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Problems and Troubleshooting => Having a problem? Look Here First, or Post Your Question! => Topic started by: 40 caliber on July 22, 2017, 09:49:30 PM

Title: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on July 22, 2017, 09:49:30 PM
i went to start a pork but this evening. put in the smoker. plug it in. turn it on,,,,wait? nothing?

1. Check the GFCI plug, ensure the circuit is fine
2. change plugs, nothing wont turn on.
3. plugged a fan into the plugs I was using. to confirm there was power- Confirmed.

Where do i start? I am no wrench...

pull the back off make sure the plug is connected?
pull the PID and send it to someone to check?

It worked fine the last time i used it. It was raining but I cover it with a large tarp with only the smoke hole visible to water. I shut if off when i was done. it just refuses to start.

the pid is showing no temp, no lights of any kind. the only thing that just occurred to me is plugging it in and seeing if it got warm. that at least could show power to the unit vs lights on the PID?

thoughts?
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: ibbones on July 24, 2017, 12:35:10 PM
Any luck?  Is it working now?
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on July 24, 2017, 08:11:04 PM
no, i dont know where to start. is there a fuse in the auber to check?  i will pull it this weekend and see what i can tell. open to any other thoughts.

i will check to make sure the cord is still connected. i have read that can be an issue
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: BedouinBob on July 25, 2017, 10:43:23 AM
Call Steve at SI. They will walk you through how to figure out what's wrong.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: SuperDave on July 25, 2017, 04:57:54 PM
This happened to me.  The switch on the Auber burned up on the inside.  I sent it back to Auberin and they replaced it for $10. 
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: Walt on July 25, 2017, 10:03:32 PM
I have had the tiny fuse blow. Couldn't get it anywhere local & had auber send me a couple. They said that it was uncommon to blow one.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on July 25, 2017, 10:18:21 PM
where is the fuse and what does it look like?

if that's not it, i guess I will send to auber. anything in need to know to pull this apart?
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: Walt on July 25, 2017, 11:17:19 PM
On mine it is on the back located under the cap that reads "fuse"
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on July 28, 2017, 07:57:49 PM
On mine it is on the back located under the cap that reads "fuse"

I assume this is after you unscrew the PID? i dont have anything that says that. I will be pulling the auber open tomorrow and see what i can see.

any other hints welcome!!!!
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: Walt on July 28, 2017, 08:14:59 PM
I have an independent PID, not integrated. Sorry, that's all the info I have to offer.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on July 29, 2017, 07:49:27 AM
I have an independent PID, not integrated. Sorry, that's all the info I have to offer.
Thanks Walt! anything helps!
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: old sarge on July 29, 2017, 11:09:47 AM
Tom - I'm not able to open up my controller as I am on the road. Makes sense that there would be an internal fuse. If you find it let us know. Should prove useful to all D model owners. I plan on opening mine when I return home  and have a look around.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on July 29, 2017, 03:54:46 PM
Well ,i did not find a fuse or anything that looks like one but i will wait for sarge to confrim
1. real easy to open , just 5 or 6 screws.
2. looks easy enough to swap out if necessary
3. I discovered a hole in the front of the unit, see picture. Now the hole looks obvious but that was after lifting the unit up and putting it back. I had seen what looked like a scratch on the panel and assumed there was green plastic underneath. In reality, the green was the circuit board

4. My neighbor brought over his voltage tester and we confirmed current (when plugged in obviously) from the plug, to the cord to the wires going into the PID>

I am leaning toward just ordering a replacement PID unit for $189 and cutting my losses. I have used this in the rain under a tarp and i'm pretty sure  it has gotten water on the unit. I doubt there is a debug / rebuild for this less than just getting a replacement pid. what do you guys think?

any other thoughts?
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: Pork Belly on July 29, 2017, 04:37:51 PM
Quote
what do you guys think?

I feel bad for you, if you had bought analog you would still be smoking. Even if you added a PID later you could still be cooking if the PID died.

