If you have a Pit Boss pellet grill and the auger is not turning, don’t panic.
It could be one of several common issues. Fortunately, most are easy to fix with basic troubleshooting steps.
In this article, we will cover 10 potential causes why your Pit Boss auger may not be turning and provide step-by-step instructions on how to diagnose and repair each issue quickly and easily.
Pit Boss Auger Not Turning (Read Reasons and Solution)
1. The Hopper Lid Is Not Completely Closed
When the hopper lid on a Pit Boss smoker is not completely closed, it can prevent the auger from turning.
This is due to an internal safety mechanism that prevents the auger from running when the hopper lid is open.
Fix
To remedy this issue, make sure that the lid is fully closed before attempting to start or restart the smoker.
If you find that it still will not turn, look for any foreign object inside of the hopper and remove it to ensure nothing is blocking its operation.
Additionally, check for any signs of damage on the auger itself and if present, replace as necessary.
2. The Pellet Auger Motor Has Malfunctioned or Burned Out
If the auger motor in a pellet grill has malfunctioned or burned out, it can be a sign of an electrical issue.
The auger motor is responsible for transporting pellets from the hopper to the firepot.
When it malfunctions or burns out, it can cause an interruption in the flow of fuel to the firepot.
This can be due to short-circuiting or other technical issues which require professional help.
Fix
In most cases, this type of repair requires that the entire motor assembly be replaced, which should only be done professionally by an experienced appliance technician.
The cost of replacing the motor typically depends on the make and model of the pellet grill.
3. Clogged Burn Pot
The burn pot is the area of the pellet grill or smoker where the pellets are ignited, and it can become clogged over time as ash and debris accumulate.
A clogged burn pot can prevent your pellet grill or smoker from working properly, as it will reduce the air circulation that is needed for the pellets to ignite and produce heat.
Fix
To clear a clogged burn pot, clean out the firepot with a steel brush while disconnecting the power to the appliance.
Then remove any remaining debris by vacuuming out the firepot. If necessary, replace any worn-down parts inside the firepot and reinstall them back into place.
Connect power again and restart your appliance. Doing this should help improve air circulation and ensure that your grill or smoker continues to work properly.
4. Debris in Auger Tube
Debris in the auger tube is a common issue that can cause the Pit Boss auger not to turn.
Objects like clumps of charcoal, small pieces of wood, or even dirt and dust can get lodged into the tube and block its rotation.
The debris can create an obstruction in the auger’s path that prevents it from turning.
Fix
In order to fix this, the user needs to empty out the contents of the hopper and auger tube, check for any blockages or debris, and then use a vacuum to suck up any remaining debris from inside.
After that, simply reassemble all components back together and restart the Pit Boss unit.
5. Feed Rate Is Too Low
One of the main causes for a Pit Boss auger not turning is if the feed rate is too low.
This happens when too little fuel is being supplied to the auger, leading to insufficient power and no motion.
Fix
To fix this issue, ensure that the correct amount of fuel is being supplied to the auger, as specified in your user manual.
The best way to do this is by adjusting the settings on the control panel, making sure that enough fuel is being delivered at all times.
If you find that you are having trouble adjusting these settings correctly, don’t hesitate to contact customer support for assistance.
6. Pellets Are Too Big
Too large pellets can cause a number of problems in the auger system.
The most common issue is the auger not turning and thus not pushing the pellets into the firebox, resulting in uneven heat distribution.
Fix
To solve this problem, you should empty out any pockets of large pellets and replace them with smaller pellets that are better suited for the auger system.
Additionally, be sure to check the size of all your fuel pellets regularly to avoid this issue in the future.
7. Weak Batteries or Low Voltage Supply
Weak batteries or low voltage supply may be the cause of your Pit Boss auger not turning.
If your batteries are weak or there is low voltage, then you will likely experience a lack of power to turn the auger.
Fix
To help diagnose this issue, check the voltage of the batteries and ensure that they are at an adequate level for powering your auger.
If your batteries are in good condition but still not providing enough power, then you may need to increase your voltage supply by using multiple batteries or connecting to a higher voltage source such as a generator.
Additionally, make sure that all wires and connectors are properly connected and not corroded.
8. Thermostat Setting Too Low
One possible reason why the Pit Boss Auger is not turning is because the thermostat setting is too low. A thermostat is an important device that regulates the temperatures of a system.
If the thermostat setting is too low, it can prevent the auger from turning as it won’t be able to reach its necessary power levels.
Fix
To fix this issue, it’s best to check your user manual for specific instructions on how to adjust the thermostat settings or contact manufacturer support for further help.
Adjusting and setting the correct temperature can get your Pit Boss Auger running again in no time.
9. High Humidity/Moisture Content in the Environment
High levels of humidity and moisture in the environment can cause a Pit Boss auger not to turn.
When there is too much moisture in the air, it creates condensation on the auger motor which then causes a decrease in power.
This lack of power impedes the auger from turning, as there isn’t enough force to push through the resistance created by the high humidity.
Fix
The best way to prevent this is to keep your pellet grill in an area with good ventilation and low relative humidity levels.
Additionally, you can invest in a dehumidifier for your pellet grill’s storage area to help keep the air dry and make sure your auger stays running efficiently.
10. Incorrectly Installed Grill Parts/Components
Incorrect installation of grill parts can be one of the primary reasons for the Pit Boss Auger not turning.
Fix
It is important to ensure all components are properly installed in order to avoid any malfunctions that may occur.
Failing to correctly install the parts such as screws and bolts could lead to an uneven balance between the auger motor and the barrel, which would impede its operation.
Additionally, any minor misalignments between components may cause the auger motor to malfunction due to improper connection with its power source.
As a solution, make sure all components are properly fitted and aligned before turning on your Pit Boss Auger.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your Pit Boss Auger is not turning on or off, it could be caused by a variety of issues.
From an electrical issue to a faulty part in the auger itself, there are several things that can cause this problem.
If you’re unable to fix the issue yourself after troubleshooting and testing various components, then it may be time to contact a professional for help.
A qualified technician will have all the tools needed to diagnose and repair any potential faults with your Pit Boss Auger so you can get back up and running as soon as possible.
With these tips in mind, you should now feel more confident when tackling any problems related to your Pit Boss Auger.
FAQs
Why is my Pit Boss smoker auger not turning?
The most likely cause for the Pit Boss smoker auger not turning is a faulty auger motor or clog.
If the auger motor isn’t working, it won’t spin and move pellets to the burn pot.
Another reason could be that there is a blockage in the tube, preventing the movement of pellets into the burn pot. Check both these problems before doing anything else.
How do you fix a stuck auger on a Pit Boss?
To fix a stuck auger on a Pit Boss smoker, first, check the auger motor to ensure it’s working properly.
If the motor is functioning, look for a blockage in the tube that moves pellets from the hopper to the burn pot. Clear out any clogs or debris if found and reset your smoker.
If this doesn’t fix the issue, you may need to replace your auger motor.
Why is my Pit Boss Auger fan not working?
The most likely cause of your Pit Boss auger fan not working is that the electrical connection has become loose or the circuit breaker is tripped.
Check the connections and reset the circuit breaker, if needed, to see if that resolves the issue. If not, a more thorough inspection may be necessary.
How do you know if Auger is jammed?
If the auger motor is making a grinding sound or not turning at all, it’s likely that the auger is jammed.
You may need to manually check if any large pieces of wood are stuck in the auger and remove them to free up the motor.
Additionally, you can try resetting any circuit breakers associated with your Pit Boss Auger fan to see if that resolves the issue.
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