MES Randomly Shuts Off

[Skinsfan0521]

Hi,

I'm hoping that someone can help me troubleshoot a problem that I've been having with my MES. I've had a MES for several years and probably two years ago it developed an issue where it randomly shuts off during a cook. The whole panel is off, it stops heating, etc. When I notice that it has shut off I can turn it right back on again and it will continue to run. I don't need to unplug it and plug it back in or wait for it to cool down (further than it already has by the time I notice that it has been off) or anything like that. Just press the power button and it turns right back on and starts heating up again. Sometimes it will be fine for the rest of the cook and sometimes it will shut off another time (or multiple). It doesn't seem that it's happening at any specific time interval, or temperature range, or anything like that. It's not related to the outlet or circuit because I've had this happen on different circuits in different houses.

When it started being unreliable, I took that as my opportunity to buy a new pellet smoker (which has been great) and the MES has been collecting cobwebs for the past year or so, but I'd like to get my MES running again too.

Thank you!

 

[holyfeld]

Have you considered switching to an external PID controller? I bought an Auber years ago that keeps on working. There a lot more options now.

The consideration is amperage. My MES-40 can pull up to 10 Amps. Auber handles this. Other controllers may not.

 

[Skinsfan0521]

Have you considered switching to an external PID controller? I bought an Auber years ago that keeps on working. There a lot more options now.

The consideration is amperage. My MES-40 can pull up to 10 Amps. Auber handles this. Other controllers may not.

Thanks for the suggestion! Honestly, until I read about that option on here earlier today while searching for some ideas on my issue, I hadn't considered it (or even knew it was an option). But, I would consider it, I'd like to figure out what my problem is first and then go from there. I want to be sure that would fix the problem before I spent the money.

I have a Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 that I use all the time at our cabin in the summer for parties, get togethers, etc. I'm just trying to get this Masterbuilt electric working to use when I occasionally want to smoke something during the winter at my house where I don't have the Camp Chef and would primarily be small stuff for just my wife & I.

 

[normanaj]

One person here that can be a big help is tallbm .

 

[dr k]

I have collected three controllers that are rear mounted that are unreliable except the one on it now for my Mes 30 and I use a PID for the Mes 40. All three controllers are identical and oem for my Mes 30 and 40. That's why all controllers come inside when not being used that are working perfectly. One controller turns off randomly and if you use the remote to turn the light or meat temp button. The other turns off the controller if you use the light button. The one I use is perfectly fine. The other two are for emergency back up if the good one fails and are marked with their defects on the controller. I'd use the PID for the Mes 30 when the good one fails but miraculously the good stock controller works so well and accurately I'm just going to run with it. I've never paid for the third controller since it was a free replacement from MB years ago and the other two came with the smokers.

 

[tallbm]

Hi,

I'm hoping that someone can help me troubleshoot a problem that I've been having with my MES. I've had a MES for several years and probably two years ago it developed an issue where it randomly shuts off during a cook. The whole panel is off, it stops heating, etc. When I notice that it has shut off I can turn it right back on again and it will continue to run. I don't need to unplug it and plug it back in or wait for it to cool down (further than it already has by the time I notice that it has been off) or anything like that. Just press the power button and it turns right back on and starts heating up again. Sometimes it will be fine for the rest of the cook and sometimes it will shut off another time (or multiple). It doesn't seem that it's happening at any specific time interval, or temperature range, or anything like that. It's not related to the outlet or circuit because I've had this happen on different circuits in different houses.

When it started being unreliable, I took that as my opportunity to buy a new pellet smoker (which has been great) and the MES has been collecting cobwebs for the past year or so, but I'd like to get my MES running again too.

Thank you!

Hi there and welcome!

With the behavior you describe my guess is the top controller is going out or there is a chance the bottom circuit board is doing something to cause the top controller to turn off.

There is a chance you could find a replacement top controller on amazon as they have become available more regularly last year but it will be hit or miss if you can match your controller type.
Lower circuit boards are available too now but also hit or miss for your model.

I think each piece should be no more than about $25 USD.

Only buying replacement parts and trying will allow you to determine which part is causing the issue.


Now a sure fire way to work around all of that is to do the simple rewire (cut 4 wire ends and wire nut to make 2 whole wires) which will cut out both the top controller and the lower circuit board. This makes the smoker dumb to where if plugged into the wall the power goes to the heating element and it heats without control.
This is where a PID controller comes in.

You plug the MES cord into the PID Controller and then plug the PID controller into the wall outlet.
The you drop the PID controller temp probe down the vent and clip on the center underside of the lowest smoker rack and will sense the smoker temp.
Now you just enter into the PID the set temp you want to smoke at and it will take power from the wall and feed it to the MES until it hits and holds right on the set temp. No temp spikes or valleys, most of us have it holding dead on or within 1F degrees of the set temp.

This would fix your problem and it would turn your MES into a whole different animal that is 100x better than your MES when it was brand new. It makes a smoker that performs like electric ones that cost over $1k where an Auber PID only runs about $160.

Yeah $160 is no small amount but you really are transforming your MES into a $1k+ performing beast that is really a whole different and much better smoker.

So this option would solve your problem for sure AND once done, you could pretty much keep your smoker running with simple and inexpensive maintenance like changing out corroded electrical wire connectors, the safety limit switch, and very rarely the heating element ($25 part).

I hope this info helps :D

 

[dsk]

Tallbm has you covered. While I also would recommend converting your smoker to PID operation, there is one thing you could try for free if you have a soldering iron, or know someone that does. You could remove the lower circuit board and resolder all the connections on it. There may be a cracked solder joint that intermittently drops power to the upper board, which would result in the symptom you see.

 

[dsk]

Another thought, check the connections on the upper and lower boards. They may be corroded and/or loose.