Electrolux Dryer Error Code F3

The F3 error code on an Electrolux dryer indicates an open circuit condition in the oven temperature sensor circuit. When the control board sends a signal through the temperature sensor loop and receives no return signal, it interprets this as a broken or disconnected circuit. The board immediately triggers an audible alarm and locks out all cook or heat modes to prevent the appliance from operating without valid temperature feedback. This is a protective response designed to avoid uncontrolled heating.

The temperature sensor, sometimes referred to as a thermistor or resistance temperature detector, works by varying its electrical resistance in response to heat. Under normal operation, the control board reads this resistance to monitor drum or element temperatures and regulate the heating cycle. An open circuit means the sensor or its wiring has lost continuity entirely, producing infinite resistance readings that the board flags as a fault condition.

Common root causes include a physically failed sensor that has broken internally, corroded or disconnected wiring at the sensor connector, or damaged wire harness leads running between the sensor and the control board. In some cases, a faulty control board may falsely report an open sensor circuit even when the sensor itself tests within spec. Diagnosing the fault requires checking continuity through the sensor and its wiring harness with a multimeter to isolate whether the break is at the component level or in the circuit path.