Re-hanging refrigerator doors Indesit is a task that owners face when moving, renovating a kitchen, or a banal desire to change the opening side. Unlike models of other brands, equipment from the Italian manufacturer has its own design features: from the location of the hinges to the fastening of the seal. Improper dismantling can lead to door misalignment, damage to hinges, or even freon leakage (in models with the system No Frost).
In this article we will analyze the process step by step - from preparing tools to final adjustment, taking into account the nuances for refrigerators with freezer from below (type Indesit BIA 18) and freezer on top (for example Indesit C 132). You will also learn how to avoid typical mistakes that lead to creaking doors or loose seals. If your model is equipped with a display or electronic control, do not worry: reversing the doors does not affect the electronics, but will require care when working with the wires of hanging systems.
Preparation: tools and conditions
Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator unplugged is completely defrosted (if required). This will prevent a short circuit in case of accidental contact of tools with the capacitor. For most models. data-i="58">you will need: Indesit you will need:
- ✅ Phillips screwdriver (PH2) - for hinge and fastening screws
- ✅ Hex key (4 mm) - for some models with a bottom freezer
- ✅ Flat screwdriver or plastic spatula - for removing decorative plugs
- ✅ Wrench (10 mm) - if the hinges are secured with bolts
- ✅ Masking tape - to secure the door during work
- ✅ Level (optional) - to check the vertical position after installation
Important: in models with No Frost system (for example, Indesit ITF 118) after re-hanging it may be necessary restarting the fan - we will talk about this in the section about the final setup. If your refrigerator is equipped with display or touch buttons, take a photo of the location of the wires under the top panel in advance - this will simplify reassembly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use an electric drill or a screwdriver at high speeds - the plastic fastenings of the hinges can crack. A manual screwdriver is more reliable.
Step 1: Dismantling the top door
Start with the top hinge - it usually fixes the main load. In models Indesit the hinges are closed with decorative plugs. (colored or transparent). Carefully pry them off with a flat screwdriver, starting from the top edge. Under the plugs you will see:
- 🔧 Two screws (or bolts) securing the hinge to the body
- 🔧 One screw securing the hinge mechanism to the door
- 🔧 Plastic sleeve (in some models) - do not lose it!
Unscrew the screws, holding the door so that it does not fall. If the door is heavy (for example, in models with freshness zones), secure it with masking tape to the body. In refrigerators with electronic display (type Indesit ITR 5200) Before removing the door, disconnect the display power connector - it is usually located under the top panel.
☑️ Preparing to remove the top door
After dismantling the hinge, remove the door from the lower hinge by lifting it up. Be careful: in some models the lower hinge has spring mechanismwhich can pop out if moved inaccurately.
Step 2: Transferring the hinges to the other side
On the refrigerator body and door you will see symmetrical holes for attaching the hinges on the opposite side. They are covered with plugs or stickers - remove them in models Indesit with freezer from below (for example, BIAA 13) The bottom hinge may have an additional clamp to support the weight of the freezer. It also needs to be moved.
Pay attention to the hole markings:
- 🔹 Holes with threaded —for hinge screws
- 🔹 Smooth holes—for fastening decorative plugs
- 🔹 Holes with plastic bushings —for hinge mechanism
If your model uses metal spacer plate (often found in refrigerators with a height of 180+ cm), move it to the other side, maintaining symmetry. The table below shows standard fastening patterns for popular series. Indesit:
| Model/series | Number of screws per hinge | Presence of spacer plate | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit BIA 18/BIAA 13 | 2 screw + 1 bolt | Yes (lower hinge) | Spring mechanism in the lower hinge |
| Indesit C 132/C 168 | 3 screws (upper hinge) | No | Decorative plugs with latches |
| Indesit ITF 118/ITR 5200 | 2 screws + hexagon | Yes (top and bottom) | Display wires under the top panel |
| Indesit SB 167 (Side-by-Side) | 4 screws per hinge | Yes (middle spacer) | Requires relocation of shelf fastenings |
⚠️ Attention: In models with autonomous freezer (for example, Indesit TIA 20) after rehanging it may be necessary to thermostat adjustment - its sensor sometimes moves when the door position changes.
Step 3: Hanging the lower door (freezer)
The lower door (freezer) is hung in the same way, but has its own nuances:
- Remove the lower hingeby unscrewing the screws. In some models, it is attached not only to the body, but also to
support legthe refrigerator. - Move the fastenings on the other side. Please note: the holes for the lower hinge may be closed with protective tape - remove it.
- Install the door to the new hinges, starting from the bottom. data-i="153">After this, you may need No Frost system after this it may be necessary
reinstalling the air duct(a plastic tube behind the back wall of the freezer).
