Smoker will not heat properly; display shows E3 and unit shuts off.

Safety first: Unplug the smoker and allow it to cool completely. Do not bypass safety thermostats.

• Locate the high-limit thermostat: Remove the rear or bottom access panel. Find the small round or rectangular thermostat mounted near the heating element with two wires attached.
• Check for manual reset: Some high-limit thermostats have a small red reset button. Press it firmly until you feel a click. If it was tripped, this may clear the E3 error.
• Inspect wiring: Ensure both wires are firmly attached to the thermostat terminals and show no signs of burning or discoloration.
• Test continuity: With the smoker unplugged, disconnect one wire from the thermostat and test across the two terminals with a multimeter. A good thermostat should show continuity (low resistance). If it reads open and does not reset, it must be replaced.
• Investigate overheating cause: Check for blocked air vents, excessive grease buildup, or foil blocking airflow that could cause overheating. Clean the interior and vents thoroughly.
• Reassemble and test: After replacing or resetting the thermostat and cleaning, reassemble the panels, plug in, and test on a low setting.