My #3 has sat outside uncovered since I bought it, still smoking....
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on July 30, 2017, 06:08:04 AM
Don't feel bad, i'm a big boy, i made my choices!  I probably smoked 3 years of food in a year on this thing! it's doesnt sit still.

I do agree with you, however, I had a 2 before i went to a 3D. I basically sold the 2 for not much more than what the replacement PID is going to cost me. I wish I kept the 2 along with the 3.  not only as a back up, but i think it smokes a little differently.  I was concerned when i upgraded because I usually go for simpler over technical and it was really a toss up on this one.

it's still a toss up but i got what i got.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: JustChillin on July 30, 2017, 06:55:04 AM
IMO - sometimes simpler is the better. I love my analog #2 but I am sure that there are many on this forum that love their digital models. Just keep on smoking and enjoying.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: old sarge on July 30, 2017, 04:44:33 PM
Tom - Took longer to get around to my smoker than I had planned.  Sorry for the delay.  I took the controller off and as you observed, no fuse.  I stopped short of removing the logic board and looking at the 'hidden side'.  I then took the back of the smoker off, removed the outermost layer of insulation and poked in and around all the wires.  No fuse located. It is possible I missed something.  Best advice I can give is to contact Steve. I will do the same.  Dave

EDIT:  Per Steve, there is no fuse on the SI model D smokers.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on August 01, 2017, 05:24:02 AM
IMO - sometimes simpler is the better. I love my analog #2 but I am sure that there are many on this forum that love their digital models. Just keep on smoking and enjoying.

I have had them both and they each have their plusses and minuses. the analog temp swings more and depending how much meat you put in, the consistency of time to cook can be different. I track almost every smoke on a spreadsheet with my process, outside temp, temp used and results. I can say this pretty factually.

The Digital holds temp a lot better and helps nail the meal. I find the analog more "craft" than science and that can be fun too. it feels more like a challenge.

I think the analog smokes the meat better due to the swings in the heat up. Meat only accepts smoke until 140 degrees (so i am told here). i think the swings in the analog allow a little more time but that is my uneducated opinion.

I think the kind of personality you have would determine what you like more. I'm a split personality so i like them both  :)

If your en engineer type, you'd like the D. if you more creative, like the challenge you may like the analog more.  my opinion only from a year of smoking with each one.

I dont have an overwhelming preference.  I will admit I usally prefer simpler
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: SuperDave on August 01, 2017, 09:09:17 AM
When the D models first came out the SI salesmen on the site really pushed them.  For the life of me I couldn't figure out why someone wouldn't want redundancy of analog with an option for PID control.  It has saved me a couple of times but then again I think the Auber is a POS on a $1,700 smoker. 
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on August 01, 2017, 08:08:54 PM
I agree dave that would be a massive improvement to have the redundancy. If i hadn't wanted to go to a 3 from a 2, i would have upgraded the 2.

Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: old sarge on August 01, 2017, 10:43:34 PM
Sooner or later someone may hack their D model and install analog components to achieve that redundancy, much like several did to the analog models to achieve digital. Just takes a strong desire and time.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on August 04, 2017, 05:44:20 AM
Received the part yesterday , will keep you posted after I swap it out this weekend!
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: old sarge on August 04, 2017, 08:22:13 PM
Good to hear you got what you needed.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: SuperDave on August 05, 2017, 08:26:19 AM
Received the part yesterday , will keep you posted after I swap it out this weekend!
Tom,
Was "part" a new PID or did you figure out a bad component? 
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on August 06, 2017, 07:55:59 AM
Dave , i bought the whole PID. as there was a hole in the PID, I didnt' know how to debug it. I assumed i would see if someone knew where to send for rebuild and a quote.  with a hole in the front, i assumed it might get cheaper to replace. worse case, i have a back up
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on August 06, 2017, 08:02:48 AM
Please help.
I took a quick look at the PID and this led to me starting to pull it apart and switch it out. there are basically 3 connection areas with 5 wires. simple enough.

