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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code F3E3

Inlet thermistor open or shorted; open if temperature below 18°F (>245k ohms), shorted if above 391°F (<328…

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Inlet thermistor open or shorted; open if temperature below 18°F (>245k ohms), shorted if above 391°F (<328 ohms).

First step from the service manual

See TEST #4a: Thermistors, page 19.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What F3E3 means on a Maytag dryer

F3E3 indicates the control board has detected an open circuit condition in the inlet thermistor. The inlet thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor mounted at the air inlet of the dryer. When the thermistor goes open, its resistance climbs above 245k ohms, which corresponds to a sensed temperature below 18°F. The control board interprets this as a sensor failure and throws F3E3. The first diagnostic step is TEST #4a: Thermistors on page 16 of the service manual, which walks through resistance and continuity checks on the thermistor and its wiring harness.

In plain terms, your dryer has a small sensor near where air enters the drum that monitors temperature. This sensor feeds live temperature data to the dryer's control board so it can regulate the heating cycle. When F3E3 appears, the control board is no longer receiving a valid signal from this sensor because the sensor's internal circuit has broken open. The board cannot confirm actual air temperature, so it shuts down or interrupts the cycle to prevent overheating or improper operation.

The failure can originate from the thermistor itself, the wiring harness connecting it to the control board, or the connector pins at either end of that circuit. A genuine component fault inside the thermistor is the most common cause, but damaged wiring and corroded connectors account for a meaningful portion of cases and should be checked before replacing the sensor.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F3E3

  1. 01

    Failed inlet thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor's internal resistance element has broken open, causing resistance to exceed 245k ohms. This is the most common cause of F3E3 and requires replacing the inlet thermistor.

  2. 02

    Broken or damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    A wire in the harness between the inlet thermistor and the control board has broken or chafed through, creating an open circuit. The thermistor itself may test fine, but the signal cannot reach the board.

  3. 03

    Corroded or loose connector pins

    Wiring / connection

    The connector at the thermistor or at the control board end of the harness has corroded pins or has pulled loose, interrupting the circuit. Reseating or cleaning the connector may resolve the fault without replacing parts.

  4. 04

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    In rare cases where the thermistor and wiring harness both test within spec, the control board's thermistor input circuit may have failed, causing it to misread a good sensor as open. Replacing the control board is required.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F3E3

What does F3E3 mean on a Maytag dryer?
F3E3 means the control board has detected an open circuit in the inlet thermistor. The inlet thermistor monitors air temperature entering the drum, and when its resistance rises above 245k ohms (equivalent to a sensed temperature below 18°F), the board logs this code. The fault points to the thermistor itself, its wiring harness, or the connectors in that circuit.
Is it safe to keep using my Maytag dryer with an F3E3 error code?
Running the dryer with F3E3 active is not advisable. Without a functioning inlet thermistor, the control board cannot accurately monitor air temperature during the cycle. This removes a key safeguard against overheating, which creates a potential fire hazard and can damage clothing. Resolve the fault before resuming normal use.
How do I fix F3E3 on a Maytag dryer?
Start with TEST #4a: Thermistors on page 16 of the service manual. This test walks you through measuring the resistance of the inlet thermistor and checking continuity through its wiring harness. If the thermistor reads above 245k ohms at room temperature or shows an open circuit, replace the inlet thermistor. If the thermistor tests good, inspect the harness and connectors for damage or corrosion before suspecting the control board.
How much does it cost to fix F3E3 on a Maytag dryer?
An inlet thermistor part typically costs between $15 and $40 depending on the model. If you are comfortable using a multimeter and removing the dryer's back or top panel, this is a repair most homeowners can complete in under an hour. If a technician is needed, expect a service call plus labor totaling $100 to $200 in most markets, depending on your location and the technician's rate.
Can a loose wire cause F3E3 on a Maytag dryer?
Yes. An open circuit anywhere in the wiring harness between the inlet thermistor and the control board will trigger F3E3, even if the thermistor itself is functional. Before ordering a replacement thermistor, inspect the connector at the thermistor and at the board for bent, corroded, or unseated pins. Reseating the connectors and clearing the code resolves the problem in some cases at no parts cost.

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