Control panel displays E4 and the smoker will not heat or shuts off shortly after starting.

Safety first: Unplug the smoker and verify the cabinet is cool before removing panels.

• Inspect the heating element: Remove the racks and water pan to expose the heating element. Look for cracks, breaks, or heavy corrosion on the element. A visibly broken element must be replaced.
• Check element terminals: Access the rear or bottom panel to reach the element connections. Ensure the spade connectors are tight and not burnt. Clean light corrosion with fine sandpaper; replace any overheated connectors and use high‑temp wire.
• Test the element with a meter: Disconnect at least one wire from the element and measure resistance across the two element terminals. A typical element will show finite resistance (often 10–40 Ω depending on wattage). If the meter reads OL/open, the element is failed and must be replaced.
• Inspect wiring from control board to element: Follow the high‑temp wires from the control board relay to the element. Look for melted insulation, pinch points, or loose connections. Repair or replace damaged wiring.
• Control board relay check: If the element tests good but E4 persists, the heating relay on the control board may be defective. Look for burn marks or a stuck relay. Replacement of the control board is usually required.