What Does Error Code tE3 Mean on an LG Washing Machine?
Clean the condenser filter and heat exchanger fins at the front bottom panel of the machine to remove lint blockages that cause false thermistor readings, then restart the cycle (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code tE3 appears on LG heat pump washing machines when the control board detects an abnormal signal from the condenser temperature sensor, also known as the heat exchanger thermistor. This sensor monitors the temperature inside the heat pump condenser unit to ensure the drying and washing cycle runs safely and efficiently.
When tE3 triggers, the machine will typically pause mid-cycle or refuse to start a new programme. You may notice the drum stops, the display flashes tE3, and in some cases the appliance beeps repeatedly. The heat pump system is effectively disabled until the fault is resolved.
The good news is that tE3 is not always caused by a failed component. Blocked airflow around the condenser is a very common trigger, and clearing it takes only a few minutes with no tools required.
Causes
- Blocked or clogged condenser filter — Lint, fluff, and debris accumulate in the condenser filter over time, restricting airflow across the heat exchanger. Reduced airflow causes the condenser to overheat or produce erratic temperature readings, triggering tE3.
- Faulty or degraded heat exchanger thermistor — The thermistor itself can fail due to age, moisture ingress, or physical damage. A failed thermistor sends an out-of-range resistance value to the control board, which the machine interprets as a sensor error.
- Loose or corroded thermistor wiring connection — Vibration during spin cycles can loosen the electrical connector between the thermistor and the main PCB. Corrosion on the connector pins can also cause intermittent or absent signals.
- Heat pump refrigerant issue — If the heat pump circuit has lost refrigerant charge or has a blockage, the condenser temperature can behave abnormally and push the thermistor reading outside acceptable limits. This is a less common cause and requires professional diagnosis.
- Main PCB fault — In rare cases the control board itself misreads or fails to process the thermistor signal correctly. This is usually only suspected after the thermistor and wiring have been confirmed as good.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Power off and unplug the machine
Switch the washing machine off at the programme dial and unplug it from the wall socket. Wait at least two minutes before doing anything else. This allows any residual charge to dissipate and gives the control board a full reset, which occasionally clears a transient tE3 fault on its own.
- 2
Clean the condenser filter
Open the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Pull out the condenser filter — it usually slides or clips out without tools. Rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove all lint and debris, then leave it to dry completely before reinserting. LG recommends cleaning this filter every month on heat pump models.
- 3
Inspect and clean the heat exchanger fins
With the condenser filter removed, shine a torch into the housing and look at the metal fins of the heat exchanger. Use a soft brush or the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to gently remove any compacted fluff from the fin surface. Avoid bending the fins, as this can further restrict airflow.
- 4
Restart the machine and run a short cycle
Reinsert the clean filter, close the access panel, plug the machine back in, and run a short cotton or rinse cycle. Watch to see whether tE3 reappears. If the error is gone, the blockage was the root cause and no further action is needed.
- 5
Check the thermistor wiring connector
If tE3 persists, unplug the machine again and carefully remove the rear or top panel according to your model's service layout. Locate the heat exchanger thermistor — a small sensor clipped to the condenser housing with a two-wire connector. Press the connector firmly to reseat it and check for any signs of corrosion or burnt pins. Clean corroded pins gently with electrical contact cleaner.
- 6
Test the thermistor resistance
With the connector unplugged, use a multimeter set to the resistance (Ohms) range and measure across the two thermistor terminals. At room temperature (around 20°C) a healthy NTC thermistor typically reads between 10kΩ and 15kΩ. A reading of zero, infinity, or wildly outside this range confirms the thermistor has failed and needs replacing.
- 7
Replace the thermistor if faulty
Order the correct replacement thermistor for your specific LG model number (found on the label inside the door frame). The sensor usually unclips from the condenser housing and the connector pulls apart by hand. Fit the new thermistor, reconnect the wiring, reassemble the panels, and run a full test cycle to confirm the fault has cleared.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
Contact a service technician if tE3 returns after you have cleaned the condenser filter, reseated the wiring, and replaced the thermistor with a confirmed good part. Persistent errors at this point suggest a fault within the heat pump refrigerant circuit — such as a low refrigerant charge, a blocked expansion valve, or a failing compressor — none of which can be safely diagnosed or repaired without specialist equipment and F-gas certification.
You should also call a technician if you notice the machine producing unusual smells, if the condenser housing feels excessively hot to the touch, or if the error code appears immediately every time the machine is powered on without any delay. These symptoms point to a deeper electrical or refrigerant fault that goes beyond straightforward DIY repair.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my LG washing machine while it shows tE3?
It is not advisable to continue using the machine with an active tE3 fault. The heat pump system is disabled when this error is present, which means drying performance will be affected on washer-dryer models. Running repeated cycles with a faulty temperature sensor can also place additional stress on the heat pump compressor.
How often should I clean the condenser filter on an LG heat pump washing machine?
LG recommends cleaning the condenser filter approximately once a month under normal use. If you regularly wash towels, bedding, or synthetic fabrics that produce heavy lint, consider checking it every two weeks. A blocked filter is the single most common cause of tE3 and takes only a few minutes to address.
Is tE3 the same as tE1 or tE2 on LG machines?
No, these are distinct fault codes. tE1 and tE2 relate to the drum or heater thermistors used during the wash cycle, while tE3 is specific to the condenser temperature sensor in the heat pump circuit. The diagnostic steps and replacement parts differ between these codes, so it is important to confirm which code your machine is displaying.
How much does it cost to replace an LG heat exchanger thermistor?
The thermistor part itself is generally inexpensive, typically ranging from £10 to £30 depending on the model. If you are comfortable with basic appliance repair the job is straightforward and avoids a call-out fee. If you prefer a service technician to carry out the replacement, expect to pay a call-out charge on top of the part cost.
Will a factory reset clear the tE3 error code on my LG washing machine?
A power cycle — unplugging the machine for two minutes — can sometimes clear a transient tE3 reading caused by a temporary sensor glitch. However, if the underlying cause is a blocked condenser, a failed thermistor, or a wiring fault, the error will return as soon as the machine attempts to run the heat pump again. A reset alone is not a fix for a genuine hardware fault.