# How to Fix Samsung Error tE3 (Housing Thermistor Open)
The Samsung error code **tE3** is a temperature-related fault that usually prevents the drying cycle from completing or starting. This guide will help you understand what the code means and how to replace the faulty component.
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## 1. What Does Samsung Error tE3 Mean?
In simple terms, the tE3 error indicates that the machine cannot detect the primary temperature sensor responsible for monitoring the heat within the dryer housing.
* **Technical Definition:** Housing Thermistor Open Circuit.
* **The Component:** The “Housing Thermistor” (often referred to simply as the Dryer Thermistor) is a resistor that measures the ambient temperature inside the heating chamber.
* **The Fault:** An “Open” circuit means the electrical path through the sensor is broken. This suggests the thermistor has completely failed, the wiring harness leading to it is broken, or it has become completely disconnected.
Because the machine cannot confirm the temperature (which is a critical safety measure), it will halt operation and display tE3.
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## 2. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting and Diagnosis
**Safety Warning:** Always unplug the washing machine/dryer combo unit from the wall outlet before opening the casing or touching internal components.
### Step 1: Locate the Dryer Thermistor
The Dryer Thermistor is typically located near the heating element assembly and the blower fan housing at the back of the unit.
1. **Access:** Pull the unit away from the wall.
2. **Remove Back Panel:** Use a screwdriver or hex driver to remove the screws securing the large rear panel of the appliance.
3. **Identify:** The thermistor is a small sensor plugged into the heating duct or housing. It will have two small wires connected to it. *Note: Do not confuse the thermistor with the thermal fuse; the thermal fuse is often much larger and wired inline with the heating element.*
### Step 2: Perform Visual Inspection
Before testing the component, check the connection points.
1. Inspect the wiring harness leading to the thermistor. Look for burnt insulation, melted plastic, or wires that have been chewed through (if rodent damage is possible).
2. Unplug the wires from the thermistor and inspect the terminals for corrosion. If they look damaged, cleaning them and resetting the connection may resolve the error.
### Step 3: Test the Thermistor (Using a Multimeter)
If the visual inspection is clean, the sensor itself is likely the problem. You will need a multimeter set to measure resistance (Ohms – $Omega$) for this test.
1. **Disconnect:** Ensure the thermistor is completely disconnected from the machine’s wiring harness.
2. **Probe:** Place the multimeter probes on the two metal terminals of the thermistor. Polarity does not matter for this test.
3. **Read the Resistance:**
* **Expected Reading:** A working thermistor at standard room temperature (around 70°F/21°C) should typically read in the range of **10 to 15 kOhms** (10,000 to 15,000 Ohms).
* **Faulty Reading (tE3 Open):** Since the error is “Open,” the multimeter will likely show **O.L.** (Over Limit), **I** (Infinity), or a reading far higher than the expected range, indicating no continuity or a completely broken circuit path.
### Step 4: Component Replacement
If the multimeter confirms an open circuit (O.L. or infinite resistance), the thermistor is faulty and needs replacement.
1. **Removal:** The thermistor is usually secured by a single screw or held in place by a simple plastic clip. Remove the old unit.
2. **Installation:** Install the new Dryer Thermistor in the exact same location.
3. **Reconnect:** Plug the wires back onto the new sensor, ensuring the connection is secure.
4. **Test:** Reinstall the back panel, plug the unit back in, and run a short diagnostic or drying cycle to confirm the tE3 error is cleared.
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## 3. Call to Action
Check the price for a replacement Dryer Thermistor here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+Dryer+Thermistor&tag=trivian-20
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