Display shows E9; buttons respond slowly or not at all, and cook cycles may not start.

Safety first: Unplug the smoker before removing the control panel.

• Remove control bezel: Carefully remove the screws securing the front control bezel and gently pull it forward to access the keypad ribbon cable.
• Inspect ribbon cable: Check for kinks, cracks, or discoloration on the flat cable. Ensure it is fully inserted into the connector on the main control board.
• Clean contacts: If the connector is oxidized, use a small amount of electrical contact cleaner and reinsert the ribbon firmly.
• Check for moisture: Look for condensation or grease behind the panel. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth and allow the area to air dry before reassembly.
• Test keypad: Reassemble the panel, plug in the smoker, and test each button. If E9 persists and some keys remain unresponsive, the user interface board or membrane keypad will likely need replacement.