F3 E3
What code F3 E3 means on a Kenmore tumble dryers, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: HIGH
Kenmore F3 E3 means: Inlet thermistor failure. The documented cause is: Unplug the dryer and check the inlet thermistor wiring. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the wire harness if damaged. Check the resistance of the inlet thermistor.
What F3 E3 means
Inlet thermistor failure
The display shows F3 E3 and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.
What the technical documentation says
Causes documented in the technical source published by applianceaid.com
| DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK |
|---|
| Unplug the dryer and check the inlet thermistor wiring |
| Reconnect any loose wires |
| Replace the wire harness if damaged |
| Check the resistance of the inlet thermistor |
| It should measure about 50,000 ohms at room temperature |
| If the thermistor is defective, replace it |
| Replace the electronic control board if the inlet thermistor and wiring are okay |
Replacement parts
Tools you'll need
Before you open anything
Unplug the machine before removing any panel. Lint is flammable: never run a dryer with the filter removed, and clear the duct if the code points to airflow.
What to check, in order
From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.
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Frequently asked questions
What does F3 E3 mean on a Kenmore?
Inlet thermistor failure The documented cause is: Unplug the dryer and check the inlet thermistor wiring. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the wire harness if damaged. Check the resistance of the inlet thermistor. It should measure about 50,000 ohms at room temperature. If the thermistor is defective, replace it. Replace the electronic control board if the inlet thermistor and wiring are okay
Can I fix F3 E3 myself?
It depends on the part involved: Unplug the dryer and check the inlet thermistor wiring. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the wire harness if damaged. Check the resistance of the inlet thermistor. It should measure about 50,000 ohms at room temperature. If the thermistor is defective, replace it. Replace the electronic control board if the inlet thermistor and wiring are okay Clearing a filter or straightening a hose is within reach of anyone; anything behind a panel means mains electricity and water together — that is a job for a technician.
Does Kenmore use other codes on this appliance?
Yes: we document 65 other codes for Kenmore on this tumble dryers. They are listed at the bottom of this page, each with its own meaning.
Does the same code mean the same thing on other brands?
Often not. The same two characters can point to completely different faults depending on the manufacturer — always check the page for your own brand.