How to clear the tE error from a GE dryer

Seeing a tE error on your GE dryer? This code usually means there’s a problem with the outlet thermistor. If this is the case, then your dryer may not be heating at all.

If you’re not sure how to go about testing and replacing the outlet thermistor or if you just need a refresher, we’re here to help every step of the way. With a bit of troubleshooting, you can get your dryer heating again in no time, without the need for an expensive service call.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your GE 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 provided 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’s the outlet thermistor & why is it important?

The outlet thermistor in a GE dryer measures the temperature of the outgoing air as it exits the dryer drum. It provides continuous temperature feedback to the main control board while the dryer is running. This allows the control board to regulate the element (in an electric model) or burner (in a gas model) and airflow to maintain the right temperature in the drum. The target temperature varies based on the selected drying cycle.

The outlet thermistor should hold a resistance of around 10,000 Ohms (Ω) at room temperature. As the temperature increases, the resistance decreases. If the resistance drops below a preset level, the control board turns off the heating element or gas burner to prevent the dryer from overheating.

What causes the tE error code?

When a tE error code shows up, it indicates that there’s a problem with the outlet thermistor circuit – either the thermistor itself or the wiring back to the control board. 

Without functioning outlet thermistor circuits, the control board can’t accurately regulate the heating element or the gas burner. The tE code prevents the dryer from running to avoid potential overheating issues.

Here are the most common causes of tE errors:

• Open thermistor: If the thermistor has an open circuit, this means it has infinite resistance. This happens when the inside of the thermistor has burned out and broken the circuit.
• Shorted thermistor: A short circuit means the thermistor has very low resistance, which is usually just a few Ohms. This shorts out the control circuit and prevents the temperature from being monitored.
• Disconnected wiring: A loose or damaged thermistor wiring harness can cause an open circuit. There could be issues with the connections at the outlet thermistor and the control board.
• Damaged harness wiring: The outlet thermistor wiring can become damaged or frayed and interrupt the circuit.

Safety tips

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 preventing any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Shut off the gas supply to prevent any gas 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.

How to troubleshoot the tE error code

Get your dryer back on track with this troubleshooting checklist.

Step 1: Access the error codes

Most GE dryers have a built-in diagnostic mode that displays error codes like tE to help you troubleshoot any issues that come up. 

Here’s how you can access the error code menu to confirm the tE error:

1. Make sure the dryer is plugged in and powered on in standby mode, without any cycle running. All indicator lights should be off.
2. Press and hold the TEMP and LEVEL buttons at the same time. 
3. While holding TEMP and LEVEL, press the POWER button. The control display should show “t01”, the first test mode. If not, start over from step 1.
4. Press START to enter the t01 mode.
5. Turn the cycle selector knob clockwise to scroll through test modes until the t02 code appears.
6. Press START with t02 displayed to show any stored error codes.

If the dryer has an outlet thermistor issue, the tE error will be displayed when the dryer is in the t02 mode. 

Step 2: Test the outlet thermistor (at the board)

1. Unplug the dryer and, if you have a gas model, shut off the gas supply.
2. Access the back of the control panel and find the outlet thermistor wiring harness. It should be connected to the bottom of the control board.
3. Carefully disconnect the outlet thermistor harness from the control board.
4. Set a multimeter to resistance (Ω) mode. 
5. Place the meter probes on the harness connector pins that correspond to the thermistor wires. You can refer to the wiring diagram for your specific model to find these pins.
6. Check the meter reading. A good thermistor will show a resistance of around 10,000 Ohms at room temperature. If the thermistor shows an open circuit or very low resistance, then it’s faulty and needs to be replaced.

If the thermistor resistance checks out OK, then the issue will be with the control board.

If the thermistor doesn’t check OK at the board, the issue could be the outlet thermistor or the wiring from the board to the thermistor. You can test the outlet thermistor directly for resistance, and if it’s out of range, replace it.

Step 3: Inspect the wire harness

If the outlet thermistor tests good, closely look over the wire harness that leads back to the control board.

1. With the harness disconnected from the control board, examine the wires near the connector. Look for any damage like frayed wires or broken/melted insulation.
2. Set a multimeter to resistance (Ω) mode. 
3. Use the meter probes to test the wire harness. Gently bend the wires and move them around while watching for internal breaks. If the resistance reading jumps around, then there’s a break inside the insulation.
4. Check where the harness runs from the back of the dryer to the thermistor housing. Make sure it’s not pinched, crimped, or cut.
5. Look for any loose wire connections or terminals at the thermistor housing and control board. These should be tight and free from corrosion.

If you find even a small amount of damage in the wiring, that can cause resistance spikes and may need to be replaced.

How to replace the outlet thermistor (if necessary)

Once you’ve confirmed the outlet thermistor is faulty, you’ll need to swap it out for a new one.

1. Unplug the dryer and, if you have a gas model, switch off the gas supply.
2. Carefully remove the rear drum assembly from the dryer to access the blower housing. This usually requires removing a few screws and disconnecting the drum drive belt.
3. Find the circular outlet thermistor housing that’s mounted to the blower housing. Remove the mounting screw to detach the outlet thermistor assembly.
4. Unplug the outlet thermistor harness and remove the assembly from the dryer.
5. Install the new outlet thermistor and make sure the wiring harness is routed properly.
6. Secure the new thermistor assembly with the mounting screw.
7. Reconnect the harness and reassemble the dryer.

How to clear the error code (after repair)

Once you’ve resolved the root cause of a tE error code, you’ll probably need to clear the code from the dryer’s memory:

1. Plug the dryer back in and, if you have a gas model, reconnect the gas supply.
2. Re-enter diagnostic mode by accessing test mode t02 again (follow the process from Step 1: Access the error codes)
3. Press and hold the START button for several seconds with t02 displayed on the screen. The display should change to dashed lines to show that the error code has been cleared.

How to prevent outlet thermistor problems

Here are some tips to avoid outlet thermistor issues in your GE dryer:

• Clean the lint screen before every cycle. Besides making your dryer work harder, excess lint buildup can force the thermistor to read higher temperatures since the airflow is restricted. Overheating can damage the thermistor over time.
• Regularly inspect the wire harnesses. Many tE issues are caused by damaged harness wires. Check for pinched, frayed, or loose wires at least twice a year.
• Conduct annual thermistor resistance checks. Do a quick annual checkup once a year by testing the outlet thermistor resistance so you can catch any variation from 10k Ohms early on.
• Avoid overloading the dryer. Packing the drum with wet laundry prevents airflow and movement between items and causes greater temperature extremes in the exhaust stream. This can accelerate the deterioration of the outlet thermistor.

More information

Thanks for stopping by! We hope this guide helped you resolve the tE error on your GE dryer.

If you run into any issues, just give us a call at 1-877-477-7278 or start a chat with a pro on our website so we can help you through it. We’ve got many more troubleshooting and repair guides on our DIY blog and YouTube channel and all the parts you need to do it yourself at AppliancePartsPros.com. 

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