MasterBuilt 560/800/1050 Fan & Switch Troubleshooting

[@gdown7662]

This guy literally saved me from ditching my 560. I kept tryin n tryin to figure out the d@mN Err 4 code w/ no any success. I followed what he said about checking the switches n everything looked good. So I made the loop w/the jst plug n wire nut. Checked the lower switch n nothing. Checked the upper n BOOM fan came to life n is working like a champ. Thank u for the help n saving my 560.

[@Pixeditor07]

Very good info to have on hand! Your walk-through debugging helped me solve a non-working fan in about 5 min! Turns out a couple large marble size chunks of briquettes had fallen into the fan to stop its spinning. Cleaned that out and wah-lah...she's ready to smoke again!

[@TXSHeat]

Glad it helped!

[@kprusse]

Comprehensive fixes that really helped me out. It has a hopper switch that wasn't engaging.

[@MaxClark2013]

Great video! I bought the 560 and started my first burn in and my fan melted! It made a lot of noise and the smoker would not go up to temp. Then the fan blades melted. I was really looking forward to using it today.

[@TXSHeat]

Glad it helped - Hope you go yours up and running.

[@tomthewombat]

My 560 fan also melted. Assuming that I can remove it, are there alternative fans that hold up to higher temperatures?

[@markfeinberg1794]

Can you produce a video showing the installation of the coolerguys fan on a 560 with the wiring and then the fireboard set up?

[@jurgenthamerus4603]

Thanks for all of the great updates on the 560! Your videos have kept me grilling for the last few months ;) Keep it up!

[@TXSHeat]

Thanks, will do!

[@andreathomas6674]

Thanks! This saved my Brisket plans for this weekend!

[@VladdiT-21]

Hey, I am having trouble keeping the fan running past 300 degrees, it turns off on its on, however stays on wheni smoke around 225-275. Any advice for what the issue might be, when I switch to grill mode and need the fan to power the grill to 400 degrees? Thank you

[@devenb7542]

Saved my life - ash pan switch looked and sounded perfect. By passing that puppy!

[@artblackwood7936]

Thank you so much for this video. I like the quality of the food on Masterbuilt but their customer service, maybe because of covid, is dismal. My fan died and this was so helpful. Thank you Thank you.

[@TXSHeat]

Happy i could help!

[@garytingler3222]

Great video. My fan quit working on my 560. Your trouble shooting tips are a big help. THANKS!!!

[@TXSHeat]

Thanks Gary!

[@garytingler3222]

@@TXSHeat I got it going. Stuck switch

[@TXSHeat]

@@garytingler3222 thats great. Word on the street is the new switches are all metal. Maybe this will fix the issue for others.

[@garytingler3222]

@@TXSHeat Now if they can get better gasket material we would be all set!!!

[@stephenclayborne8049]

Thank you sir!!! The last part of the video helped me determine that I had a bad switch.

[@TXSHeat]

Glad it helped

[@zeroibis]

Keep in mind that matching CFM even if we assume that different manufactures CFM levels actually match up with each other that the static pressure still needs to be considered. There is a significant difference in the static pressure of a thicker fan.

[@TXSHeat]

To many variables to get that detailed and a bit over my knowledge area. through my year of ownership with both the thinner fan and equal size I have had zero issues. Thanks for the comment!

[@davidcrandall9623]

Good info. I have ordered some JTS cable from Amazon to help troubleshoot. I also have a replacement fan from Masterbuilt coming. My problem is that during a cook, everything is operating normal then the fan dies and grill temperature dies for 20 or more minutes. But then the fan starts working again.

[@TXSHeat]

David - sounds crazy but it could be the wires are getting hot enough that they are shorting out. I have found the factory wiring can burn up pretty easily with a single grease fire up.

[@marthab7059]

So what is suggested to fix this? Same thing happening to mine!!!! Pls help

[@davidcrandall9623]

@@marthab7059 In my case, putting a popsicle stick between the ash door and switch fixed it. I need to find a permanent solution though. I think the heat causes the door and switch to separate.

[@IWonder3202]

Thanks for the video. Exactly what I was looking for. Very well explained!

