What tE means

The NTC thermistor continuously monitors the water temperature inside the tub. The control board uses this reading to manage the heating element. When the sensor fails electrically, the board gets impossible readings and displays tE (Thermal Error).

tE is different from HE: tE means the sensor itself has failed (cannot read temperature), while HE means the heating system is not reaching temperature (sensor may be fine).

How to fix it

  1. Power cycle. Circuit breaker off for 10-15 minutes. Temporary sensor glitches sometimes clear.
  2. If tE returns: The thermistor needs replacement. This is located inside the tub near the heating element and requires partial disassembly — a technician-level repair.