What should I check first for Whirlpool dryer error F3E3?

With the dryer unplugged, check the inlet thermistor's wiring for loose connections.

F3E3Medium

Whirlpool dryer error F3E3

F3E3 means the dryer's inlet thermistor has failed.

Also shows as F3 E3

Symptom
F3E3
Free checks
3 checks
Most likely cause
Inlet thermistor failed

The 3 free checks

Start at the top. Unplug the machine first.

01
With the dryer unplugged, check the inlet thermistor's wiring for loose connections.
02
Measure the inlet thermistor's resistance — expect about 49,000 to 50,000 ohms at room temperature.
03
Turn off the dryer's circuit breaker(s) for one minute, then turn them back on and start a timed dry cycle to see whether F3E3 returns.

What causes it

Listed most likely first.

Cause	How often	DIY
Inlet thermistor failed	Most common	Yes
Inlet thermistor wire harness loose or damaged	Common	Yes
Electronic control board	Rare	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.