Kenmore Dryer Error Code E73

The E73 error code on a Kenmore dryer indicates an open circuit condition in the Inlet Control Thermistor circuit. The inlet control thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor positioned to monitor incoming air temperature at the dryer's air inlet. The control board continuously reads the resistance value from this thermistor to regulate heating cycles. When the board detects a resistance reading outside the expected range, or receives no signal at all due to a broken circuit, it stores the E73 fault and may suspend operation to prevent uncontrolled heating.

At room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 degrees Celsius), the inlet control thermistor should measure between 47K Ohm and 66K Ohm. An open circuit means the resistance is effectively infinite, which tells the control board the sensor signal is lost entirely. This can result from a physically failed thermistor, a broken wire in the harness, a loose connector pin, or corrosion at a connector terminal. Unlike a shorted thermistor, an open circuit produces no usable resistance reading, making the fault straightforward to confirm with a multimeter.

Diagnosing E73 begins with a resistance check directly across the thermistor terminals. If the reading falls outside the 47K to 66K Ohm window or shows OL (overload/open), the thermistor itself has failed and requires replacement. If the thermistor checks within spec, the wiring harness between the thermistor and control board should be inspected for breaks, pinched sections, or disconnected connectors. Repairing or replacing the affected wiring and retesting the circuit will confirm whether the fault has been resolved.