PBV4PS2 vertical smoker issues

[Mightymo]

I bought this unit at Lowes on Christmas Eve 2024. I smoked a brisket on it that day and on New Year Eve or New Year day I smoked some chickens and pork steaks on it. I had zero issues with it. I did the shut down correctly both times but I just had to figure out how long the shut down took the first time for future reference.

About 2 weeks go by and I go to use it and the knob on the control panel broke. I got a new control panel yesterday and put it on today. I doubled checked my connections to make sure they are tight. I turn it on and I noticed the auger isn't turning. I pull the auger out but it is not clogged or jammed. The auger fan is on but the auger doesn't turn. I checked the pin to make sure it didn't shear and it is ok. The auger fan will run for a little bit then shut off. I got an error code of erl. The ignitor gets red in color but the auger doesn't turn. The auger motor is not stuck and is clean. Any thoughts on what it could be or do you think the new control board is bad? I hope this isn't going to be an expensive yard ornament! I will be using my old wood/charcoal smoker tomorrow unless I get this one working. Thank you for any advice

 

[Cowboy1955]

Welcome from Texas to the group!
Sounds like they sent you a faulty controller. Call them back and explain the situation
Hopefully this helps you

 

[Sparky]

Welcome to the club from Mesquite, Texas

 

[Mike From R.I.]

Welcome from Rhode Island. I have the same smoker for over 4 years and love it. Call customer support like Cowboy1955 said.

 

[Mightymo]

I called them and the first guy was no help at all. When I called back I talked to a lady and she sent out a new auger motor. I installed that and now the auger turns just fine. I still haven't cooked on it since changing it due to the weather but I may be able to do that today or tomorrow. Thank you for your responses. The only issue I had with getting the part was waiting 4 days for the post office to deliver it the last 30 miles! So I picked it up at the local PO or it would have been 5 days.

 

[Mightymo]

Update. I have cooked 3 or 4 times with it since replacing the auger motor. It has been doing awesome until today when after the cook was done I got a hopper fire. I emptied the hopper as much as I could and just let the remaining pellets go through auger while keeping a close eye on everything. I noticed the pellets looked like they were not the best quality and they were the PB brand. I keep it covered with a PB cover after it cools down. I have used a wood/charcoal smoker for about 5 years prior so I am still learning the whole pellet smoker procedures. Is it necessary to empty the hopper after every use and what should I look for to make sure this doesn't happen again? I do keep the smoker away from any buildings while using and until it cools down. I also stay in sight of it during those times as well as a safety precaution. I appreciate the guidance and tips I have received since joining. I hope that one day I can be giving someone the same info that will help guide them like I have received. So be prepared because I may be asking a ton of questions!

 

[Cowboy1955]

I use bear mountain pellets and sift them through a colander and store them in a airtight container
Hopefully this helps you

 

[Mightymo]

I use bear mountain pellets and sift them through a colander and store them in a airtight container
Hopefully this helps you

Thank you for that advice. Is the shifting done so any fine particles are removed? I had just opened this bag and put it in the hopper before the prior cook.

 

[Cowboy1955]

Yes it gets all of it out