What this code means
The tE, tE1, or tE3 error code on an LG dryer indicates a thermistor or temperature-sensing fault. The control board is not receiving a valid temperature signal from the dryer’s thermistor sensor. This sensor monitors drum and exhaust air temperature to prevent overheating and to cycle the heating element properly. When the thermistor reads open, shorted, or sends implausible data, the control stops the cycle and displays the code.
LG groups tE1 and tE3 together as thermistor problems. In many cases the fault is temporary and clears with a factory reset. When the error returns or persists, the actual hardware has failed or the wiring between the sensor and control board is damaged, corroded, or loose. Restricted airflow from lint buildup can also cause abnormal temperatures that trigger the fault, though the sensor or wiring is still the most common root cause.
Before You Replace Anything
Homeowners often replace the main control board when the real problem is a $15 thermistor or a loose connector. Always test the thermistor resistance with a multimeter and inspect the harness before ordering a new board.
Common Causes
- Failed thermistor sensor The temperature sensor reads open, shorted, or far out of specification and no longer sends reliable data to the control board.
- Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring harness or connector Vibration, moisture, or heat has compromised the terminals or wiring between the thermistor and the main control board, breaking the signal path.
- Control board glitch or temporary fault A soft error in the control board memory triggers the code even though all hardware is functional, and a factory reset clears it.
- Restricted airflow or lint buildup Heavy lint accumulation in the duct, housing, or blower wheel causes abnormal temperature spikes that the thermistor reports as out-of-range, triggering the fault.
- Failed main control board sensing circuit The control board’s temperature-input circuitry has failed, misinterpreting a good sensor signal as invalid.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Unplug the dryer or switch off both breakers (electric dryers use two 120-volt breakers for 240 volts total) and wait two minutes for the control to discharge.
- Press and hold the START/PAUSE button for about five seconds while the unit is still unplugged to reset the control memory, then restore power and run a short test cycle to see if the code clears.
- Clean the lint screen and housing by removing the filter, vacuuming the slot, and pulling the dryer forward to disconnect and inspect the entire exhaust duct for kinks, crushed sections, or heavy lint blockage.
- Access the thermistor by removing the rear or top panel (location varies by model) and locate the small sensor mounted on the blower housing or duct, then disconnect its two-wire connector and inspect both the sensor terminals and the harness plug for corrosion, burn marks, or looseness.
- Test the thermistor resistance with a multimeter set to ohms; at room temperature many LG thermistors read in the 10,000–11,700 ohm range, but consult your model’s service data for the exact specification and compare your reading.
- Replace the thermistor if it reads open (infinite resistance), shorted (near zero), or significantly outside specification; the sensor typically secures with a single screw or clip and requires no special tools.
- Inspect the wiring harness from the thermistor all the way to the main control board for pinched, melted, or broken wires, and check every inline connector for tight seating and clean contacts.
- Test the control board only after verifying the thermistor and harness are good; if the sensor reads correctly but the code persists, the control board’s sensing circuit has likely failed and the board must be replaced.
- Reassemble the dryer, restore power, and run a full heat cycle to confirm the tE code does not return and the dryer heats and shuts off normally.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| LG dryer thermistor temperature sensor | Amazon | Verify the part number from your model’s service label or wiring diagram; sensors are model-specific. |
| Wiring harness or connector repair kit | Amazon | Only needed if terminals are burned or wires are broken; inspect before ordering. |
| LG dryer main control board | Amazon | Replace only after confirming the thermistor and harness test good; boards are expensive and less commonly the cause. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a technician if you are uncomfortable working with 240-volt appliances, if the thermistor and wiring both test good but the code persists (indicating a control-board fault that requires board-level diagnosis), or if you lack a multimeter and cannot verify sensor resistance. A pro can quickly test the thermistor in-circuit, check the control board’s input voltage and signal continuity, and replace the correct part the first time. Professional service is also wise if the dryer has had repeated tE codes, water damage, or other intermittent faults that suggest a larger electrical issue.