LG · Dryer Serious

tE3 — Inlet thermistor circuit fault

tE3 indicates the inlet thermistor (located near the heating element on electric models or near the burner on gas models) is open, shorted, or out of range. The dryer cannot safely regulate heater on/off times without it.

Keep using it?
Limited use only
DIY difficulty
Moderate

How to fix it

  1. Unplug for 60 seconds; hold Start/Pause 5 seconds to soft-reset.
  2. Pull the dryer out and remove the rear panel.
  3. Locate the inlet thermistor on the heater box (electric) or burner duct (gas).
  4. Disconnect and measure resistance — typically ~10 kΩ at room temperature; replace if out of range.
  5. Inspect the harness for melted insulation and reseat all connectors at the main board.
  6. Reassemble, restore power, and run a Timed Dry to confirm tE3 has cleared.

Why it happens

Typical signs: tE3 on display · No heat or runaway heat complaints · Cycle aborts shortly after start · Code returns immediately after reset

  • Failed inlet thermistor Open or shorted resistance element.
  • Disconnected thermistor harness Connector unseated during a recent repair or vibration.
  • Heat-damaged wiring Insulation melted near the heater box.
  • Main control board fault Board's thermistor input circuit failed.

Parts you may need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • LG dryer inlet thermistor Common replacement
    Amazon →

More LG dryer codes

AE AE — Compressor / heat-pump system fault bE bE — Drum drive belt broken or off CL CL — Child Lock / Control Lock active d80 d80 / d90 / d95 — Exhaust Duct Blocked D90 D80 / D90 / D95 — Clogged Exhaust Vent d95 d95 — Exhaust duct ~95% blocked

All LG codes → All dryer codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the tE3 code mean on a LG dryer?

tE3 indicates the inlet thermistor (located near the heating element on electric models or near the burner on gas models) is open, shorted, or out of range. The dryer cannot safely regulate heater on/off times without it.

What causes the tE3 code on a LG dryer?

Failed inlet thermistor: Open or shorted resistance element. Disconnected thermistor harness: Connector unseated during a recent repair or vibration. Heat-damaged wiring: Insulation melted near the heater box.

Is it safe to keep using a LG dryer with a tE3 error?

Limited use only. This is rated a serious-severity fault.

How do I fix tE3 on a LG dryer?

Unplug for 60 seconds; hold Start/Pause 5 seconds to soft-reset. Pull the dryer out and remove the rear panel. Locate the inlet thermistor on the heater box (electric) or burner duct (gas).

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.