tE3
What code tE3 means on a Kenmore tumble dryers, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: HIGH
Kenmore tE3 means: Heater thermistor failure. The documented cause is: Unplug the dryer and check the heater thermistor wiring. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the wire harness if damaged. Check the resistance of the heater thermistor.
What tE3 means
Heater thermistor failure
The display shows tE3 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 heater thermistor wiring |
| Reconnect any loose wires |
| Replace the wire harness if damaged |
| Check the resistance of the heater thermistor |
| It should measure about 250,000 ohms at room temperature |
| If the thermistor is defective, replace it |
| Replace the main control board if the heater 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 tE3 mean on a Kenmore?
Heater thermistor failure The documented cause is: Unplug the dryer and check the heater thermistor wiring. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the wire harness if damaged. Check the resistance of the heater thermistor. It should measure about 250,000 ohms at room temperature. If the thermistor is defective, replace it. Replace the main control board if the heater thermistor and wiring are okay
Can I fix tE3 myself?
It depends on the part involved: Unplug the dryer and check the heater thermistor wiring. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the wire harness if damaged. Check the resistance of the heater thermistor. It should measure about 250,000 ohms at room temperature. If the thermistor is defective, replace it. Replace the main control board if the heater 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.