Control panel shows E3 and the smoker will not heat, or the display temperature does not change from ambient.

Safety first: Unplug the smoker and verify the cabinet is cool before accessing internal components.

Steps to check the heating circuit:

• Access the heating element: Remove the rear or bottom panel to expose the heating element terminals and wiring. On many Landmann models, the element is mounted at the bottom of the cabinet with two spade connectors.
• Inspect connections: Look for loose, discolored, or burnt connectors at the element and at any in-line thermal cutoff or high-limit thermostat. Tighten loose spades with pliers and replace any melted connectors.
• Test the element: Disconnect both wires from the element. Using a multimeter set to ohms, measure resistance across the element terminals. A typical 1200–1500 W element at 120 V will read roughly 9–12 Ω. An infinite (OL) reading indicates a failed element that must be replaced.
• Check the high-limit thermostat/thermal fuse: Many Landmann smokers have a small disc thermostat or inline thermal fuse in series with the element. Test for continuity across it. If open, replace with the exact temperature-rated part.
• Reassemble and test: After replacing any failed parts, reconnect wiring, ensuring all terminals are tight and insulated. Reinstall panels, plug in, and test for normal heating without the E3 code.

Note: If the element and safety devices test good but E3 persists, the control board’s heater relay or triac is likely defective and the main control module should be replaced.