The smoke unit should read 8 ohms. There are 2 16 ohm elements in parallel. When touching one lead to the smoke element joint and the other lead to the chassis do you get a reading or open. Should be open.
Do you have individual 2 pin plugs near the smoke unit. 2 wire to fan motor and 2 to element? You can test disconnecting just the fan motor. Frankly at this point you can try a new fan motor. If it is going or is bad it may cause these symptoms. I realize it works on a battery, but a battery can source more current than the board does. G
I get "open" (no reading) when touching a lead to either joint and the other lead to the chassis.
I do not have individual plugs near the smoke unit, they are soldered.