How to Replace a Pellet Grill Auger Motor
A failing auger motor is the most common pellet grill problem after about 3-5 years of regular use. Symptoms: pellets not feeding, controller throwing 'low temp' or 'auger fault' errors, or you can hear the motor humming but not turning. The fix is a $25-$40 replacement motor and basic hand tools. Don't pay for service — this is a 30-minute swap.
Last Updated
First Published
Tools & Materials
- Replacement auger motor (OEM for your model)
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- 10mm and 8mm sockets or nut driver
- Shop vac
- Work gloves
Step by Step
Empty the hopper and unplug the grill
Vacuum out every pellet from the hopper. Any pellets stuck in the auger tube will fall out during the swap and make a mess. Unplug the power cord — you'll be working near the controller.
Identify the auger motor at the back of the hopper
It's a small black gearbox motor (usually 2 RPM) bolted to the rear of the hopper, with a shaft that connects to the auger inside. Two wires run from it back to the controller. Order an OEM-matching replacement — Traeger, Pit Boss, and Camp Chef each use different mounts and shaft couplings.
Disconnect the wiring
Take a photo of the wire orientation first. Auger motor wires are usually a 2-pin connector — squeeze the tab and pull. If your model uses spade connectors, label which wire is which before removing.
Unbolt the motor and slide it off the auger shaft
Two to four bolts hold the motor bracket to the hopper. Remove them. The motor shaft is connected to the auger with either a pin, a coupler, or a square drive — slide it straight back to release. Don't pry; the auger should stay in the tube.
Inspect the auger and tube while you have access
Look for jammed pellets, sawdust buildup, or auger corrosion. Vacuum thoroughly. If the auger itself is bent or the firepot is full of ash, address those now — see [deep clean a pellet grill](/how-to/deep-clean-pellet-grill).
Mount the new motor and reconnect
Slide the new motor onto the auger shaft, align the coupler/pin, and bolt the bracket back to the hopper. Plug the wiring connector back in — orientation matters on some controllers, so match your photo.
Refill, plug in, and run a startup cycle
Pour pellets back into the hopper. Plug in and start the grill in 'prime' or 'startup' mode. You should hear the motor turn smoothly and see pellets begin dropping into the firepot within 60-90 seconds.
Warnings
- Always unplug the grill before working near the controller or motor. Pellet grills run on 120V AC at the hopper.
- Use the correct OEM motor — RPM and torque vary by brand. A Traeger motor in a Pit Boss may seem to fit but will feed pellets at the wrong rate, causing temperature swings.
- Don't run the grill with the hopper lid open during the test cycle — the auger can pinch fingers. The auger is the strongest moving part on the grill.
How Often?
Expect to replace the auger motor every 3-5 years with weekly use, longer with occasional use. Combine with annual deep cleans to maximize lifespan.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to replace a pellet grill auger motor?
What tools do I need?
How often should I do this?
What safety issues should I watch for?
Can a beginner do this?
Keep Reading
You might also like
How to Fix a Gas Grill That Won't Heat Up
Diagnosing and fixing the most common gas grill problem in under 30 minutes.
ReadHow to Fix Temperature Swings on a Pellet Grill
Tame wild temp fluctuations and get your pellet grill holding steady.
Read
Recteq Bullseye RT-380X
Recteq's compact kettle-style pellet grill. Hits 750°F for genuine searing — the rare pellet grill that can actually grill.
Read
Pellet Grill vs. Gas Grill
Pellet grill vs gas grill, settled: flavor, speed, running cost, versatility, and the honest answer to which one belongs on your patio first.
Read