[@TXSHeat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@edhinmanjr3443]

Ok I bought the 800 model and after the burn in I did one cook on it and it performed well. The next time I went to use it I plugged it in and the thing came on displayed its start up message then nothing. I have replaced the control module ( they sent me one for a 1050 I don't know if that makes a difference) and the power supply. The same result. I removed the fan and hooked it up to a battery and got nothing. The replacement fan worked when hooked up to the battery. However when I tried it hooked up to the controller it still didn't work. Could the dead fan taken out the controller or is this another issue.

[@TXSHeat]

I suspect you burned up a wire from the controller to the fan.

[@edhinmanjr3443]

@@TXSHeat found that exactly on the wire to the fan about 1 inch from the fan housing. On a lark I trimmed the original fan wire to 3/4 of an inch from the housing and when I applied voltage to it it worked. What I am wondering is if I install the new controller will it work with the 25mm fan or could I wire the old fan to it after replacing the bad wire

[@alonzoalston7012]

Thanks! I thought I had a fan failure, but I did the suggested troubleshooting, and it turned out that the upper sensor failed. I closed the circuit with a zip tie, left the bber on to protect the metal, and I will be ording a replacement sensor. Thanks for saving my grill or an overpriced repair bill. I think I'll get some replacement parts just in case. Thanks, again!

[@joshtwigg4492]

I’m running a 1050 and the hopper switch and ash bucket switches aren’t registering when I open and close the doors. The fan doesn’t turn on at all now either. I tried bypassing the switches and still nothing. What am I missing? I would expect the audible beep when I close the circuit but I get nothing

[@MyTowerofpower]

What was that little electric orange device you held up briefly, a firebox? If so, what is it?

[@MyTowerofpower]

Not sure what is happening to my Masterbuilt 1050. My fan keeps making this loud sound then the whole system just shuts off. Part of my fan seemed to have melted. I just bought this and this is my 3 rd cook. Please help

[@crazymanbbqcompany1592]

Great information Sir Thank you for keeping us informed... Bob Cooney

[@stenny1970]

TXS Heat - Can we get rid of all 3 switches on the 1050 model > My fan stopped working - could be the wires. But there really isn't a need for me to have switch on the 3 doors.

[@TXSHeat]

I did :)

[@GreenWolf70]

Try spraying some WD-40 on the switches as part of your regular cleanup/maintenance routine...or if the fan stops, spray some WD-40 on the switch posts and pump them up and down about 50 times to work the WD-40 in to the contacts. Evidently grease and other stuff gets around the switch post during use and interferes with the contacts. After use, water condensates and comes in the switch through the post. WD-40 will displace any water and grease on the contacts and prevent water from getting on the contacts.

[@TXSHeat]

Best thing is to buy a grill that doesn't have electronics! Haha thanks for your comments. I agree WD does help!

[@prestontuttle5832]

Great Info, thanks much, and Aloha

[@Nightfighter82]

I bought a replacement fan from Masterbuilt direct for 12.99 or something low like that and it already has the connector. They were out of stock for a while but they arent.

[@Nightfighter82]

they arent out of stock now.

[@garysample1980]

My fan seems to be on periodically when I open the lid. Is that natural or I'm I fixing to have a problem

[@rodrocha5683]

Is the factory fan variable speed according to temperature or single speed. My fan kicks on, but at a very low speed and won't get the heat past 120°. Mastebuilt cust. service has been worthless. At only 4 months old with 3 cooks through it I'm pretty pissed.

[@lukesimington9392]

Great in depth video. Nice work!

[@TXSHeat]

Thanks Luke!

[@marcelokingston27]

i do have a covered terrace where i plan to have my grill..i know they recommend 10’ distance to anything but does it really prevent one to have it under a covered area , would that smoke stain a wall?

[@TXSHeat]

I have seen a number of videos with the 560/1050 on fire. Most I have to assume are based on user error not keeping it clean. I can't advise you if it is safe or not but I would say Smoke will stain over time. Safe smoking!

[@jcg8309]

My controller is shutting off after I set the temperature. What is causing this

[@sionbedashi294]

My fan isn’t starting and the controller shuts off when I try to start the fan. I set to 225 then it beeps and shuts dow, any suggestions?

[@TXSHeat]

Sion - could be a bad wire or even a switch. I would bypass the switches to try and troubleshoot.

