Controller displays ER-3 and grill shuts down during cook

Critical safety: If you suspect a grease fire, keep the lid closed, turn the grill off, and disconnect power. Do not open the lid until flames subside. Never use water on a grease fire.

• Verify actual temperature: After the grill cools, inspect the interior for signs of a flare-up (heavy soot, burned grease). Clean out grease and ash thoroughly.
• Check convection fan: Remove the side or rear panel to access the convection fan. Spin the fan blade by hand; it should move freely. If seized or noisy, replace the convection fan motor.
• Inspect exhaust path: Ensure the chimney cap is not fully closed and that the exhaust vents are not blocked by foil, debris, or nests. Clean the chimney and vents.
• Check auger control: With the grill empty of pellets, run a low-temp setting and observe the auger. It should cycle on and off. If it runs continuously regardless of setting, the auger relay on the control board may be stuck closed and the controller should be replaced.
• Clean fire pot: Remove grates and diffuser, vacuum ash from the fire pot and surrounding area. Excess ash can cause poor combustion and hot spots.
• Test again: Start the grill on a low setting with an empty, clean cook chamber and monitor temperature. If ER-3 recurs without visible cause, the high-limit sensing circuit in the controller may be faulty.