If after installation the door does not close well or sagscheck:
- ❌ Correct installation spring mechanism (if any)
- ❌ Symmetrical fastening of the hinges - the screws must be tightened with the same force
- ❌ Condition sealing rubber - it could be deformed when dismantling
Step 4: Adjustment and check
After installing the doors, make final adjustment:
- Check the vertical using a level. The door should not deviate more than
2 mmacross its entire height. - Adjust the fit of the seal. To do this:
- 🔧 Loosen the hinge screws
- 🔧 Raise or lower the door all the way
- 🔧 Tighten the screws, holding the door in the correct position position
In models with electronic control (Indesit ITR 5200, ITF 118) an error may occur after rehanging E01 or E02 —this means that the door sensor does not detect closing. To reset the error:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 5 minutes.
- Plug it back in and hold the button
Super Cool10 seconds. - 🚫 Door skew —occurs due to uneven tightening of the hinge screws. Solution: loosen all the screws, level the door and tighten them crosswise.
- 🚫 Creak when opening —usually caused by a lack of lubrication in the hinges. Solution: Apply silicone grease to the hinge axes (do not use WD-40!).
- 🚫 Loose fit seal —check whether the rubber was deformed during dismantling. Solution: heat the seal with a hairdryer (temperature 50-60°C) and shape it with your hands.
- 🚫 Error display (for example,
Door Open) - means that the door sensor does not work. Solution: check the position of the magnet in the seal and the integrity of the wires.
What to do if after rehanging the refrigerator became louder?
This is normal - when the door position changes, the center of gravity may shift, which leads to increased vibration of the compressor. After 1-2 days, work returns to normal. If the noise does not go away, check the compressor mount (it is located at the bottom of the rear wall).
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even when carefully following the instructions, owners often encounter problems. Here are the most common:
In Indesit refrigerators with the Total No Frost system, after re-hanging the doors, the cooling fan may need to be restarted. To do this, turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on and press the “Super Freeze” and “Eco” buttons (if any) at the same time for 5 seconds.
⚠️ Attention: If after re-hanging the refrigerator began to freeze worse, check whether it has moved evaporator plate (in models with a drip system). It should fit snugly against the back wall.
Features for Indesit refrigerators with display
Models with electronic control (Indesit ITR 5200, ITF 118, SB 167) require additional actions:
- Disconnecting the display wires. They are usually attached with a connector under the top panel. Carefully release the latch and pull out the plug.
- Moving the door closing sensor. In some models, it is built into the seal - when re-hanging it, you need to move it to the other side.
- Adjustment after installation. If the refrigerator gives an error, reset the settings (see the instructions for your model).
In models with touch control (for example, Indesit XIA 221) after rehanging, you may need sensor calibration. To do this:
- Turn off the refrigerator for 1 minute.
- Turn on and hold the touch button
Light10 seconds. - Wait for the sound signal.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hanging Indesit doors
Is it possible to hang the doors of an Indesit refrigerator without an assistant?
Theoretically, yes, but the top door (especially in models with a freezer below) is inconvenient to hold with one hand. Use masking tape to secure the door to the body or place a support (chair, box). In refrigerators Side-by-Side (for example, Indesit SB 167) you cannot do without an assistant - the doors are too heavy.
What to do if, after rehanging, the refrigerator begins to vibrate more strongly?
This is due to a shift in the center of gravity. Check:
- Evenness of the floor - the refrigerator must be strictly horizontal (use a level).
- Fixing the compressor - it should not touch the body.
- Tightening the hinge screws - they could have loosened during adjustment.
If vibration does not go away, place rubber pads under the legs of the refrigerator.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
It is necessary if:
- There is ice in the freezer - it can interfere with dismantling the bottom door.
- Refrigerator with drip system —water in the drain tube can spill when tilted.
- You plan to disconnect the refrigerator from the network for a long time (more than 1 hour).
In models c No Frost defrosting is not necessary, but is recommended for safety.
How to rehang the door if the Indesit refrigerator does not have symmetrical holes for hinges?
In some budget models (for example, Indesit T 110) there are only holes for hinges on the one hand. In this case:
- You will have to drill new holes in the body and door (use a 4-5 mm drill).
- Close the old holes with decorative plugs or silicone sealant.
- Make sure that the new fasteners do not get in
refrigerant pipes(they run along the back wall).
If you are not sure, contact the service center. Self-drilling can lead to freon leakage.
Why did the Indesit refrigerator freeze worse after reversing the door?
Probable reasons:
- Displaced temperature sensor —it can be built into the seal or located on the back wall.
- The seal is damaged - check its integrity. magnetic latch seal - check its integrity.
- In models with No Frost could have moved air duct - it should tightly connect the freezer and refrigerator compartment.
Solution: turn off the refrigerator for 24 hours (to completely defrost), then turn it on again. If the problem remains, call a technician for diagnostics.