[@derekcharles3515]

Are you going to do a video on hook up and testing of the FB2 and CGF on your 1050? I'm curious to see how well it runs on the higher capacity fan and how well the "lid open" function works on the FB2. Thanks. You're making all this stuff so clear to us.

[@TXSHeat]

I can certainly try to put something together!

[@mattsshackbbq7559]

My board will go off when I set my temperature right before the fan is supposed to come on. Does this mean one of my switches are bad?

[@TXSHeat]

I bet it is a fried/melted wire shorting out. Remove the fan and plug it directly into the controller and see what happens.

[@dormir01]

I have the same issue

[@artblackwood7936]

I had the same issue. Fan wires were damaged.

[@Sal-yg4nq]

Any idea I bought a used 1050. It won’t heat up. Gets warm but not too warm. The fan is just sucking the hot air and melts then I replaced the fan and the new one melted in 40 min. What am I doing wrong. Should the fan be sucking or blowing into the grill? Should I feel hot air under the grill?

[@TXSHeat]

Fan shouldn't be "sucking' it should be blowing. do you have it installed backwards?

[@feltonenyard7176]

Anyone had any issues with the fan continuously running?

[@dtkristy1]

Great video! Happy 4th!

[@LegendsPizzaCo]

My fan won't turn on at all on a brand new unit. What's odd is I'm not getting any open error messages either and I'm at a lost. Any suggestions?

[@TXSHeat]

Sorry for the late reply! Hope you found a solution. I suspect it was a ash door or coal door switch.

[@markas91]

Please bear with me as I'm not sure how to word this. I just bought a 560. Somewhere between shipping and at home assembly, a silver pin that comes from the hopper lid male plug came out. We managed to shove it back in and the fan sprung to life. The next day we had no such luck. Any ideas? It feels like there's an easy temporary fix but I'm not sure how this works.

[@TXSHeat]

Best way is to strip the wires and tied them off together. You could order new JST cables from Amazon but it’s really not necessary. Good luck

[@wicked23s]

Would happen to have a link or what type of JST jumper cables from.

[@marcelokingston27]

i am considering buying the 1050 but i am concerned about the noise the fan makes on this unit. how loud is that thing? is it always on or when you reach set up temp it shuts down? also, is it possible to cook with the lid open or the fan just would not work if lid is not closed? thanks

[@TXSHeat]

The fan I recommend in this video runs at 44db so pretty quite. The fan speed and frequency that it turns on/off is going to based on your overall cook temp. Low and slow and the fan hardly has to work. Hot and fast then the fan has to work harder. Over all the fan isn’t really noticeable. Yes/No on cooking with the lid open this all based on factory controller and set them vs aftermarket controller (FireBoard). Factory will keep running with the lid open up to certain temp, I want to say 500 but can’t be for certain. Other option would be to tie off the lid switch and then problem goes away. FireBoard doesn’t need the switches to operate and you can set it to run without lid detection setting (based on ambient change not physical switch) good luck

[@derekcharles3515]

Using the Cooler Guys fan, do you find the FB controls temps as well as the stock controller and fan? How does it perform on other cookers you have? Thanks for the comprehensive video. You pushed me over the edge.

[@TXSHeat]

My 560 is running just the CGF fan and I haven't noticed any differences at all in performance. The 1050 with the FB and CGF is a different story. The fan is much more powerful bring the grill to temp much quicker. The Fireboard is far superior to the factory controller as it is very well thought out and comes with all the bells and whistles. I have used the FB 1 & 2 on other grills with the FB fan with great success as well. PID type controllers are the way to go. I also have FlameBOss and they operate equally as well without some of the bells and whistles. (ability to calibrate probes, used different type of probes and more complex charts)

[@derekcharles3515]

@@TXSHeat Thanks. Looks like it will be a plug'n play mod with FB2 Drive and CGF for my 560. My MB controller has shut down twice on me during cooks, so I have no confidence in it for overnighters. Hopefully, the new setup will solve all of that. I also have a Primo XL that I've been using a Guru on, however the wifi on the FB2 will give me a lot more options. I'll look for a vid on your actually using the FB2 on your MB1050. Thanks again.

[@muzzykolip]

Thanks for the great review. How powerful is the normal Masterbuilt fan. I mean what is the power output of it ? Can I run it outside with a 1000 W portable inverter ?

