tE3 Serious Moderate DIY

LG Dryer tE3 — Inlet thermistor circuit fault

LG Dryer · Error code tE3

What tE3 Means

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.

Symptoms

  • tE3 on display
  • No heat or runaway heat complaints
  • Cycle aborts shortly after start
  • Code returns immediately after reset

Common Causes

1
Failed inlet thermistor

Open or shorted resistance element.

2
Disconnected thermistor harness

Connector unseated during a recent repair or vibration.

3
Heat-damaged wiring

Insulation melted near the heater box.

4
Main control board fault

Board's thermistor input circuit failed.

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.

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.

Common replacement LG dryer inlet thermistor View on 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 →

Verified against manufacturer documentation: lg.com

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