LG Dryer TE3 Error: Exhaust temperature sensor error
LG dryer error — here’s what you need to know. The tE3 error code on your LG dryer indicates Exhaust Thermistor Failure. This is a Medium severity issue. What Does tE3 Mean on an LG Dryer? The tE3 code signals a fault in the exhaust thermistor — the temperature sensor that monitors the air temperature […]
~72%
DIY Fixable
From 5
Typical Repair Cost
30–60 minutes
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. The dryer cannot safely regulate heat without a working exhaust thermistor. Do not operate it with a tE3 fault until the sensor is replaced.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Unplug for 5 minutes to reset the board. The code will only stay cleared permanently after the faulty thermistor is replaced or the wiring connection is restored.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Do not continue using the dryer without resolving the tE3 fault, Code returns immediately after every reset without any heat being produced.
Symptoms You May Notice
Auto-dry cycles run indefinitely or stop too early
Without a valid exhaust temperature reading, the moisture-sensing logic cannot determine when clothes are dry — the cycle either overruns or ends prematurely, leaving laundry damp or over-dried.
Dryer shuts off at the start of a heat cycle
The control board detects the tE3 fault immediately on startup and disables the heating circuit before any heat is produced, causing the drum to tumble cold.
tE3 displayed on the control panel
The error code appears on the display, typically at the start of a cycle or shortly after heating begins, and the dryer will not proceed with a heated cycle.
Inconsistent temperature performance
The dryer runs too hot, too cold, or cycles erratically because the control board receives inaccurate temperature readings from the faulty sensor.
Possible Causes
Worn-out exhaust thermistor
Repeated heat cycling causes the thermistor's resistance element to degrade over time until it falls outside the acceptable range and triggers a fault.
DIY PossibleCorroded or loose sensor connector
Moisture in the exhaust airstream corrodes the terminals on the thermistor's wiring connector, increasing resistance at the connection point and causing intermittent or permanent open-circuit faults.
DIY PossibleBlocked exhaust duct causing temperature extremes
Severe duct blockage forces exhaust temperatures to spike, potentially triggering an out-of-range tE3 reading from a thermistor that is otherwise healthy.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Power cycle and check for duct blockage
Unplug the dryer for 5 minutes. While it is unplugged, clean the lint screen and check the exterior vent for blockages. A d80/d90 level blockage can cause the exhaust thermistor to read out of range.
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2
Reseat the exhaust thermistor connector
Remove the back panel, locate the exhaust thermistor on the duct outlet near the drum, unplug and firmly reconnect the wiring harness. Check for any green corrosion on the terminals and clean with electrical contact cleaner if present.
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3
Test the thermistor resistance
With the connector unplugged, use a multimeter on the 20kΩ range across the thermistor terminals. At room temperature it should read approximately 10–50kΩ. An open or shorted reading confirms the thermistor needs replacement.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Thermistor replacement does not clear the tE3 code — control board may be faulty
- Wiring harness shows heat damage or broken wires that need professional repair
- Multiple error codes appearing together suggesting a broader electrical fault
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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