[@andrewfidel2220]

It's 1.5A @12V

[@khristopherbourque7345]

If my fan keeps running to max temps and does not stop at desired temp is that a fan issue being i dont know if their is a internal thermostat.

[@TXSHeat]

Yes there is a internal thermostat that is tied to the controller that controls the fan.

[@SnarkySolarGuy]

Not sure about the safety practice of bypassing interlocks. I have seen fire sucked into my 560 grilling area from the hopper and the interlock was the only thing that keep that from going into my face when I opened the lid. However, these are great short term solutions to get the cook back on track.

[@isainovski]

Desert temperature sensor in your master built that once it hits a certain temperature it cuts the fan off

[@TXSHeat]

@ 500 degrees the lid switch will turn the fan off if the lid is open

[@ronsullivan4975]

First of all...thanks for your very infomative video.... I still have a problem with my fan. I bought and received a replacement fan today which unfortunately did not solve the issue. I purchased my 560 a couple of years ago and after assembly it has sat on my covered patio covered additionally by the custom master built cover which I purchased seperately and has never been fired up at all I have followed your suggestions to no avail. In your video are you saying JSG cable? I don't have one and "googling JSG". doesn't reveal anything that resembles what you are showing.

[@TXSHeat]

Should be JST not JSG; amzn.to/3Ie954s you can also get away away with removing the switches. I suspect these are the cause of your issues. Good Luck!

[@ronsullivan4975]

@@TXSHeat Thanks so much for the prompt response. Hearing is one of the lost senses as you age and I can attest to that. lol .. I followed your video presentation of checking for faulty pressure switches without using the JST cables and still no luck in getting the fan to run, however I did get a readout on the control panel of an E4 message (charcoal did not ignite) so I deducted the fan would require a fire in the firebox to function so I followed the instructions on start up and loaded the box and ignited the charcoal. Waited about 5 minutes and then set the temp at 250 degrees for 60 minutes. After about 15 minutes in I get the same E4 message despite the fact the the interior of the grill temp has raised 30 degrees and plenty of smoke emitting from the unit. Followed the suggested corrections per the instruction pamphlet and restarted twice but continue to get the e4 message. Gonna tape the two leads from the masters switch and see if that helps. ?? Does the fan switches require a fire in the firebox to operate properly or can they be "hot wired". thanks again for your help! I'll close this chapter of the book now. lol

[@jasoninseattlewa79]

My 1050 fan stopped working. After some troubleshooting. It was discovered that a fan blade actually melted ( after only 3 cooks ).we are assuming a briquette got in there. I will be looking at replacing/upgrading the fan. Has anyone ever gotten a replacement fan from masterbuilt? Or is aftermarket the only option?

[@TXSHeat]

Yes you can get a replacement under warranty… maybe not sure if a melted fan blade is covered.

[@lukedobbins9093]

Just bought my 560.( It was assembled at the store.) Plugged it in and keeps saying error. Please help.

[@RaNDoM_MAI]

I’m confused I thought the fire board was just a WiFi monitor thermometer. Then I looked up fireboard2 with drive. Is that what you are doing with the new fan to totally avoid using the masterbuilt computer? Is it more steady temps then? Thanks for the videos

[@TXSHeat]

Both models of the FireBoard are able to control a fan. FB1 requires a “drive” cable where the FB2 has the cable function built in. Overall the experience is much better. FB is a fantastic controller in my opinion and does a great job controlling temps.

[@chip9832]

Switch broken, board says open door?

[@maulpears177]

I have a 560 Masterbuilt, and recently the fan stopped working in the middle of my cook couldn’t figure it out. My next cook it did the same thing did not turn back on. Could it be a fuse? Master built sent me a replacement wish me luck.

[@TXSHeat]

Sorry, likely a wire shorting out or a switch failure

[@monarchshockey1]

I actually had a smoker failure yesterday on my one month old masterbuilt 1050. Fan comes off and on without any control. This is brand new, unable to reach Masterbuilt, want to love this smoker but at the moment hate it. Had a large gathering scheduled and it died mid cook....bear in mind this was my 3rd use?? I guess I need to replace the fan but just guessing here since I cannot reach Masterbuilt. No more customer service over the phone or chat. smh

[@TXSHeat]

Sorry to hear the news! The fan it pretty generic, check the switches first and if needed hit up a local computer shop or hit Amazon up. I have a final review of the 1050 coming soon.

