Control panel displays E3 and the smoker will not heat or shuts down; display may show no temperature or a fixed low value.

Safety first: Disconnect power before removing any panels.

Steps to diagnose:

• Power cycle: Unplug the smoker for 5 minutes, then plug back in and check if E3 clears. Transient faults can sometimes be reset.
• Locate the ambient sensor: Some East Oak models use a separate small thermistor near the top or side of the cabinet or integrated on the control board. Consult your manual to identify its location.
• Inspect wiring: If the thermistor is remote, remove the rear or side panel and trace its small wires to the control board. Check for cuts, pinches, or melted insulation. Repair or replace damaged wiring.
• Check connectors: Reseat the thermistor connector on the control board. Ensure it is fully seated and not corroded.
• Test resistance: With the thermistor disconnected, measure its resistance at room temperature. Compare to the specification in the service manual (commonly 10kΩ at 25°C). If it reads open (OL) or near 0Ω, the thermistor is defective.

Repair: Replace the ambient thermistor sensor or the control panel assembly if the sensor is integrated. If a new sensor does not resolve E3, the main control board likely needs replacement.