Guide to Clearing Out a Jammed Auger On Your Traeger Wood Fired Grill

Danny from American River Ace Hardware steps through the process of freeing up a jammed auger and covers many tips along the way to make this simple and fast. He is demonstrating this process on a Traeger Pro 34 but you can use this same technique on almost all Traeger Grills including the Ironwood and Timberline Series.
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[@TylerAguinaga]

That is exactly what I needed to know About 45 mins start to finish Perfect instructions

[@cademiller815]

By far the best video I've found on clearing a Traeger auger jam. Thank you.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Thank you

[@fredanderson7952]

This is the best instructional video I have ever seen. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

[@danielhill5197]

I appreciate that especially after reading some of these comments lol

[@daviddoble6312]

This was probably the most helpful video I’ve ever seen. Truly. Thanks!

[@tomfleck5812]

This video saved me this morning. Thank you for posting this!

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

I'm so glad! Thanks for letting me know it help... My video guy can tell you how much I hate it lol

[@annbonn]

I did everything you said and my Traeger is working again thanks to your video.

[@timdercher8626]

Thank you so much I’ve had mine for 5 years and have never had this happened before literally fired it up and new the auger had stopped!! You saved Christmas Dinnner lol!

[@anthonymonclova1934]

This video is still helping people in 2024 and many years to come! Thank you. All the tips and tricks were helpful.

[@danielallred9249]

Thanks for the tip on rotating the auger backwards. This is what helped me get a very neglected and stubborn one unstuck.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

You're welcome!

[@patmerrill5465]

Great video …… I cleaned my auger last time without watching a video, had to clip a zip tie, now I know! Thanks brother!

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Awesome it means a lot to me that it helped and took the time to comment it

[@tomwhite4213]

Greatest instructional video ever. Step by step. Had you tube sitting beside me as I went thru the process. Turned out that the pin that connects motor to auger had sheared. Took it out in 3 pieces. Replaced with the recommended 6/32 . Smooth as buttah

[@Bruceshrop]

Thanks.. Worked perfect on clean out today... Your video helped out. Up and smoking again... Thanks so much..

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Great to hear thank you

[@TEAMGhostrider]

Thank you for the excellent video on cleaning out a jammed auger. I actually had the shear pin snap due to the jam, but used your advice and picked up a new bolt and lock nut, and working like a champ. Pork Belly burnt ends on the pellet grill now testing it out.

[@chrisnelson123]

Just wanted to thank you for your video. I followed your instructions and everything is working great again!

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

I love to hear that! Thank you

[@gerardthompson196]

First time trying to clear an auger jam. I'm so glad I found this video. Thank you for saving my BBQ!

[@PleeseCallMeDan]

You’re a saint. Thank you! I invested in a grate to go at the bottom of my pellet bin now, problem solved.

[@metalica132]

Thank you for the video! 20 minutes and a trip to the hardware store I had the jam out and the grill cleaned up back together ready to use. I used a 6-32 3/4” long with a lock nut and it worked perfect.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Glad it helped!

[@JBDacasinJr]

Amazing walkthrough on unclogging my traeger. Thank you

[@KetoJames]

Needed this video, really wanted steaks tonight, and the auger was jammed.

[@sethallison3976]

Big help with the auger pin size. Found something at Home Depot that worked perfect. Thank you!!!!

[@backdoor8822]

Thanks a bunch for this, had been unable to get the motor off using the actual Traeger video on this, but your tip on turning the fan to release tension was exactly what I needed.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Love to know I helped that alone is worth doing the video

[@pattimoore3278]

I was panicking. My son is coming to visit from out of state, and we are going to smoke some ribs. I knew the auger was packed with wet pellet dust, but I had no idea how to get it out. Thanks for the easy to follow video. I did it myself and it worked. I’m a 63 yo woman. You made it simple.

[@jimmywisecarver3276]

Thank you sir!! Your advice saved my Christmas dinner!! I appreciate you!

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Appreciate that more then you know, glad we could help!

[@haydennolen200]

You saved my butt thank you for making this. Best video I found for fixing the jam!!!

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Thanks for the comment!

[@haydennolen200]

@@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ Once I got mine apart it was actually a screw that had somehow fallen in the auger🙃

[@chefmichaeldean232]

Thank you for the accurate easy to understand video, this will fix almost all pellet grills. Mine had a different clip was all the difference

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Glad it helped

[@claudiamonero9232]

Great video. Very explicit and easy to understand !!

[@NBHST]

This woked like a charm... Thnz for posting this.

[@wiliberstafford1409]

Thank God for you and this video man.

[@jimdingle4521]

Thank you, got my smoker back up and running thanks to this video.

[@MarceloPerez-ii8jz]

Thank you for your help and time!

