Masterbuilt
Heating Element Open Circuit
Smoker powers on but will not heat at all; set temperature shows correctly but interior stays cold.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Burned-out heating element, Loose or corroded element terminals, Open high-limit thermostat in series, Broken wire in element circuit harness
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the smoker and ensure it is completely cool before working near the element.
- Access the element: Remove the drip pan, water pan, and wood chip tray to expose the heating element inside the cabinet.
- Visual check: Look for cracks, breaks, or heavy scaling on the element. Any visible break means the element must be replaced.
- Check connections: From the rear or bottom access panel, inspect the spade connectors on the element. Tighten loose connectors and clean light corrosion.
- Test continuity: Disconnect one wire from the element and measure resistance across the terminals. An open reading indicates a failed element.
- Inspect high-limit thermostat and wiring: If the element tests good, check continuity through the high-limit thermostat and wiring harness. Replace any open or burned components.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Heating Element
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