Electrolux Dryer E73 Error Code — What It Means
The E73 error code on an Electrolux dryer indicates that the inlet thermistor (the sensor that measures incoming air temperature) is reading out of range or has a wiring fault. The electronic control board expects the thermistor to produce a resistance value within a specific window for the current air temperature. When the sensor reads open, shorted, or outside that window, the control stops the cycle and displays E73. This code appears on IQ-Touch and Perfect Steam dryer models.
The inlet thermistor is a small temperature sensor mounted in the air path near the blower inlet. It sends a signal to the main control board so the dryer can regulate heat properly. When this sensor or its circuit fails, the dryer cannot safely operate and locks out with the E73 fault.
Common Causes
- Failed inlet thermistor The thermistor has drifted out of tolerance, shorted internally, or opened and no longer provides a valid resistance reading to the control board.
- Loose or damaged wiring harness The wire harness between the inlet thermistor and the main control has a break, loose connection, or damaged insulation causing an intermittent or permanent open circuit.
- Corroded or loose connector pins The thermistor plug or control board connector has corrosion, poor pin contact, or a backed-out terminal that creates an intermittent fault the board reads as out of range.
- Disconnected thermistor plug The connector at the inlet thermistor has vibrated loose or was not fully seated during a previous service, causing the control to see an open circuit.
- Main control board sensor input failure The thermistor and harness test good but the control board’s sensor input circuit has failed and cannot read the thermistor correctly.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet and turn off the circuit breaker to completely de-energize the unit before any diagnostic work or component access.
- Remove the top or front panel as required for your model to gain access to the inlet thermistor, which is typically located near the blower housing or air inlet duct.
- Inspect the thermistor wiring harness from the sensor all the way to the main control board for visible breaks, pinched insulation, loose connectors, or backed-out pins.
- Disconnect the thermistor plug and measure the resistance across the thermistor terminals with a multimeter, then compare the reading to your model’s thermistor resistance chart at the current room temperature.
- Check harness continuity by testing each wire in the harness end to end if the thermistor itself measures within specification but the code persists.
- Reseat all connectors at both the thermistor and the control board, ensuring each pin is fully inserted and locked, then restore power and test the dryer.
- Replace the inlet thermistor if it reads open, shorted, or outside the expected range, or replace the main control board if the sensor and harness both test good but the E73 code returns.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Inlet thermistor | Amazon | The primary replacement component for E73. Verify the part number for your specific Electrolux dryer model before ordering. |
| Thermistor wiring harness | Amazon | Order if the harness shows physical damage, broken wires, or damaged connectors that cannot be repaired. |
| Main control board | Amazon | Replace only after confirming the inlet thermistor and harness are both in good condition and the fault still appears. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a professional appliance technician if you are not comfortable working with electrical components or reading a multimeter. Also call for help if you have replaced the inlet thermistor and verified the wiring but the E73 code still appears, since control board diagnosis and replacement requires model-specific knowledge and careful handling of the electronic assembly. If your dryer is still under warranty, contact Electrolux or an authorized service center before attempting any repairs to avoid voiding coverage.