Masterbuilt Charcoal Grill Err 5 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Err 5 on a Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 means a meat probe is reading above 300°F — hotter than it is meant to measure.
What this code means
The manual's entry for Err 5 is "Meat Probe Temp above 300°F". That is far beyond any food temperature, so it normally means the probe tip has ended up in the hot air of the grill or against the grate. The fix is to take it out, unplug it and let it cool.
Masterbuilt's manual for the Gravity Series 600 (model MB20041023) lists "Err 5" in its troubleshooting table with this meaning. Masterbuilt's other grills and smokers have their own tables, so check the manual for your model number.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Probe tip sitting in open air or touching the grate instead of inside the food | Very common | Yes — gloves only |
| Probe left in the grill with no food on it | Common | Yes — gloves only |
What you can try yourself
- Put on protective gloves and remove the meat probe from the grill.
- Unplug the probe from the controller.
- Leave the probe to cool.
- When you put it back, push the tip into the centre of the thickest part of the meat, clear of bone and the grate.
When to call a technician
- Err 5 shows with the probe cool and unplugged from the grill.
- The probe keeps reading far too high once it is back in food.
Typical professional repair cost: Free. A probe that reads wrongly after cooling is a replacement accessory from Masterbuilt.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Masterbuilt say Err 5?
A meat probe has read more than 300°F. Take it out with gloves, unplug it and let it cool, then reinsert it properly into the meat.
Can a meat probe be damaged by high heat?
The manual treats 300°F as the point where the probe must come out and cool. Leaving one exposed to direct grill heat is best avoided.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Masterbuilt codes
- Masterbuilt Charcoal Grill Err 1 Err 1 on a Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 means the grill's temperature probe is not fully plugged in to the controller.
- Masterbuilt Charcoal Grill Err 2 Err 2 on a Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 means a meat probe has malfunctioned, and the manual sends you to Masterbuilt Customer Service.
- Masterbuilt Charcoal Grill Err 3 Err 3 on a Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 means the grill has overheated, and the manual names a grease fire or a fan malfunction as the things to look for.
- Masterbuilt Charcoal Grill Err 4 Err 4 on a Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 means the charcoal failed to ignite, and the manual gives a five-point checklist before you restart.
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