Indesit WIE127 error F-03 : but replaced thermistor?

Hi,

I have an Indesit WIE127 machine which had decided to only run in 'test' mode and gave error code F-03.
Having looked on the web, and found the fault is related to the thermistor - I have replaced the thermistor ... but the fault is still there ... machine only runs in 'test' and produces F-03 fault.
I have cleaned up some connectors on the main circuit board (in particular where the thermistor wires are connected to the board) ... but still F-03......
---- I was wondering if the fault might be that the heating element has failed (it reads about 3 Ohms)... and that consequentlty the thermistor is not reading an increase in temp. during Power On Self Test ?
Does anyone have any ideas ?
Is it worth the expense of a new element ? ... or should I cut my losses and just buy a new machine ?