[@johnblack1888]

help! do i need a new fan or a new?? my 1050 is about a year old and has maybe 50 hours on it. the fan used to sound like a 747 on take of when i set temp to 700 deg. now it sounds like an electric car and grandma driving it. at anywhere from 550 to 645 deg the fan shuts off and won't come back on until the smoker is completely cooled down, as in next day. i have cleaned temp control plug. thoughts? thanks

[@TXSHeat]

I beat the fan is overheating. Good to have one a a backup.

[@joekunkel2176]

Need prices for firebox and fireboard fan and temp controller for a 560 might think 1050 if upgrades aren't outside of my total

[@TXSHeat]

Check out the link for Lukes pricing and ordering lss-mods.square.site

[@bigmike6296]

Does the cooler guys fan install perfectly where the factory fan does?

[@TXSHeat]

There are two sizes depths and speeds. The larger is a direct fit. The smaller that has similar fan speed specs is thinner and may require shorter screws.

[@patrikgibbons7560]

Where are you finding the factory fans at $25? Appreciate the help.

[@nateboulter804]

Have you had any issues with your Fireboard 2 going into a monitor mode and leaving the Drive screen so you can't change the temp? After about 30 mins mine leaves the Drive screen and I can't change the temp remotely without going outside and removing and plugging back in a probe. Thx

[@TXSHeat]

I haven’t seen this issue before! FB has amazing customer service give them a call!

[@derekcharles3515]

I just ordered the CGF for the FB2Drive. Exactly what connectors will I need for the fan wires? Any chance you have a link? Thanks for the help! Can't wait to get the FB2D!

[@TXSHeat]

Derek, really depends on how you plan on hooking up the FB. The FB uses a 2.5mm barrel plug for the fan outlet. So, you can do this a couple of ways. By-passing all the factory wiring - you just need to connect Fan to extra wire and a 2.5mm cable like this amzn.to/32Bblge or amzn.to/32tzkOs note: I didn't use either of these cables (I made my own but if I did it again I would use one of them) If you plan on using the factory switches you will still need a 2.5m cable from above and JST cables - amzn.to/3hxZDt4

[@derekcharles3515]

@@TXSHeat Thanks! Since FB2D has an "open lid" function, I'll bypass all the existing switches. So much simpler that way. Thank you for the help,

[@TXSHeat]

@@derekcharles3515 just what I did too!

[@derekcharles3515]

Have the FB2Drive, CG 120x120x38mm fan, hooked up with the adapter cord. What max fan speed and PID are you running?

[@TXSHeat]

70% with program 2 and 3 have worked fine for me.

[@derekcharles3515]

@@TXSHeat Perfect! Thank you. 70% is exactly how it works out, mathematically. I was worried cuz when I did a test outside the cooker, the fan was blaz'n and I knew that wouldn't work. Right now I'm hooked up with the BBQHQ cable that connects to the stock fan and switches and all is going really well. Next I'll try the larger cfm fan and see how that goes, although you likely have already done all of that. I may also get the 109cfm fan and use a direct-connect to the Drive, with Lid Detection on and see how I like that. That way, I can bypass all the switches. Thanks for the help!

[@TXSHeat]

@@derekcharles3515 Happy i could help out! I have a direct connect cable (homemade) because its not "if" but when the switches will fail. MB really should spend the extra and license from FireBoard or FlameBoss. The guys have really figured it out.

[@derekcharles3515]

@@TXSHeat First test couldn't have gone better. After gradually upping the temp, I finally put in a water pan, just to simulate some thermal mass and set to 250*. Once the mass was in, the FB2D with stock fan held rock steady..plus or minus just a couple of degrees. This is nothing like the OEM Masterbuilt controller. Thanks for the help!

[@AngellT]

@@derekcharles3515 I have the same setup. why is 70% the right max? Also what version of fan drive should it be set to?

