Changing the opening side of the refrigeration door often becomes necessary when moving to a new apartment or after remodeling the kitchen space. Owners of modern equipment Candy face additional complexity if the model is equipped with an electronic control module built directly into the facade. Reweighing doors in such cases, it requires not only mechanical transfer of the hinges, but also careful dismantling of the panel with the display, so as not to damage the cables and contacts.
This process is not technically complicated, but requires increased attention to design details. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to plastic fasteners or failure of the electronics. The main difference between models with a display is the need to disconnect the control cable before removing the upper part of the case. If you ignore this stage, you can easily break thin wires, which will require expensive repairs.
In this article we will analyze the algorithm in detail actions for various brand modifications. You will learn what tools are needed for the job and how to avoid common mistakes when reinstalling fittings. Compliance with the sequence of operations ensures that the warranty is maintained and the long service life of your unit.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any work on modifying the design of a household appliance, it is necessary to carefully prepare the workspace. You will need a free area around the refrigerator in order to be able to walk around it from all sides. Tools should be laid out in close proximity, but so as not to accidentally scratch the enamel of the case.
To complete the task of reinstalling the door panels, you will need a standard DIY kit. However, given the presence of electronics, the list can be supplemented with specific devices.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead of different sizes) for unscrewing hinge screws.
- 🔧 Open-end or socket wrenches (often a size of 8, 10 or 13 mm is required) for nuts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Container for folding small fasteners so that they do not get lost.
Particular attention should be paid lighting. Internal mechanisms and cable attachment points are often in shaded areas, and poor light can lead to errors. It is also recommended to lay a soft blanket or cardboard on the floor where you will place the removed doors so as not to damage their coating.
☑️ Preparation for work
Removing the top panel and control module
The most important step that distinguishes conventional models from versions with displayis removing the top cover. This is where the control unit is located, which must be disconnected before physically moving the door. First, make sure that the refrigerator is completely disconnected from the power supply by unplugging the plug from the socket.
The top panel is usually secured with several screws, which can be located in the front (under the decorative plugs) or in the back. Carefully remove the fasteners and lift the cover. Do not make sudden movements, as the wires are connected to it.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to pull the panel by the wires. First you need to find and disconnect the connectors of the cables going to the display.
The connectors may have different locks. Some of them need to be bent with a fingernail or a flat-head screwdriver, others just need to be pulled out with moderate force. Remember or photograph the location of the contacts so as not to confuse them during assembly. After disconnecting the electronics, the panel can be removed and set aside in a safe place.
What to do if the connector does not come off?
If the connector does not budge, do not use force. Carefully inspect its sides: perhaps there is a hidden plastic tab that needs to be pressed at the same time as it is pulled out. Also, some connectors have a threaded connection or a screw clamp.
Removing the doors of the refrigerator and freezer compartments
After the upper part is freed from the electronics, you can begin to dismantle the doors themselves. You should always start with the lower door (the freezer compartment), since it bears the weight of the upper part in some designs, or simply for ease of access to the lower hinges.
The door is held on the lower hinge, which is screwed to the body of the refrigerator. Unscrew the fastening bolts, supporting the blade with your hand so that it does not fall. Place the removed door on the prepared surface with the outer side facing up.
Then we move on to top door. It is important here to properly dismantle the middle hinge. In models Candy with a display, the axis of the middle hinge often passes through the body or has a complex mounting structure. Unscrew the middle hinge bolts and remove the top door panel
- ❄️ Remove all shelves and drawers from the doors before dismantling to reduce weight.
- 🚪 Use a helper to hold heavy doors while unscrewing loops.
- 🔩 Place the fasteners from each loop in a separate pile or label the bags.
Now the refrigerator body is free from hanging elements. At this stage, you can see symmetrical holes for attaching hinges on the opposite side. This is where we will transfer the fittings.
Rearranging the hinges and fittings to the other side
The main mechanical part of the work is to transfer hinges and the counter parts to the opposite side of the case. The refrigerator is often supplied with additional plugs for holes that will become visible after rearrangement. Candy Additional plugs are often supplied for holes that will become visible after repositioning.
Take the bottom hinge that was installed on the left and install it on the right using the holes provided for this. Tighten the bolts, but do not apply maximum force yet - we will make the final adjustment after hanging the doors. Do the same with the top and middle hinges.
