LG dryer — Error Code tE
The control board detects an invalid resistance reading from the thermistor.
What it means
The tE (Thermistor Error) code on an LG dryer indicates a failure in the temperature sensing circuit. The main control board continuously monitors the resistance of the NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor to regulate drum temperature. At room temperature (around 70°F), a healthy LG dryer thermistor should measure approximately 10k ohms. If the board detects infinite resistance (an open circuit) or zero resistance (a short circuit), it immediately halts the heating cycle and throws the tE code to prevent thermal runaway, overheating, or fire hazards. This fault is almost always electrical, stemming from a failed thermistor on the blower housing, a damaged wiring harness, or a malfunctioning main control board failing to process the sensor's input DC voltage.
Likely Causes
- 1 Failed NTC ThermistorThe temperature sensor has degraded, shorted, or opened internally. This is the most common cause of the tE code.
- 2 Wiring Harness or Connection IssuesLoose, corroded, or broken wires between the thermistor and the main control board prevent the resistance signal from reaching the microprocessor.
- 3 Main Control Board FailureThe board's temperature sensing circuit is damaged (often due to a power surge) and cannot read the thermistor's resistance accurately, even if the sensor is good.
- 4 Severe Airflow RestrictionWhile usually triggering an airflow code, extreme temperature spikes from a blocked vent can permanently damage the thermistor over time.
How to clear / reset
To temporarily clear the tE code, perform a hard reset by unplugging the dryer or flipping the circuit breaker for 3 to 5 minutes. Reconnect power and start a normal cycle. If the code was triggered by a transient software glitch, the dryer will operate normally. However, because tE is a hard hardware fault (open or short circuit), the code will typically return immediately upon starting a cycle if the thermistor or wiring is genuinely defective. The only permanent way to clear the code is to replace the faulty component and restore the correct resistance to the sensor circuit.
Common replacement parts
When to call a pro
Call a professional if a hard reset does not clear the tE code and you are not comfortable using a multimeter to test live voltage or resistance values. Diagnosing this issue requires accessing the blower housing, testing the thermistor for ~10k ohms at room temperature, and checking continuity to the main board. If the sensor tests good, the main control board likely requires replacement. Axis Appliance Repair offers a $90 diagnostic (waived upon repair approval) and a 1-year parts and labor warranty to ensure your LG dryer is safely and accurately repaired.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fix an LG dryer tE code?
If the issue is just the thermistor, repairs typically range from $150 to $250 including parts and labor. If the main control board is at fault, the total repair can run $300 to $450.
Can I bypass the thermistor to run my dryer?
Absolutely not. Bypassing the thermistor removes the dryer's ability to regulate heat, creating a severe fire hazard and risking permanent damage to the heating element, drum, and your home.
Will the tE code clear itself?
No. Unless it was a momentary power spike, the tE code indicates a physical electrical failure (open or short circuit) that requires testing and component replacement to resolve.
How long does it take to fix this error?
A professional technician can usually disassemble the unit, diagnose the circuit, replace the faulty thermistor, and test the dryer in under an hour.
Can a clogged vent cause the tE code?
Indirectly, yes. While a clogged vent usually triggers a D80/D90 code or trips the thermal fuse, chronic overheating from poor airflow can prematurely degrade and destroy the thermistor.
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