DIAGNOSIS Auger jam. Moisture-swollen pellets or fine sawdust powder in the hopper has compacted into a solid mass in the feed tube.
FIX
- Turn grill OFF, unplug it, and let it cool completely.
- Empty the entire hopper of pellets into a container.
- Vacuum out all remaining dust from the hopper and the top of the auger tube.
- Remove the firepot access plate and the heat baffle to get to the auger's exit point.
- Using a long, flexible tool (like a coat hanger), carefully work it up the auger tube from the firepot end to break up the jam. Do NOT force the auger motor.
- Clear all debris, reassemble, refill with fresh, dry pellets, and restart.
IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The shear pin on the auger motor shaft may have sheared. You'll need to access the motor compartment, remove the old pin, and replace it with the included spare.
HEADS UP Always store pellets in a sealed, waterproof container. The 'fines' (dust) at the bottom of a bag are the #1 cause of jams—sift them out before pouring into the hopper.