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Glad I could help

[@booobtooober]

Thanks for the lesson and weather proofing tip

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

You bet

[@anthonydarmanin]

@@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ Yes, the weather proofing information is a great tip! Thank you for this very educational video, the best I have seen on Traeger auger trouble shooting, clear and concise.

[@waym0resblues]

Incredibly informative, thank you for posting!

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EdsMotorcycleShed-lw1um]

Thanks. This worked exactly as shown and got me grilling again. My grill was a little different but the auger and everything was same. Great video.

[@evielknievel4972]

I used a 1" PVC irrigation piece duct taped to the shop vac and stuck it in the auger tunnel. Friend of mine had this same problem and it was quick and easy.

[@clarenceglasgow237]

Great demo

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Thank you

[@donaldhudson2235]

Thanks for the info. I'm fixing to get a Traeger up from my Nephew, it's been setting for a year I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to clean up thanks for the info.

[@DarylSawatzky]

Excellent tip for the Elite models, thanks!

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Glad to help!

[@misterdlb]

EXCELLENT VIDEO!!!! Love this guy's guidance

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Happy to help!

[@hobby1hobby135]

Thank you sir... im not good at these handy things but you walked me right thru it. Thanks.. back to grilling I go🤣

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Glad to help

[@stephenleadabrand1039]

thank you some much really good video.

[@louisvilleperk]

Thank you for this. Super helpful tonight.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Glad it was helpful! If you need any other help call me 916-261-1305.

[@zacharmstrong8678]

Thank you man. You saved the bbq400

[@kingcombo24]

Thank you! Damn man, found this video late night, right before my sons bday party. He was really wanting the meats. Now Dad can provide that for him and his friends. Blessings to you and yours. ✌🏿🫶🏿😎🫡

[@craigmcveay1580]

Great video, saved me lots of time today and now, my Traeger is working again.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

I love to hear that! Feel free to reach out if you run in anything else

[@ericsinge9482]

My question is did you have all the parts ACE all of the locations? I live in Nashville Tn and I’m ready to get started smoking. Again thank you so much this video is the best on KZbin.

[@joshuabrooks7745]

Big help on Christmas morning! Saved my smoked Turkey dinner.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

That's awesome to hear! Thank you

[@McRibHunter]

Thanks dude, looks easy enough ..good to know.. good video

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Glad to help

[@theathjr]

Very helpful video. Thank you.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Anytime!

[@johnscerbo130]

Great video excellent presentation

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Thank you really working on getting more comfortable in front of a camera lol

[@kenmcclure8194]

Great video. Straight forward, very helpful!

[@chrisdaruda9414]

Ha, ha, that wasn't stuck. Ours got fire in the pellet box somehow and my wife poured water in to put it out ... then left it! It may as well have been concrete by the time I looked at it. The Auger wouldn't budge, no movement at all. I cleared out what I could of the pelletcrete and didn't want to wreck the firebox with the smash technique another video uses. So, I soaked it for several days in wd40, didn't do much. Upped the ante to acetone, and that released it enough to lever the auger out. Used a wire wheel to clean up the auger.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Lol what a project! I had a similar one I had to drill out the rivets by the burn pot and use a long drill bit down the center of the auger screw to start breaking it free

[@tylerwold8830]

This was way better than Trager's explanation

[@scottangell267]

Thank you. I live in Florida Tampa area. Just got this smoker love it. However I learned my pellets dont like the rain. LOL

[@mikeroberts6374]

Thank you for this video!

[@troyplooster823]

Thanks man! You saved my butt!

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Of course.

[@-.Steven]

Great video! Thanks!

[@andrewkritikos8346]

Thanks man! Made this easy

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Great to hear!

[@troyplooster823]

That will teach me not to be lazy and cover my grill!

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Yeah I've done it too!

[@fintasticfins9941]

thanks, helped me a lot

[@chuckcolburn6964]

I followed your instructions on clearing the auger jam and put it all back together. When I turned it to smoke to start it is completely dead. I checked power source and it is OK. is it possible there is a safety that shuts the unit down when a jam takes place???? I love your video. It was extremely helpful. Thanks.

[@pierce0690]

Thank you, got steaks cooked cuz of you!

[@paddlefishsail]

thankyou sir

[@Kriptonicken2010]

Thanx for the video

[@chisexton5845]

Excellent

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Thanks!

[@AngelaGiampolo-wb2xw]

Bravo!

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Thank you

[@joenewman6494]

Excellent video I have a char grilled pellet grill but should basically e the same concept right?

[@alonzajohnson1579]

God level information

[@scottgrafelman2390]

Great video. Your method looks a lot better than other videos I've seen. I do have a question, however. At about 4:55 on your video, you mention getting 'a 632 allen about 3/4 inches long and a nylon nut' (I think) to replace the pin. Not sure exactly what that is? Can you post a link or explain further what that allen thingamabob is you mention? Thanks!

