LG Dryer Error TE3: What It Means & How to Fix a Thermistor Fault
Quick answer: A TE3 code on an LG dryer means the thermistor is sending a bad temperature reading — usually a failed sensor or a loose wiring connection, not a full control board issue.
“Dryer was running but clothes came out cold every time. Vlad tested the thermistor with a meter right there, confirmed it had failed, and had the replacement with him. Back to normal same visit.”
Quick Answer
A TE3 code on an LG dryer means the thermistor — the small sensor that monitors drum temperature — is sending a reading outside the normal range. It’s most often a failed sensor itself, occasionally a loose or damaged wiring connection between the thermistor and the control board.
What Does Error TE3 Mean?
The thermistor continuously reports drum temperature so the control board can cycle the heater on and off correctly. If the reading is missing, erratic, or clearly out of range, the board can’t safely regulate heat — so it raises TE3 and may stop heating entirely rather than risk overheating or under-drying your clothes.
4 Steps to Diagnose a TE3 Error
Power cycle the dryer.
Unplug for 60 seconds — this clears a genuine one-off glitch in some cases.
Locate the thermistor.
It’s usually clipped near the exhaust duct or blower housing, depending on the model.
Check its wiring connection.
With power off, look for a loose, corroded, or disconnected plug at the thermistor or control board.
Have the thermistor tested if wiring looks fine.
A multimeter resistance test confirms whether the sensor itself has failed.
Can You Fix This Yourself?
A power cycle and a visual check of the wiring connection are safe to try yourself. Testing the thermistor’s resistance and replacing it usually means partially disassembling the dryer to reach it, which is worth leaving to a technician — it’s an inexpensive part, but the labour to access it is the bigger factor in the repair.
What Happens When You Call Star Appliance Repair
- Free service call with any completed repair — you’re never charged just to have us look
- Upfront price before any work begins, once the exact part is confirmed
- Most calls booked before noon get same-day service
- Manufacturer-approved parts, backed by our written warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to keep using the dryer with TE3 showing?
The dryer typically won’t heat properly with this fault, so cycles will run cold or shut off early — it’s not unsafe to try, but you won’t get usable results.
Will power cycling fix it for good?
It may clear the code temporarily, but if the thermistor has genuinely failed, TE3 will return on the next cycle.
Is this an expensive repair?
The thermistor itself is an inexpensive part — most of the cost is labour to access it, which your technician confirms on-site.
Could this be a wiring issue instead of the sensor?
Yes, and it’s worth checking first — a loose connector is a free fix, while a failed sensor needs a replacement part.
*Same-day service is offered whenever possible and depends on technician availability, parts, and your location within the GTA.