[@BucaneerBri]

This grill makes great food when it works but I can’t trust it , the fan & temperature stops intermittently. I turn it off & back on which sometimes works but it’s messed up too many dinners. I didn’t know I was signing up to be an electrician & I may send it back while under a year old . I hope Home Depot takes it back

[@TXSHeat]

I am of the same opinion. There are many flaws with this grill... if only it didn't cook so well.

[@chompa1422]

Where can I get those loop back plugs?

[@TXSHeat]

check the description!

[@John-oz5gj]

Was really interested in a 560 but the stories of the fans stop working make me question the purchase. $500 is a lot to have it be useless within a few months possibly. And have to replace the fan.

[@TXSHeat]

I don't want to spoil my next review but the 560 is worth $200-250 in my book. Great concept but horrible materials use in the build.

[@John-oz5gj]

@@TXSHeat thanks for the info!!

[@jeffham5836]

thank you mucu

[@mpzielke]

I just got a 1050, and I’m the middle of a long cook, I’ll check on it, and notice that it has turned off. I’ve done 3 long cooks, and it’s done it all 3 times. The first time, I thought it was because the charcoal ran out, but it happened again with plenty of coal. Do you know why this is happening? It will come right back on as soon as I turn it back on...

[@TXSHeat]

You may want to disconnect all the fan and switch plugs and reconnect. Could be a fan with bad bearings or a bad controller. Good luck!

[@tonyt-21]

Thanks dude

[@urielbecerra1050]

Hi, can someone help I just got my 560, I set my temperature to 600 degrees and it gets there really quick. However when I open the grill and close it the fan won't start again till the temperature drops to around 250F. Is that normal? The grill is set at 600F

[@TXSHeat]

by design the fan will shut off if the lid is open and the temp is above 500f - hope this helps

[@AngellT]

What are your Fireboard Drive settings for the Coolerguys fan? I have mine set to PID Mode v0.5, Fan Mode Normal, Max Fan Speed % 100, but I can't get the fan to work under 40% speed.

[@TXSHeat]

I am using PID 2.0 and/or 3.0 I have found both work fine and Fan Speed is set to 100%.

[@AngellT]

@@TXSHeat Do you have problems with the fan not running at 25% or lower? I can see the fan try but it can't get started without some nudging.

[@mcallenfiercevolleyball3834]

What were your Fireboard 2 drive settings on PID when you were running it with the stock fan? Also on fan mode I have it on normal but it says Normal is for fans up to 25cfm and large for fans that operate at over 25cfm. Did you move any of these settings for the stock fan?

[@jorgeelizalde78]

Dude you rock!!

[@dewaynehutcheson9921]

I wouldn't even consider purchasing another Masterbuilt brand. The Masterbuilt has quality issues that have been around for several years and rather than work to eliminate the issue, they choose to "grease the squeaky wheel". Due to the inability to heat adequately consistently, a huge opportunity to introduce food poisoning to your family and friends with one of these smokers is very likely. The biggest problem by far, is now "due to the coronavirus" you can't talk to anyone when you call for tech support. You have to submit an online form and someone contacts you via email, and It seems that there could possibly be a language barrier. #MasterbuiltIsJunk

[@TXSHeat]

But the food taste so good on this thing! Ugh love hate relationship is real.

[@Edward135i]

If you have a fan failure, you go in your house and harvest one from your PC 🤣

[@TXSHeat]

But then you can watch my videos! Buy a fan your gonna need it. Haha thanks for watching

[@David-jz5bn]

where in TX do you live. I'm in Austin

[@TXSHeat]

Austin Area

[@peterhicks1093]

Great work. I am out in Bastrop and these really help since the factory controller set up is troublesome.

[@davidschultz9635]

Here is the real issue though. If a grill needs this much repair work then it is not a good grill. Why not make a better grill. Shouldn't this grill last for years without this much maintenance.

[@TXSHeat]

Just my take but the grill isn't for the price point it sits at. Half and I would say you are getting the top of line in that price point. It isn't "if" but rather "Win" something fails on this unit are you prepared or in the middle of a cook?

[@rexmccall7893]

The fan goes out in my 560 or 1050, I go inside my house and get my spare fan

[@4Gaming154.]

Dude, find your words. I get you're trying to be helpful, but damn, how is it helping when people can't actually follow a thing you're saying.

[@TXSHeat]

Great feedback! Can't wait to see your channel!