i could not get the middle wires off that i needed to. There are however similar ones right next to it that i dont need to switch. i figured if i screwed them up, no harm.. That one came off easy. you can see it in my hand. The one i need to switch out is tougher. (see pic where i am pointing with screwdriver to similar connection). it appears to have a small nipple to keep it in place. is there somewhere I push that in or do I just give it a good tug? At $189, i figured i would check. it's not coming on it's own very well. it wiggles but the nipple is holding it. I dont know if i push that in with a screwdriver or push at the top to disconnect. the nipple is in the top hole you can see in the center of the connector on pic one.


I also put in the last pic to save time. this is the other one i need to do. looks like just a simple SMALL screwdriver required. but figured i would check while i have you here.

I am going to take a shower. Ill check back soon

thanks in advance
tom
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on August 06, 2017, 08:03:49 AM
3rd pic
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on August 06, 2017, 10:42:44 AM
OK, i got it all apart using a ball point pen and pushing the nipple (hooray!)
bad news is I got all together and has the same problem. I had checked current and had current to all wires into the PID. (or at least i thought). i need to go buy one as it was my neighbors and double check it. that aside the only thing that I see is one connector is more loose than when i started (the one in the picture). i may have broken the nipple but the connector is on the tab. I would think its still getting a connection but tried to tighten it as well.

I dont think that is it as it's no different than where i started. where do I go now?  the back of the smoker says use 15 amp fuses. where is there a fuse? I opened the back and all I see is the relay. Is there a fuse in the relay?

any suggestions will help. I am down in prime smoking season!

and yes, i just texted Steve.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: old sarge on August 06, 2017, 11:52:41 AM
Tom- The reference to the fuse is almost certain to be for a 15 amp circuit. Just a matter of terminology. When you go get your multimeter be sure to get s small set of keepers screwdrivers and maybe a good set of tweezers. These components are small as you know and smaller tools are very useful.

If you have checked and tested everything and it still will not power on give Steve a call. Do you have power to and from the relay?

EDIT:  I am now on a computer vice the tiny phone.  Much easier to see the photos.  Spade connectors can be tough to remove if the tech crimped them during assembly.  Tiny tools are the key since you need to not only grab the spade to pull it off but also hold fast the component the spade connects to.  If you have the smoker open, check to make sure your ground is tight.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: SuperDave on August 06, 2017, 02:54:24 PM
For future reference, sending my unit to Auberins has been a $10 - $12 shipping cost and the diagnosis time has been about $10.  Unfortunately, I've had to do this a couple times which has led to my lack of confidence in the Auber as a reliable controller.  When I do overnight smokes I still get up numerous times to check it as too many times I've gone out in the middle of the night to a blinking controller.  But I do highly recommend sending your unit in for a look from the people that built it.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on August 07, 2017, 05:40:48 AM
OK, got the PID on and determined that wasn't  the problem. no problem the old one had a hole in it and the probe had stopped working so i am fine with that. Steve called me Sunday a couple hours after that text and walked through it. I discovered a shorted wire from the plug to the heating element. it fell off in my hand as i was looking at the wires. it was attached on first look. I know how to strip and reconnect a wire but want to get some help from someone that can help me find the cause. I don't want to reconnect the wire and short it again if there is a fault somewhere. So next saturday the saga continues.

I must say, i was quite amazed that steve called so quickly and so patiently helped.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: old sarge on August 07, 2017, 10:26:39 AM
Sounds like Steve took good care of you and you will be up and smoking as soon as you have some free time.  Good news indeed.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: SuperDave on August 07, 2017, 12:07:50 PM
Still send your old one to Auberins.  For a very low price you may be able to have a restored back up. 
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on August 12, 2017, 08:08:47 PM
IT IS ALIVE!!!!!
Thanks to all of you , the power of the forums and steve's call last Sunday!

after talking with steve, i checked the relay and checked the wires. as i check the wires, one of them fell off in my hand. i got the connectors i needed today and replaced the wire as well as the PID and she is up and running. I may not have needed to replace the pid but it was in bad shape with a hole in the top and a probe that wasn't working.

anyway after i fixed the wire , i was back in business!

picture attached of the break  but the first meal back was a maple smoked chicken breast with carribean jerk seasoning. Yahoo!

