How to troubleshoot & fix an F3E3 error on a Maytag dryer 

On Maytag dryers, one common error code you might see is F3E3. This usually indicates the failure of the inlet thermistor sensor.

But don’t worry! You can troubleshoot and clear the error yourself without the need for an expensive service call. Let’s walk through the steps together so you can get your dryer working again.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Maytag dryer while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The error code information in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What is a dryer thermistor & how does it work?

Modern dryers use thermistors to monitor the internal temperature during a cycle. A thermistor, also known as a temperature sensor, is a resistive thermal sensor. Its resistance changes based on the surrounding temperature. There are two key thermistors in a dryer:

Inlet thermistor: Monitors incoming air temperature at the drum inlet.

Outlet thermistor: Monitors exhaust air temperature at the vent outlet.

By constantly measuring the inlet and outlet air temperatures, the dryer electronic control board can determine if airflow is present. The rate of heating and cooling also provides clues about the load size and moisture content. If a thermistor fails, the control board won’t receive accurate temperature data. This negatively impacts the machine’s ability to dry loads efficiently and causes fault codes like F3E3 to be shown on the user interface control.

The resistance values of the inlet thermistor help the dryer determine the initial starting temperature of the air entering the drum. A higher starting temperature requires less heat to be applied. If the inlet thermistor fails, the dryer loses this input and defaults to a fixed heater on time. This wastes energy and can lead to over-drying. 

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• If you have a gas model, shut off the gas supply to prevent any leaks while you work. 
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

Read more: How To Disassemble A Dryer

How to troubleshoot the F3E3 error code

Follow these steps to clear the F3E3 error from your Maytag dryer.

Step 1: Check the inlet thermistor wiring

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
2. Access the main control board housing and locate the inlet thermistor wiring connector, which is usually labeled J14. Refer to the wiring diagram and technical sheet for your model to be sure.
3. Unplug the connector and look over it for any issues. If you see any broken, bent, corroded or missing pins, replace the connector.
4. Make sure the connector latch clicks in firmly and stays tight. 
5. Trace the two thermistor wires from the control board to the thermistor itself. On electric dryer models, the thermistor is part of the high-limit thermostat on the heating element. On gas dryers, it’s a separate part that’s mounted at the drum inlet duct. Carefully inspect the full length of the wires for damage. If you see any damage, replace the wiring.
6. Set a multimeter to continuity mode and use the leads to check for continuity between the pins on the control board and the thermistor sensor terminals. The meter should make a beeping sound if there’s continuity. If you don’t get continuity, replace the wiring.

If the wiring looks and tests good, move on to the next step. 

Step 2: Check the inlet thermistor resistance

1. Carefully remove the inlet thermistor from its mounting bracket. Avoid putting any strain on the wires.
2. Inspect the thermistor for any signs of damage to the glass probe, connector or housing. If it’s damaged in any way, replace it with a new one.
3. Set a multimeter to resistance mode (Ω) and connect the test probes to the thermistor terminals.
4. Consult the temperature/resistance chart on the machine’s technical sheet or user manual. Compare the reading on the multimeter to the room temperature value. At room temperature, the resistance across the inlet thermistor terminals should be around 49-63 kΩ. Higher or lower readings indicate a bad sensor that should be replaced.

If the inlet thermistor is good, replace the control board as a last resort.

Read more: Tips for Caring for Your Dryer | Clothes Dryer Maintenance

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Maytag dryer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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