Display shows LOW TEMP or never reaches set temperature, cook cycle may abort

Safety first: Unplug the smoker before accessing the rear panel, element terminals, or controller wiring.

Steps:

• 1. Confirm load and conditions: Very heavy meat loads, cold ambient temperatures, or frequent door openings can cause low temperature. Test with an empty smoker at 225°F to rule this out.
• 2. Check heating element glow: With the smoker ON and set to a high temperature, look through the bottom or side (without touching anything) to see if the element glows red. If it never glows, suspect the element or its power circuit.
• 3. Inspect element connections: Unplug the smoker, remove the rear or bottom access panel, and inspect the element terminals. Look for loose nuts, burnt spade connectors, or broken wires. Tighten or replace connectors as needed.
• 4. Test element resistance: Disconnect at least one element lead and measure resistance with a multimeter. Compare to Cookshack specifications (typically a few tens of ohms). An open circuit (OL) indicates a failed element that must be replaced.
• 5. Check controller output: If the element tests good, the IQ controller’s relay or triac may not be switching power. This requires live-voltage testing and is best done by a qualified technician. If you see burnt spots on the controller board, replace the controller.
• 6. Verify probe accuracy: Compare the displayed temperature with an oven thermometer. If the controller reads much lower than actual, the probe may be faulty.

Note: Never bypass safety devices or hard-wire the element; this can cause fire or severe damage.