Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer tE3 Error Fix: Thermistor Error — Inlet

Inlet thermistor reading out of range. Measures air entering drum. All three thermistors needed for proper heat regulation and sensor dry feature.

Medium severity2 fixes available✨ Free fix available

Quick Answer

Error tE3 on the Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer means: Thermistor Error — Inlet. The top-ranked community fix is “Test and Replace the Inlet Thermistor Sensor” (hard difficulty, ~60 min, DIY cost: $15-$25). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · dryer

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

When to Call a Professional

While many dryer repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $120-$180.

Other Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer Error Codes

Dryer Belt Broken

Child Lock Active

Exhaust Duct 80% Blocked

2 fixes

d90

Exhaust Duct 90% Blocked

2 fixes

d95

Exhaust Duct 95% Blocked

Drum Glides Worn

Drum Rollers Squeaking/Thumping

2 fixes

ELEMENT BURNED OUT

Heating Element Burned Out

2 fixes

People Also Ask About Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer Error tE3

What does error code tE3 mean on a Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer?

Error code tE3 on the Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer means: Thermistor Error — Inlet. Inlet thermistor reading out of range. Measures air entering drum. All three thermistors needed for proper heat regulation and sensor dry feature.

How do I fix error code tE3 on my Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer?

The most successful fix is "Test and Replace the Inlet Thermistor Sensor" (hard difficulty, ~60 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $15-$25. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code tE3 on a Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer serious?

This error is rated medium severity. It should be addressed soon, but your appliance may still function in a limited capacity.

Can I fix Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer error tE3 myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Test and Replace the Inlet Thermistor Sensor") is rated hard difficulty and takes about 60 minutes. Tools needed: T20 Torx screwdriver, Digital multimeter, Needle-nose pliers.

How much does it cost to repair Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer error tE3?

DIY cost: $15-$25. Professional repair typically costs $120-$180. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer have?

The Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer has 8 other known error codes, including: BELT BROKEN (Dryer Belt Broken), CL (Child Lock Active), d80 (Exhaust Duct 80% Blocked), d90 (Exhaust Duct 90% Blocked), d95 (Exhaust Duct 95% Blocked), and 3 more.

What other error codes does the Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer have?

The Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer has 8 other known error codes:

BELT BROKEN — Dryer Belt Broken (2 fixes)
CL — Child Lock Active (2 fixes)
d80 — Exhaust Duct 80% Blocked (2 fixes)
d90 — Exhaust Duct 90% Blocked (2 fixes)
d95 — Exhaust Duct 95% Blocked (2 fixes)
DRUM GLIDES WORN — Drum Glides Worn (2 fixes)
DRUM ROLLERS WORN — Drum Rollers Squeaking/Thumping (2 fixes)
ELEMENT BURNED OUT — Heating Element Burned Out (2 fixes)

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