Reversing refrigerator doors is a standard procedure when changing the kitchen layout, but in models with an electronic display on the facade it turns into a complex technical operation. Unlike simple units, where you only need to rearrange the loops, here you have to work with thin cables, opening sensors and a control system. Incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the electronics or errors on the screen.
Modern Side-by-Side i two-chamber refrigerators are often equipped with touch panels that require connection to a control board. Before starting work, you need to make sure that you have not only a standard set of tools, but also an understanding of the design of your particular model. Electronic components extremely sensitive to static voltage and mechanical kinks of wires.
In this article we will analyze an algorithm of actions that will minimize risks and allow you to change the side of the door opening without calling technician. It is critically important to disconnect the display cable extension before completely removing the door, so as not to break the contacts.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
High-quality preparation reduces the risk of equipment damage and injury. You will need a stable surface as the display door weighs significantly more when removed. Clear the space in front of the refrigerator in advance to have access to it from all sides. Protective gloves will help avoid cuts on sharp metal edges.
The set of tools should include Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, a set of hexagons and, possibly, socket wrenches. Some models Indesit or Atlant may require special bits. It will not be superfluous to prepare a soft cloth or cardboard on which you will place the removed door.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with electronics under voltage is prohibited and can lead to failure of the control board.
Pay special attention fastening wires. In some models, the cables run inside the door hinge, in others they are routed outside. Study the diagram in the instructions to understand where exactly the communications take place. If the documentation is lost, act as carefully as possible, recording each step.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the top panel and accessing the electronics
The first stage is removing the top cover of the refrigerator, under which the wiring is often hidden. On models with a display on the top of the door, the cable can run through the top end. Carefully unscrew the fixing screws, which may be hidden under decorative plugs. Plastic latches require careful handling, they are easy to break with a sharp tug.
After removing the cover, you will see wire harnesses going to the door. Here are control board or connectors for connecting cables. It is necessary to photograph the original position of all connections so that there is no confusion when assembling on the new side. The color coding of wires is not always standard, so a photo is your best assistant.
Disconnect the connectors by carefully pulling the plastic tips, not the wires themselves. In some refrigerators Liebherr or Siemens the connectors may have locking latches that need to be pressed out. Sensor contacts they often oxidize, and when reconnecting they should be wiped with alcohol.
What what to do if the connector cannot be removed?
Do not use excessive force. Inspect the connector for hidden latches or locking tabs. Sometimes you may need to rock the connector slightly from side to side while holding the base. The use of force can lead to breakage of the tracks on the board.
Removing the door with the display and extending the cable
This is the most crucial moment. A door with a display is heavier than a regular one, so it’s better to work with two people. After unscrewing the bottom hinge, the door must be lifted and removed from the bottom pin. But before that, make sure that display cable is completely disconnected or has sufficient length for safe removal.
Often the standard length of the wire is not enough to hang it on the other side. The refrigerator may come with a special one extension cordthat needs to be inserted into the open circuit. If there is no extension cord, you will have to purchase it separately, selecting it according to the number of contacts and the pitch of the connector. Homemade soldering not recommended, since the wires often break at the bend.
- 🔌 Carefully remove the old one cable from the door channel, if it is laid inside.
- 🔧 Lay a new or extended cable, avoiding sharp metal edges.
- 📐 Measure the required length with a margin of 10-15 cm for ease of installation.
- 🛡️ Fix the wire with special clips so that it does not get under moving parts.
When installing the door in a new place, make sure that the wire is not pinched anywhere. Microcracks in isolation can lead to a short circuit or false readings of the opening sensor. Check the integrity of the cable visually before final assembly.
Transfer of fittings and hinge mates
After removing the door, it is necessary to move the handle (if it is non-removable) and the hinge mates to the opposite side. At the end of the door there are usually technological holes closed with plugs. Threaded connections can be preserved, so use penetrating lubricant if the screws do not unscrew.
Remove the bottom hinge from the floor of the refrigerator and move it to the other side using the provided holes. Vertical positioning must be perfect, otherwise the door will be skewed. Adjusting screws allow you to compensate for uneven floors, but the basic installation must be accurate.
Do not forget to rearrange the stops and opening limiters. Some models Samsung or LG have special plastic bushings that change places. If they are not rearranged, the door will not open to the full angle or knock on the body.
| Fitting element | Action when rehanging | Features for models with a display |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to the opposite side | A cable often passes through it, a neat outlet is needed |
| Bottom loop | Transfer and height adjustment | Has spring-loaded pin for fixing the door |
| Plugs | Installation in vacated holes | Important for aesthetics and dust protection |
| Limiter | Repositioning to 180 degrees | Guarantees the correct opening angle |
Installing the door and connecting connectors
Installing the door to a new location requires precision. First, put the door on the lower pin, then align the holes of the upper hinge. Fixing the bolts The upper hinge is made only after the door is level. Do not tighten the bolts all the way at once, tighten everything by hand first.
Now the most important thing is connecting the electronics. Connect the connectors of the display cable and the main harness. Make sure they click into place. Contact groups must be clean and dry. If the connectors are color coded, check it with the photo taken during dismantling.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately after assembly. First, check if the wires are pinched when closing the door. Damage to the insulation on the metal edge will result in a fire.
After connecting all the wires, install the top decorative panel. Make sure that it fits tightly, without gaps or creaks. Cable ducts there should not be any pressure on the wires inside the panel. If the panel does not close, check that the harness is installed correctly.
Adjusting the gaps and checking the operation of the display
The final stage is adjusting the geometry. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If distortions are observed, use adjusting screws on the lower loop. By tightening them, you can raise or lower the corner of the door.
Plug in the refrigerator and check the operation of the display. The screen should light up, displaying the current temperature. If an error appears on the screen or it blinks, check the reliability of the cable connection. Self-diagnosis system may respond to an open door sensor circuit.
Check the tightness of the seal. A sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body must be removed with force along the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper falls out freely, additional adjustment of the hinges is required.
Possible problems and their decision
After rebalancing, nuances may arise. For example, a refrigerator may beep that the door is open even though it is closed. This means that magnetic sensor (the reed switch) was too far from the magnet in the housing. This can be solved by adjusting the position of the magnet or the door itself.
If the display does not turn on, check the fuse on the control board. If the wires are handled carelessly, a voltage surge could occur. In difficult cases, especially with Smart functions, it may be necessary to reset the settings to factory settings through the menu Settings → Reset.
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the door has become harder to open. Check to see if it is twisted wire harness inside the loop. Also make sure that the refrigerator is positioned strictly horizontally, otherwise gravity will interfere with normal operation.
What should you do if, after re-hanging, the refrigerator stops freezing?
Most likely, the problem is not in the overweight, but in the timing. However, if you touch the circuit pipes or damage the compressor wiring, the cold will disappear. Check if the compressor operation indicator is on. If you can hear the sound of operation, but there is no cold, the tightness of the system may have been broken due to careless dismantling.
Is it possible to increase the display cable with regular soldering?
Technically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Refrigerator cables operate under conditions of vibration and temperature changes. The soldering point is the stress point where the wire breaks. It is better to buy a ready-made extension cord or replace the entire cable with a longer analogue.
Why does the "Door Open" error light up after installation?
This means that the system does not see a closed door. Check the magnet on the door and the reed switch on the body. When re-weighted, the distance between them could increase. Try placing a washer under the magnet or adjusting the position of the door.
Do you need to wait before turning it on after re-hanging it?
There is no need to wait specifically if you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees. If the unit was heavily tilted, let the oil drain into the compressor (2-4 hours) before the first start.