[@frankus9999]

You probably got this already, but he was referring to 6-32 (#6 with 32 threads per inch) screw that is 3/4" long. Then using a nylon nut on the other side to secure it.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Still waiting to hear that you got it fixed all right lol

[@jameswestmoreland4447]

Great Video!!!!

[@jcontreras1736]

Thanks👍

[@Stenn333]

Thanks......big help....except not my model...I have an Elite BBQ400...more elaborate, decorative/fancy Traeger model...Looks like my hopper has different screw locations, not all accessable ? 😱🙈

[@xmas4203]

Good job explaining things. I have a camp chef, but pretty much the same for clearing an auger. Thanks, bud. My jam didn't happen from wet swollen pellets, it happened with a new brand of pellets I tried from a company that makes a great Tennessee whisky, _cough JD_ . I don't want to blame the pellets yet, they worked fine twice, then jammed the 3rd time. My smoker is 2 years old and used a couple times a week, so I ordered a new auger motor in case it's getting weak. The shaft bearings on the motor do seem a bit sloppy.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Little late to reply but... I would say swollen pellets can't be blamed by the manufacturer but definitely dusty pellets can be and are hard on auger motors... They make loud screeching noises and keep a heavy load on the motor

[@xmas4203]

@@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ Thanks for the reply. I ended up replacing the auger motor. No more problems since. But I do think the Jack Daniels pellets caused it, which is too bad because I like the way they burned and smelled. They weren't swollen or dusty. The issue was how hard they are and some in the bag were 2" long or more. They got caught where they feed in from the hopper to the auger and wouldn't break into smaller pieces easily and jam the auger. It could have been the bag I got, I haven't used JD pellets since.

[@johng8967]

I was hoping my traeger was clogged but unfortunately one of the gear on the gearbox was missing some teeth. Thank you for the video.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

I see that often with auger jams, most of the time (and I was guilty of it myself) trying to use the auger motor to free up the jam...

[@billcollier6565]

Thanks for posting this! Great video! Any thoughts on why we keep getting this code mid fire? Happens after running 3-4 hours. I fix it by clearing all the pellets at the auger feed window and at the beginning of the screw. Seems like it is getting jammed right at the hopper. It is not overfilled and we use Traeger pellets. Thanks

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Give Danny a call and he can walk you through it. 916-261-1305

[@danielhill5197]

Have you called me yet? The chimney cap may be too low

[@ArnieD17]

Does every pellet grill out their have a jamming problem? Mine has jammed twice. Pulled it apart no dust dirt or swollen pellets.

[@olhesty2196]

Naw man! First gingerly pop the terminal end of the auger with a small hammer a few times. Don’t use Brutus the 21oz hammer. Man, my RTD thing died on my Traeger, and was just too lazy to replace it. My grill has been sitting outside in the elements for over 13 years!!! I thought, no way is this thing gonna work. Replaced the RTD module, threw some pellets on the igniter, and saw smoke, but the auger wasn’t movin’. I found your vid and was thinking, dang I don’t wanna do all that. So my thought was that the auger and tube might have built up a bit of rust seizing the system. Like an old country boy that I am, I figured I’d smack the terminal end of the auger a few times. Back in the game! All works fine.

[@rlfortson2071]

What if your hopper is part of the main grill not on the exterior side like that one how do I get to the auger?

[@mikechurch485]

Can you help me with a problem? I turn control knob to smoke then turn power switch on and immediately the display shows 3 1's, 3 2's, 3 3's all the way up to 3 9's, all the while the motor is "pulsing" or cycling on/off like every second, any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@greggarnold6248]

Once you remove the bushing off the auger use a cordless drill in reverse and done

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

I made an adapter for doing just that out of an old auger motor and often it's not enough

[@steveandrushko75]

I just got my Traer yesterday what can I do to prevent an auger jam like that?

[@marcwebster498]

Keep a cover on it to keep water out

[@JohnnyDont]

If you live in a humid environment could a person just empty out the hopper and then keep telling it to "prime" until the corkscrew is empty to prevent something like this from happening in the first place?

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

100%... I hear in Florida they can't sit for two weeks or they start degrading pellets!

[@0dark35]

I’ve had vice grips and a pipe on mine and it isn’t turning in either direction

[@SportsKnowItAll11]

Do you make house calls to Wisconsin?? My Pro 34 is under a year old but is used 4 times a week. I found the auger not turning this morning after a weird shut down following the last usage. While in shutdown mode, there was what seemed to be some additional smokiness coming from the burn pot and up into the pellet box. Today, the auger is not turning. I’m going to attempt to duplicate your fix. And will report back.

