Grill beeps and shows Er3 shortly after startup, auger does not feed pellets

Safety first: Unplug the grill. Ensure the fire pot is cool and there are no active embers before working near the auger.

• 1. Empty the hopper: Scoop out all pellets from the hopper. Check for clumps, sawdust buildup, or foreign objects (screws, staples, wood chunks). Vacuum out fines with a shop‑vac.
• 2. Check auger rotation: With the hopper empty and grill still unplugged, remove the auger motor cover under or behind the hopper. Try to rotate the auger shaft by hand using pliers on the exposed end. If it will not turn, there is likely a jam.
• 3. Clear auger jam: Remove the auger motor mounting bolts and slide the motor off the auger shaft. Pull the auger flight out of the tube (you may need to twist and pull). Scrape out compacted pellets and sawdust from the tube using a wooden dowel. Vacuum thoroughly.
• 4. Inspect pellets: Discard any damp or swollen pellets. Only use dry, food‑grade hardwood pellets. Store pellets in a sealed container to prevent future swelling and jams.
• 5. Test auger motor: With the auger removed and grill briefly plugged in, start the grill and observe the auger motor output shaft. It should turn in slow intermittent steps. If it hums but does not turn, or does not move at all, the motor is likely defective.
• 6. Reassemble: Reinstall the auger flight into the tube, align the flat on the shaft with the motor coupler, and secure the motor. Ensure wiring is not pinched. Refill hopper with fresh pellets.
• 7. Startup test: Plug in, clear the Er3 code by powering off/on, then start an ignition cycle and confirm pellets feed normally.