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tE

LG tE: Thermistor (temperature sensor) fault

The dryer's temperature-sensor circuit is reading out of range, shown as tE1, tE2, tE3, or tE4 depending on which sensor. It points to a failed thermistor, its wiring, or the control board.

May need a technician

By the FixByModel editorial team · Verified 2026-09 · Researched against manufacturer support & repair references (below)

Most likely causes

  1. Open or shorted thermistor (temperature sensor)
  2. Loose, corroded, or damaged sensor wiring/connector
  3. Very cold ambient conditions on a steam or cold cycle (tE2)
  4. Heat or debris damage at the sensor or harness
  5. Faulty control board
The heat circuit — check in this order
1Thermal fuse
2Heating element
3Cycling thermostat
4Thermistor
5Control board

Schematic illustration of a typical dryer — not your exact model.

Before you start — unplug the dryer, and on a gas model shut off the gas supply. Let it cool first — the drum, heater and exhaust can be hot. If a step involves the heating element, wiring, or opening the cabinet and you're unsure, stop and call a qualified technician.

Step-by-step fix

1Power resetUnplug the dryer or switch off its breaker for about 10 seconds, then restore power and start a new cycle to clear a possible glitch.
2Warm a cold dryerIf tE2 appears in a cold room or on a steam cycle, run a short warm/timed cycle first or move the dryer to a warmer space.
3Inspect the sensor wiringWith power disconnected, check the thermistor's connector and harness for loose, corroded, or heat-damaged contacts and reseat them.
4Test or replace the thermistorA sensor reading far out of range typically means the thermistor needs replacement.
5Call a technicianIf tE persists, have a technician diagnose the thermistor, wiring, or control board.

Still showing tE?

If you’ve worked through every step and tE keeps returning, an internal part likely needs testing and replacement. That’s a job for a qualified appliance technician, who can measure the suspect part against the service-manual spec before replacing it.

Which models this applies to

LG dryers. Most LG dryers; the trailing digit (tE1-tE4) identifies which temperature sensor is at fault.

FAQ

What does LG tE mean?

Thermistor (temperature sensor) fault. The dryer's temperature-sensor circuit is reading out of range, shown as tE1, tE2, tE3, or tE4 depending on which sensor. It points to a failed thermistor, its wiring, or the control board.

What causes LG tE?

The most likely cause is open or shorted thermistor (temperature sensor). Other causes include Loose, corroded, or damaged sensor wiring/connector; Very cold ambient conditions on a steam or cold cycle (tE2); Heat or debris damage at the sensor or harness; Faulty control board.

Can I fix LG tE myself?

Some checks are DIY, but this code often points to an internal component, so it may need a qualified technician.