# How to Fix LG Error tE3 (Thermistor High)
The error code **tE3** is specific to LG Washer/Dryer Combo units and indicates a critical fault within the appliance’s drying mechanism. This guide will help you understand and resolve the issue safely.
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## 1. Explanation: What does tE3 mean in plain English?
The **tE3** error code stands for **Thermistor High** or **Dryer Thermistor Fault.**
A thermistor is a temperature sensor. Your washer/dryer combo uses this sensor to monitor and regulate the heat during the drying cycle, preventing the machine from overheating.
When the machine displays **tE3**, it means the sensor is sending an electrical signal back to the main control board that indicates an impossibly high temperature. This usually happens when the **Dryer Thermistor** has failed electrically, leading to an extremely high resistance reading (or a complete open circuit).
**The Likely Culprit:** The Dryer Thermistor itself needs replacement.
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## 2. Step-by-Step Fix: How to Diagnose the Issue
Before attempting any internal checks, **always unplug the LG washer/dryer unit from the wall outlet.**
### Step 1: Power Cycle and Environmental Check (The Quick Fix)
1. **Reset the Machine:** Unplug the washer/dryer combo unit completely. Wait 10 minutes, and then plug it back in. Sometimes, temporary electrical interference can trigger a fault code.
2. **Check Ventilation:** While tE3 is usually an electrical failure, extreme blockage in the exhaust duct can sometimes lead to excessively high localized temperatures. Ensure the dryer vent hose is clean, unkinked, and the external vent flap is not blocked.
### Step 2: Access the Dryer Thermistor
The Dryer Thermistor is typically located near the heating element housing or the blower housing in the back of the unit. Access usually requires removing the top and rear panel of the machine.
1. **Locate the Thermistor:** Consult your model’s technical diagram, but generally, the thermistor is mounted near the airflow path that leads to the vent. It will be a small, black plastic or metal sensor attached via two wires.
2. **Perform a Visual Inspection:**
* Check the wiring leading to the thermistor. Look for burnt insulation, rodent damage, or loose connections.
* Ensure the thermistor housing hasn’t been melted or damaged by excessive heat.
3. **Check Connections:** If the connectors feel loose, gently remove and reattach them to ensure good contact.
### Step 3: Test the Thermistor (Requires a Multimeter)
To confirm that the thermistor is the failed component, you must test its resistance (measured in Ohms).
1. **Set your Multimeter:** Set the multimeter to the lowest Ohms (Ω) setting (usually 20kΩ).
2. **Disconnect Wires:** Disconnect the wires leading to the thermistor component itself.
3. **Measure Resistance:** Touch the two probes of the multimeter to the two terminals on the thermistor component.
4. **Analyze the Reading:**
* **Expected Reading (Good):** At normal room temperature (approx. 70°F/21°C), the thermistor should typically read between **10,000 and 15,000 Ohms (10kΩ to 15kΩ)**, depending on your specific model.
* **tE3 Error Reading (Bad):** If the thermistor is open or shorted out (the cause of tE3), your meter will likely read **”OL” (Over Limit)**, **”1″**, or a value far outside the normal range (e.g., 50,000+ Ohms).
**Conclusion:** If your multimeter shows an “open circuit” (OL or 1), the Dryer Thermistor has failed and must be replaced.
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Check the price for a replacement Dryer Thermistor here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=LG+Dryer Thermistor&tag=trivian-20
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