The stove will not feed pellets:
Several factors can cause the feed system not to start. First, visually check the feed system. Start with the hopper to see if the stove has run out of fuel. Next, thoroughly check the auger for a jam or obstruction which could be preventing the auger from turning. If you see an obstruction you can gently rock the auger motor and gear box to release the auger and clear the blockage.
Another possible cause for this issue is a failed auger motor. Test for power to the auger motor and make sure there are no loose or frayed wires going to or from the auger motor. If the power supply is not an issue uninstall the auger motor and perform a bench test outside of the stove to ensure the motor is good. The shaft of the auger motor should slowly rotate and if you can stop the shaft from spinning by your own strength than the motor is weak and should be replaced. If you are not able to stop the shaft from spinning and it spins at the correct rate of 1 rotation per minute, then the motor has tested good. When reinstalling the motor make sure the set screw that secures the auger to the motor is fastened tightly.
Your stove may not feed pellets if the high limit sensor has tripped. If the high limit sensor has tripped and is stuck open, it will cut power to the stove. There are a few methods to test if the high limit sensor is faulty. You can use a multimeter to read voltage, or you can bypass the sensor. To bypass, the first step is to unplug your stove so you don’t accidentally short out your control board. After that, you can use a jumper wire, or a metal paper clip to make a connection between the two contacts. After you have done this plug your stove back in if your problem is fixed this is the sensor you need to replace.
Air flow levels within the pellet stove is another key factor that could cause pellets not to feed. Whitfield pellet stoves use a pressure switch to sense if there is sufficient combustion air flow. Normally, the convection fan starts operating, and then the pressure switch will close sending power to the auger motor, which starts feeding pellets. If the proper air flow is not achieved, the pressure switch will not close and this will cause the auger motor to not operate while installed in the unit. If you suspect your unit has restricted air flow, thoroughly clean the stove and remove any ash buildup from the burn grate, heat exchangers, ash pan, air passages and exhaust venting. Also, check the gaskets for a tight seal around the doors and ash pan.
Insufficient air flow may be the result of a weak or dirty combustion/exhaust blower. To check, thoroughly clean the blower and bench test the blower outside of the stove by connecting to wall power. As soon as the motor is connected to power the impeller should start up right away and spin very fast.
To continue to check for an air flow issue, check the pressure switch itself. Clean the pressure switch and inspect the silicone hose for cracks or an obstruction. The port the hose connects to could also plug with ash or creosote so check that too. This pressure switch can also be tested with a multimeter to test for a fault, or bypassed. When bypassing the pressure switch you are telling the unit to ignore the status of air flow within the stove. Typically, improved stove function achieved when bypassing the pressure switch indicates that there is a lack of air flow (most often caused by a dirty stove). Once the stove has been thoroughly cleaned, make sure the pressure hose is in good condition, clear of obstruction and securely connected at both ends. A less common cause for improper air flow is when the combustion air setting could be too high. To test this, try adjusting the damper to reduce combustion air in the firebox and see if that makes a difference.
Finally, the control board may need to either be repaired or replaced.