LG Dryer tE3 Error Code — What It Means
The tE3 error code indicates your LG dryer has detected a problem with the thermistor, a temperature sensor that monitors and maintains the dryer’s internal temperature. When the control board receives an out-of-range or invalid signal from this sensor, it stops the cycle as a safety measure and displays tE3.
LG’s official guidance treats this as often a transient control glitch rather than a hard component failure. The manufacturer’s first-line fix is a factory reset by removing all power to the unit. If the code returns after the reset, the thermistor itself or its wiring is the most likely culprit.
Common Causes
- Temporary control glitch or power surge The control board may have logged a momentary invalid reading, and LG’s reset procedure clears this fault in many cases.
- Defective thermistor The temperature sensor may be open, shorted, or reading out of specification, sending an invalid signal to the control.
- Loose, damaged, or corroded thermistor wiring Connectors or harness wires between the sensor and control board can work loose, corrode, or sustain heat damage over time.
- Faulty main control board If the thermistor and wiring test correctly, the control board itself may be misinterpreting a valid sensor signal.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Verify the error code and document the cycle when tE3 appeared, then turn off the dryer.
- Remove all power by unplugging the dryer or switching off both legs of the 240-volt circuit breaker, and wait at least 10 seconds (LG specifies this minimum).
- Restore power and start a new drying cycle to see if the code clears and the dryer runs normally.
- If tE3 returns, unplug the dryer again and locate the thermistor, which is typically mounted on the duct or heater-box assembly (consult your model’s service manual for exact placement).
- Inspect the thermistor connector and harness for loose pins, corrosion, burn marks, or damaged insulation, and clean or repair any visible faults.
- Test the thermistor with a multimeter by disconnecting it and measuring resistance across its terminals (consult your model’s specification sheet for expected values at room temperature, as LG does not publish a universal figure).
- Replace the thermistor if it reads open, shorted, or significantly out of range, or if the resistance does not change smoothly when you warm the sensor body by hand.
- If the thermistor and wiring test good, the main control board is the remaining suspect and should be evaluated or replaced by a qualified technician.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| LG dryer thermistor (temperature sensor) | Amazon | Order by your model number. The thermistor is specific to your dryer’s duct or heater configuration. |
| Thermistor wire harness | Amazon | Needed only if the existing harness shows burn damage, broken wires, or corroded terminals that cannot be cleaned. |
| Main control board (EBR series or model-specific) | Amazon | Required if the thermistor and wiring test correctly but tE3 persists. Verify your exact board part number before ordering. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified appliance technician if the tE3 code returns after a power reset and you are not comfortable working with a multimeter or accessing internal dryer components. Also call if you have replaced the thermistor and verified all wiring but the code persists, since control-board diagnosis requires experience with low-voltage circuits and proper grounding on a 240-volt appliance. If your dryer is still under warranty, contact LG or an authorized service center before opening the cabinet to preserve your coverage.