Display shows E5 and smoker will not heat even though the control appears to power on.

Safety: Unplug the smoker and allow it to cool. The element and surrounding metal can remain hot for a long time.

Inspection steps:

• Open the smoker and visually inspect the heating element for breaks, heavy pitting, or warping.
• Access the rear or bottom panel to reach the element terminals. Check for loose nuts, burned spade connectors, or melted insulation.
• Tighten any loose connections and replace any discolored or brittle connectors with high‑temperature rated terminals.
• With the smoker unplugged, disconnect at least one wire from the element and measure resistance across the element terminals. An infinite reading indicates a failed (open) element.
• If the element tests good, inspect wiring from the control board heater relay to the element for continuity and damage.
• If wiring and element are good, the heater relay on the control board is likely faulty and the board should be replaced.

Warning: Never work on live circuits. Always verify the smoker is unplugged before using a meter on internal components.