I learned a lot. this smoker is pretty simple.
1. check your pid,
2. check the wires for any breaks and burns
3. turn the unit on and see if the relay light is on.

in my case the relay wasn't on but that is because the wire was broken
it's  decent trouble shoot to start to figure things .out.
do we have a sticky on what to do here? it feels like it would be helpful if i missed it.

tom

Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: stout on August 12, 2017, 08:55:52 PM
great!!

what time's dinner
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: old sarge on August 12, 2017, 09:02:46 PM
Good to see you back in business Tom.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on August 13, 2017, 06:36:25 AM
Thanks for you help David!

Stout
Dinner tonight is Smoked wings! you coming?
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: Limey on August 13, 2017, 08:35:02 AM
It looks as if the burnt out wire is one of the two wires with high temperature covering that connect to the element. If this is the case then I recall that a few other forum members have had the same problem. Might be a good thing to check first and might be good to alert Steve from a Q.C point of view.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: stout on August 13, 2017, 08:46:19 AM
Thanks for you help David!

Stout
Dinner tonight is Smoked wings! you coming?

yes of course

for the sake of quality control you understand

to be sure your equipment is up to snuff and all that
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: Walt on August 13, 2017, 09:29:15 AM
I have had my unit for just under 4 years. On 2 separate occasions in 2 different locations, I have had to replace broken wire connectors. In addition, the fuse in my (independent) auber had to be replaced, once.  All easy fixes once identified.  I have had the back off on 4 or 5 occasions including when I initially bypassed the analog controller. That's where I go first if its acting up. Glad things worked out for you. I still love the unit.
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on August 13, 2017, 05:50:33 PM
It looks as if the burnt out wire is one of the two wires with high temperature covering that connect to the element. If this is the case then I recall that a few other forum members have had the same problem. Might be a good thing to check first and might be good to alert Steve from a Q.C point of view.

it is the wire to the element . steve was onthe phone with me when i figured it out
thanks
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: Joe Rinaldi on September 06, 2018, 07:46:55 AM
I now have the same issue with my 2YO 4D.  I prepped and was ready to cook 3 racks of ribs for a party and Bam, no power.  I got ahold of Steve and he gave me 1 thing to try but that wasn't the issue.  I guess I'll need to reach out again.  Very frustrating to have this happen on a 2 YO unit. 
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: old sarge on September 06, 2018, 11:29:53 PM
You have probably already done this but if not, check your outlet with a device that works like a lamp or radio or something. You did not mention what Steve suggested so I am going to suggest you use a multi-meter and check for continuity of all the wiring and resistance of the switch and heating element.  I would check the power cord first, then the switch for proper operation as in open and closed, and go on from there. If you have not used a multi meter, here is a useful link.  There are many more. 
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-multimeter
Title: Re: 3D won't turn on. Where do I start?
Post by: 40 caliber on October 14, 2018, 04:43:38 PM
Well i got 14 good months and it's acting up again. it's still working but it's starting down the same path as last time. right now the unit is working but the Pid doesnt seem to recognize the probe when i put it in. it gives the -H- error like it does when you dont put the probe in,(pic provided)  but the probe is there.

there was a puddle of water on top of the unit under the cover when i pulled it off. the night it's acting up.

1. pulled the pid. everything looks dry and clean
2. pulled off the back and had the 2 wires burnt (see pic)- replaced one red crimp, other one is working from plug in.
3. little box light on, - steve told me to make sure the light was on and it is (pic 3)

where to go now? my 3D is acting like a 3.  I was going to buy a new probe and try that. i figured that was short money but if anyone has better ideas, i am listening