may need to replace the auger motor.
With a little bit of troubleshooting, you should be able to get your Traeger grill up and running again in no time!