Digital Old Smokey electric smoker display shows E5 and the unit will not power the heating element, even though the display appears normal.

Safety first: Unplug the smoker before opening the control panel. Do not attempt live testing on the control board unless you are trained and equipped for it.

Steps to address E5 power output fault:

• 1. Confirm element and wiring are good: Before blaming the board, test the heating element and thermal cutoff for continuity as described in the E3 procedure. If they are good, proceed to the control board.
• 2. Access the control board: Remove the screws securing the digital control panel and gently pull it out to expose the PCB.
• 3. Inspect the relay area: Locate the power relay (usually a small rectangular block) that switches power to the heating element. Look for discoloration, melted plastic, or burnt PCB traces around it.
• 4. Check for cracked solder joints: Using a magnifying glass if available, inspect the underside of the board (if accessible) for dull, cracked, or ringed solder joints on the relay pins and high-current connectors.
• 5. Reseat connectors: Disconnect and reconnect the main power harness and element output harness to ensure good contact.
• 6. Replace the control board if relay is failed: Old Smokey control boards are typically not serviced at component level. If the relay is visibly damaged or the board shows signs of overheating, replace the entire OEM control module.
• 7. Reassemble and test: After installing the new board, reattach the panel, plug in the smoker, and run a short test at low temperature to confirm the element energizes and E5 is cleared.

Note: If you have the skills and tools, you may test for voltage at the element output when the smoker calls for heat. Absence of voltage with a known-good element and wiring confirms a control output failure.