Many owners of modern household appliances are faced with a situation where, after moving or remodeling the kitchen, the standard location of the refrigerator becomes inconvenient. This is especially true for models LG with a display on the door, where the direction of opening the door plays a key role in the ergonomics of the space. The process of hanging a door seems complicated due to the presence of electronics, but with a basic set of tools and care, this task can be solved independently.
Before starting work, you must clearly understand that refrigerator design implies the possibility of changing the opening side, but requires care when working with electronic components. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the cables or failure of the seal. In this article, we will analyze all the steps in detail so that you can safely change the configuration of your device.
It is worth noting that models with display have their own characteristics that distinguish them from ordinary two-chamber refrigerators without electronics on the facade. You will need to not only rearrange the loops, but also correctly move the control module or reconnect the cables. Ignoring these nuances will result in the screen stopping working or displaying incorrect data.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation is 80% dependent on quality preparation. You will need free space in front of the refrigerator to allow access from all sides. It is best to carry out work in good lighting, since many fasteners are small in size and can get lost on the floor.
To perform dismantling and assembly, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be a wrench; often a size of 8 mm or 10 mm is required, depending on the model LG. Also an indispensable assistant will be a Phillips screwdriver, preferably with a magnetic tip, so as not to drop the screws in hard-to-reach places of the case.
- 🔧 Wrench or ratchet head (sizes 8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🪛 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
- 🧺 Container for folding small parts
Pay special attention safety. The refrigerator is a heavy unit, and when the doors are removed, the center of gravity shifts. It is recommended to call an assistant who will hold the sash while unscrewing the lower hinges. This will prevent the door from falling and possible damage to the floor covering or the equipment itself.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the doors
Removing the top panel and accessing the electronics
The first step is always to de-energize the device. Unplug the cord from the electrical outlet to reduce the risk of electric shock when handling display wires. After this, you can begin to remove the top cover, under which the top hinge fasteners and wiring are often hidden.
On most models LG the top panel is held on by latches or screws hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully pry off the plugs with a flathead screwdriver. If the panel is secured with screws, remove them and set them aside. Move the panel forward and upward, being careful not to damage the plastic clips.
⚠️ Attention: The plastic in old refrigerators becomes brittle. Be careful not to break the panel's mounting tabs, otherwise it will not fit tightly after assembly.
Under the cover you will see the top hinge and the wiring harness that goes to the display. Do not pull the wires harshly. You need to find the connector and carefully disconnect it. Often connectors have retaining clips that must be pressed with your fingers or a thin screwdriver before removal.
What to do if the connector does not come off?
Do not use excessive force. Carefully inspect the connection: there may be an additional lock or locking screw. Sometimes it helps to slightly rock the connector from side to side while pulling it out. If the connector is oxidized, you can use WD-40 spray, but only if you are sure that you will not flood the contacts of the control board.
Removing the door of the refrigerator compartment with display
Now we move on to the most important step - removing the door of the refrigerator compartment. Since it is located display, the weight of this sash is significantly higher than usual. Have an assistant hold the door firmly while you remove the top hinge bolts.
Use a wrench to remove the mounting bolts. After removing them, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower hinge bushing. At this point, it is important to control the position of the cable if you have not disconnected it earlier (although it is better to disconnect the wires before completely removing the door).
Put the removed door on a prepared soft surface, for example, on a spread blanket or cardboard, face down. This will protect the glossy finish from scratches. Now you need to dismantle the handle and control unit, if the design of your model LG involves moving them to the other side.
- 🚪 Remove the upper hinge by unscrewing the bolts
- 👐 Lift the door and remove it from the lower support
- 🔌 Disconnect the display cable (if you have not done so before)
- 🛠️ Remove the handle and controls from the door leaf
When removing the handle, pay attention to the hidden screws. They may be located under decorative overlays. After removing the handle, there will be holes in its place that will need to be closed with special plugs that come with the refrigerator.
Transferring controls and fittings
The process of transferring fittings requires care. The back of the door, where there was previously no handle, may be missing threaded holes. In modern models LG these holes are usually closed with plastic plugs. You need to carefully remove the plugs on one side and install them in the vacated holes on the other.
The display unit and control panel also require relocation. In some models, the electronics are integrated into the door body, and you need to move the entire module along with the wires. In other cases, only the front panel with buttons is transferred, and the board remains inside.
| Element | Action during transfer | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Door handle | Move to the opposite side | Hidden screws under the plugs |
| Display | Move the panel or module | Requires careful handling of the cable |
| Loops | Move to the other side of the case | You need to change the position of the stops |
| Plugs | Close the old holes | Important for aesthetics and tightness |
Seal It is better not to remove elements on the door when moving elements unless there is an urgent need for it. However, if the handle is attached through the seal or interferes with access to the screws, it will have to be carefully bent or partially dismantled. After installing all the elements, the seal must be straightened to ensure a tight fit.
Adjusting and installing hinges on a new side
After preparing the door, you need to rehang the hinges on the refrigerator body. Remove the bottom and middle (if any) hinges on one side and install them on the opposite side. Please note that some models LG use asymmetric hinges, and they cannot simply be turned over - you need to use components from the opposite side if they were preserved.
Screw plugs into the holes that are now free on the top of the case. Make sure that all fasteners are tightened with sufficient force, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads in the metal case.
Now you can put the door in place. Align the holes in the door with the holes in the installed top hinge. Insert the bolts and tighten them by hand without fully tightening them. This will allow you to correct the position of the door if it is crooked.
⚠️ Attention: Do not completely tighten the hinge bolts until you have checked the operation of the door. First, make sure that it opens smoothly and does not touch the body.
After installing the upper part of the door, you need to fix the lower part. If your model has a leg or bottom support height adjustment, use this for leveling. The door should close on its own if you open it at an angle of about 30 degrees.
Final assembly and tightness check
When the door is installed and the hinges are tightened, connect the display cable. Make sure the connector clicks into place. After this, you can temporarily turn on the refrigerator to the network to check the functionality of the screen and control buttons.
Checking the tightness is a critical step. Take a sheet of A4 paper, open the door slightly and clamp the sheet between the seal and the body of the refrigerator. Close the door. Now try to pull out the sheet.
If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable effort, then the fit is good. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, it is required adjusting the hinges. Loosen the top hinge fasteners slightly and slightly move the door in the desired direction, then repeat the check.
After a successful check, collect all the decorative elements, put the top cover of the refrigerator in place. Make sure that all wires are tucked inside and are not pinched by the housing. Plug in the refrigerator and let it work for several hours without loading food to make sure the operation is stable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to move the door to LG refrigerator, if it is still under warranty?
Re-hanging the doors yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty on the compressor and main components, unless you damage the equipment in the process. However, if you break the plastic, tear the cable, or strip the threads, there will be a cost to repair this damage. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call an official master.
What to do if, after rearranging, the door does not close completely?
This may indicate a misalignment of the body or incorrect adjustment of the hinges. Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level. If the floor is level, try loosening the top hinge a little and pressing the door harder when closing, then tighten the bolts. Also check whether the contents of the shelves are preventing them from closing tightly.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door will be heavy and ice may fall out when you tilt or remove the door. It is recommended to turn off the refrigerator a couple of hours before work so that the ice melts a little, and remove all the products to make the design lighter.
Where should the display wires be placed if they become short after transfer?
In the standard configuration, the length of the wires is designed for transfer. If they seem to be tight, check that you have placed the harness correctly in the guide channels inside the door or frame. Do not allow tension, as the wire may break when opening the door. If necessary, you can carefully expand the cable channel or use dielectric tape for fixation, but do not extend the wires yourself without soldering skills.