{"id":3189,"date":"2023-07-25T12:56:21","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T19:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=3189"},"modified":"2024-06-13T09:33:22","modified_gmt":"2024-06-13T16:33:22","slug":"f3e3-maytag-dryer-error-code-a-troubleshooting-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/f3e3-maytag-dryer-error-code-a-troubleshooting-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to troubleshoot & fix an F3E3 error on a Maytag dryer\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
Dryer Thermal Fuse<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

On Maytag dryers, one common error code you might see is F3E3. This usually indicates the failure of the inlet thermistor sensor.<\/span><\/p>\n

But don\u2019t worry! You can troubleshoot and clear the error yourself without the need for an expensive service call. Let\u2019s walk through the steps together so you can get your dryer working again.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you find out that you need any <\/span>replacement parts for your Maytag dryer<\/b><\/a> while you\u2019re troubleshooting, you can enter your <\/span>model number<\/b><\/a> at<\/span> AppliancePartsPros.com<\/b><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Disclaimer:<\/b> 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.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n

What is a dryer thermistor & how does it work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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:<\/span><\/p>\n

Inlet thermistor<\/b>: Monitors incoming air temperature at the drum inlet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outlet thermistor<\/b>: Monitors exhaust air temperature at the vent outlet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019t receive accurate temperature data. This negatively impacts the machine\u2019s ability to dry loads efficiently and causes fault codes like F3E3 to be shown on the user interface control.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more: <\/b>How to Clean a Dryer Vent<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Safety precautions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n