[@SportsKnowItAll11]

Success. The only difference in my Pro34 was that there is a small guard on low end of the hopper. That needed to be removed as well. Thanks for your video.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Glad you got it fixed! I don't think Traeger like that service call invoice lol

[@Get483]

I fixed mine just now I used it 4 times put it away for the winter now trying to start the grill up n won’t feed pellets. Again I just fixed mine! wanna know how? I threw the shit in the trash. Back to my Weber kettle. That was the easiest fix ever

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Weber Summit kettle is pretty cool 😎

[@MarcBookPro]

Yep, my pin fell out today. Grill had been sitting with an LER for probably over an hour. Pretty cheap design if you ask me.

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

There was a size discrepancy they fixed I still put a zip tie on the ring of the pin so I can't fall out

[@mobilguy100]

I have replaced about evert part including Lid,due to hinges. Tank due to rust, and now clogged auger. this will be the 3rd coverTraeger Cover

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

How old is the grill?

[@lazerickeskridge9744]

Can I still get a free bag of pellets if I purchased the folding front shelf from Amazon?

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Not likely 😄

[@KannaLyst]

Doesn't your Traeger have a Clear Auger mode , mine does , gets all pellets out for year end

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

pre WiFire did not have that option

[@joeldobrin98]

I can't get the auger to turn. I took the motor off and got the bushing out, but I can't turn the auger for the life of me. I can wiggle it, and we've been hitting it with a hammer repeatedly to try to loosen up all the gunk in there, and it won't turn. Anyone have any ideas or tips?

[@joeldobrin98]

Would taking a torch or a heat gun to the housing loosen up the gunk in there, or would it just make it smolder and get sticky, and worsen the problem?

[@ThePRiegler]

im also trying to help a buddy of mine with this issue, next time im there im gonna try to soak the whole auger tube with water, maybe the solidified pellets will soften...has anyone tried this? is there a chemical that might dissolve solidified sawdust?

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

I need to cause a really bad Auger jam and do a video... ive done the worst jams imaginable with vice grips and a hammer

[@coltenhalliburton6206]

What did you use to take the pin out? Having a heck of a time

[@danielhill5197]

On real bad ones I've used a center punch and hammer to tap it out

[@coltenhalliburton6206]

@@danielhill5197 I got the pin out. The actual auger is another story. I worked on it for two days with no luck. A new grill is not on my shopping list 🤦‍♂️ lol

[@danielhill5197]

What's up

[@coltenhalliburton6206]

@@danielhill5197 Just won’t come loose. I’ve pried and pried. No luck

[@danielhill5197]

@@coltenhalliburton6206 drill it out

[@frankkolachny5931]

No way a reg guy like me can do this alone

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Frank give Danny a call he can help you through it! 916-261-1305

[@tomwhite4213]

Frank, I’m about as regular as they come. I did it ,no problem. Just make sure you have the You Tube video beside you and follow each step. Easy peasy

[@tazman572]

Easy as pie Frank.

[@justintharp5508]

You can I just did in slides and no t-shirt😂

[@vicariousjohnson9823]

Menu, Auger, Clear Auger, Drink Beer, Menu, Auger, Prime Auger, Drink Beer, Smoke on. You're welcome.

[@xhughbertx]

You are amazing

[@danielhill5197]

That's D2 instructions lol

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

I think you skipped at least one drink in your instructions

[@redbone7040]

👍💯

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Thank you!

[@bruono1246]

Built just like Z grill

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

I heard a rumour long time ago they sold z grills the design of their first model made in China do to the factory not building to spec...

[@jamesPerez1980]

I spent too much money on my traeger to be fixing it myself. Traeger will be fixing it for free if this ever happens

[@tazman572]

As long as it's under guarantee. And an auger jam due to wet pellets is 100% the fault of the user.

[@surroundedbyjaggoffs]

You wish!!!

[@cavtroop92]

Couldn’t agree more - this isn’t an easy trouble shoot

[@PleeseCallMeDan]

Karen vibes

[@slideordie2408]

You literally have to just go to the setting clear auger and it will do everything you just did by taking that apart, take out the grills so you're burn pot is exposed and just clear the auger that way, much easier

[@danielhill5197]

That's on the WiFi grills, this is not like that

[@ohxietviet]

This grill literally doesn’t have that feature, literally

[@bradtroha9376]

Mine is so clogged up that it won’t even turn backwards…

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

Give me a call and I'll cover some other tricks for clearing out your auger. 916-261-1305

[@erectlocution]

I made the dumb mistake of taking the whole auger assembly off the grill and _then_ trying to work on it. Thanks to your video, I put it back on without the shell around the electronics and with some gentle tapping with a mallet and some not-so-gentle torquing with some pliers, I managed to get out a _really_ stubborn jam.

[@ahumanstain-gs7hr]

The music is annoying and unnecessary. Edit: I was aggravated. This video and the music fixed my issue. I will be eating crow for the music

[@omarmagana5999]

Something’s wrong with your lungs

[@AmericanRiverAceHardwareBBQ]

All better now thank you!