What should I check first for Whirlpool dryer error E3?

Check the part numbers of the user interface and the main control board to confirm they are the correct matching pair for this model.

What usually causes Whirlpool dryer error E3?

User interface (control key panel) that does not match the control board

E3Medium

Whirlpool dryer error E3

E3 means a replacement user interface or main control board does not match the dryer, so the two cannot pair correctly.

Symptom
E3
Free checks
2 checks
Most likely cause
User interface (control key panel) that does not match the control board

The 2 free checks

Start at the top. Unplug the machine first.

01
Check the part numbers of the user interface and the main control board to confirm they are the correct matching pair for this model.
02
Turn off the dryer's circuit breaker(s) for 5 minutes, then turn them back on and start a timed dry cycle to see whether E3 returns.

What causes it

Listed most likely first.

Cause	How often	DIY
User interface (control key panel) that does not match the control board	Most common	Yes
Main electronic control board that does not match the user interface	Common	Yes

Before you check anything

Disconnect the power first. Unplug the machine at the socket, or switch off its circuit at the consumer unit if it is hard-wired. Do this before opening any panel, reaching into a pump filter, or moving the appliance.
Turn off the water before disconnecting a hose, and have a towel and a shallow tray ready — a drain hose holds water even when the drum looks empty.
Gas, mains wiring and sealed refrigeration are for a qualified professional — in many countries that is a legal requirement, not advice. If you smell gas, do not touch any switch: leave, and call your gas emergency number from outside.
Stop if you smell burning, see scorched wiring, or find water near an electrical connection. None of those is a code to look up.

The checks on this page are the manufacturer’s own, rewritten and sourced, and they are reference information rather than a repair instruction for your particular machine. Model, age and installation all change what is safe to do. You are the one standing in front of it — if a step looks wrong for the machine you have, trust that and call a technician.