It is important to pay attention to pins (axes) on which the door is placed. In some models they are asymmetrical and have a right or left design. If the pin is universal, simply rearrange it. If not, check the package, sometimes the axle itself needs to be replaced.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the door stoppers (magnets or mechanical stops) are also moved to the new side. If this is not done, the door may not close tightly or open spontaneously.
Do not forget to rearrange the handles if the design of your refrigerator implies their presence and the possibility of reinstallation. In most modern models Candy handles are integrated into the door profile or are hidden, but if they are removable, move them.
Features of reinstalling doors with a display
We have come to the most difficult moment - working with electronics on the doors. If the display is located on the door (usually on the top), then inside the door leaf it goes cable channel with a wiring harness. This harness must be removed and transferred to the other side.
To do this, remove the decorative plug from the end of the door (usually it is located on the top or side where the wires entered). Carefully pull out the cable. It can be secured with clips inside the door leaf - act carefully so as not to damage the insulation.
The wires must be routed through special channels in the door body to the opposite side. In some models Candy for this purpose, through holes are provided, closed with rubber plugs. Move the plug into the new hole and stretch the cable.
When installing the door in a new location, the cable will need to be reconnected to the main connector. Make sure that the wire is not pinched by the metal of the hinge and is not pulled too tightly, otherwise it may break when opening the door.
| Element | Action during transfer | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Display cable | Remove, transfer to channel, connect | Do not bend at an acute angle |
| Upper loop | Move to the right side | Make sure the holes match |
| Door stopper | Move to the opposite end | Provides tight pressure |
| Plugs | Close old holes | Maintain aesthetics and thermal insulation |
Assembling the structure and adjusting the gaps
After preparing all the elements, reassembly begins. Hang the bottom door on the bottom hinge, then install the middle hinge and secure the top door. If the model is two-chamber, the sequence may vary, but the principle remains the same: from bottom to top.
Secure all hinge bolts. Now you need to execute adjustment. The door should open freely, without squeaks, and close tightly. The gap between the door and the body along the entire perimeter should be uniform.
If you notice a distortion, loosen the hinge mounting bolts, level the door and tighten them again. In models with a display, also check whether the ribbon cable interferes with tight closure. Connect the control connectors to the main board through the top hole.
Place the top case cover in place, threading the wires into the required holes. Secure the cover with screws. Now you can connect the display connectors. Make sure that the contacts go in until they click.
- 🔌 Connect the refrigerator to the network and check if the display lights up.
- 🧊 Make sure that the magnetic valve works and the door “sticks.”
- 📏 Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of fasteners may vary slightly depending on the specific series of the Candy refrigerator. Always check the instructions included in the packaging of your device, as the manufacturer may make changes to the design without notice.
Common errors and ways to eliminate them
Even after carefully studying the instructions, beginners often make mistakes. One of the most common is they forget to move the stopper doors. As a result, the door of the refrigerator compartment does not reach the end and remains ajar, which leads to defrosting of the food.
Another problem is damage cable. If handled carelessly, thin wires inside the insulation may break. It may not be visible from the outside, but the display will stop responding to touches or show an error. In this case, you will need to replace the wiring harness.
Wrong height adjustment refrigerator legs are also common. If the device is not level, the door may open on its own or, conversely, not close completely due to gravity. Be sure to turn the adjusting screws on the legs until the ideal balance is achieved.
If after all the manipulations the display does not lights up, check the plug fuse (if equipped) and the presence of voltage at the outlet. Perhaps the connector was not properly latched during assembly. Disassemble the top part again and recheck the contacts.
Do you need to call a technician to rehang the door with a display?
If you have minimal technical skills and accuracy, you can do it yourself. However, if you are afraid of damaging the electronics or the refrigerator is under warranty (and you do not want to risk its safety by doing it yourself), it is better to contact an authorized service center.
Is it possible to rehang the door if there is a freon pipeline running through it?
In modern refrigerators Candy pipelines The refrigerant is usually hidden in the cabinet walls and does not pass through the door hinges. However, this could occur in very old models. If you see copper tubes going to the door, you cannot re-hang it, this will lead to depressurization of the system.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
All holes for symmetrical installation are already provided by the factory. If they don't match, you're trying to install the part on the wrong side, or you're using the wrong side of the hinge (left instead of right). Check the markings on the parts.
Will the temperature settings be lost after rehanging?
No, the electronic memory of the controller Candy does not depend on the physical position of the door. However, if you turn off the power for a long time, the settings may be reset to factory settings, and they will have to be set again via the display.