Rearranging kitchen furniture often requires changing the configuration of household appliances, and at this moment the owners are faced with the need to change the direction of opening of the doors. Reversing the door LG refrigerator - the procedure is quite real, but it requires special care, especially if your model is equipped with an electronic display or system No Frost. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the wiring or disruption of the seal of the chamber, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm.
Modern units of the Korean brand often have a complex hinge design and hidden control cables, which distinguishes them from old Soviet models. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to safely dismantle and install elements so that refrigerator continues to work correctly and the display does not go out forever. Prepare for work by stocking up on tools and free space.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin physical impact on the body, you need to prepare all the tools, since the process can take from 30 to 60 minutes depending on your skill. You will need a standard set, including wrenches (usually 8, 10 and 13 mm), flat and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as a container for small parts. It's a good idea to have masking tape on hand to secure moving parts while you work.
Free up space around the refrigerator by providing access from all sides, including the top, where the main fasteners are most often located. Make sure the floor is level and clean to prevent an accidentally dropped screw from rolling out of reach. If the model is equipped with display, it is extremely important to disconnect the device from the power supply before starting any manipulations.
- 🛠️ Set of wrenches and heads of various sizes.
- 🪛 Screwdrivers with different types of tips (PH2, SL).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Level or assistant for monitoring the position of the body.
It is important to determine in advance the type of your model, since the complexity of the procedure depends on this. If you have a two-chamber unit with a Multi Air Flowsystem, make sure that you do not damage the air supply ducts when removing the internal panels.
Features of LG models with an electronic display
The main difference between LG refrigerators with display from conventional models is the presence of additional wires running to the top loop. These cables transmit signals from control buttons and provide operation of temperature indicators. When rehanging the door, it is extremely important not to overtighten or damage these connections, since their restoration may require replacing the entire wiring harness.
In some models, the cable channel is integrated directly into the hinge axis or passes through a hollow tube inside the door body. Before starting work, carefully inspect the upper part: if you see a plastic plug or corrugated tube, that is where the electrics are hidden. Display can be located both on the door itself and on the body, which affects the shutdown circuit.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to disconnect live contacts or pull wires by force. Connectors often have latching fasteners that need to be carefully pressed out with a thin screwdriver.
It is also worth considering that the presence of electronics requires a more thorough check for tightness after installation. The slightest misalignment of the door can cause the opening sensors to work incorrectly, and the alarm system will begin to give false signals.
Layout of hinges and fasteners
The design of hinges for LG refrigerators may vary, but the general principle remains similar for most series. The upper loop is a load-bearing loop and is often aligned with the axis of rotation, the middle loop separates the chambers (if there are two of them), and the lower one serves as a support. To rehang, you need to dismantle all the elements and move them to the opposite side using the reserved holes.
Pay attention to the table below, which shows the main types of fastenings found in different modifications. Understanding the type of your hinge will help you choose the right tool and dismantling method.
| Hinge type | Location | Mounting feature | Do you need to move the axis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper | Case cover | 3-4 bolts under the decorative cover | Yes (in most models) |
| Average | Between chambers | 2 bolts, often hidden plug | Yes (change side) |
| Bottom | Base | Attaching to the floor of the refrigerator | Yes (rearranging the bushing) |
| Reciprocal | Opposite side | Threaded holes are closed with plugs | No (ready-made ones are used) |
On the back side of the door, where there were no hinges previously, there are usually threaded holes closed with plastic plugs. This is where the main fastening mechanisms will be moved. Make sure that your refrigerator refrigerator came with special pins or bushings for the bottom support, since without them the door will not fit into place.
Sometimes, to fix the door in the open position during installation, a special stop is required, which can be temporarily made from a wooden block. This will prevent spontaneous slamming of the heavy sash while tightening the bolts.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top part and display
Let's begin the process from the most important stage - removing the top hinge to which the display is connected. First, carefully remove the decorative hinge cover by prying it off with a flathead screwdriver. Underneath it you will find mounting bolts that need to be unscrewed with a wrench of the appropriate size. display. First, carefully remove the decorative hinge cover by prying it off with a flathead screwdriver. Under it you will find mounting bolts that need to be unscrewed with a wrench of the appropriate size.
After loosening the bolts, do not remove the hinge completely immediately. First, locate the connectors of the wires going to the control panel. They may be located inside or adjacent to the hinge cavity. Carefully disconnect the connectors, holding the wires so that they do not go inside the refrigerator body.
- 📸 Take a photo of connecting the wires before disconnecting.
- 🔌 Disconnect the connectors by pressing the clamps.
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinges.
- 🚪 Remove the hinge and put the wires aside.
Now you can remove the top door itself. It is better to do this with an assistant, since even an empty LG refrigerator door has an impressive weight. Lift the door up, removing it from the axis of the middle hinge, and set it in a safe place, placing soft cloth or cardboard underneath.
If fastening elements or mating parts of the hinges remain on the removed door, they must also be dismantled and rearranged to the other side according to the instructions for your specific series DoorCooling+ or InstaView.
☑️ Removing the upper door
Rehanging the main and lower doors
After removing the upper part, we move on to the main chamber. If you have a model Side-by-Side or a two-chamber refrigerator, the process will be similar: remove the door, dismantle the middle hinge. Please note that some LG models may also have air ducts or additional sensor wires running through the middle loop.
The lower door is removed in the same way, but here it is important not to lose the support sleeve or the roller on which it rotates. Often this element is simply inserted into the hole and can fall out when the case is tilted. After dismantling all doors, begin rearranging the strikers and plugs.
⚠️ Warning: Plastic plugs on unused holes may be fragile. If they are stuck, gently heat them with a hairdryer or pry them off with a thin knife so as not to break the plastic of the case.
Move all the metal elements of the hinges to the new side using the prepared holes. Make sure the threads match and the bolts fit in freely. If you change the opening side, do not forget to rearrange the handle, if the design of the model suggests this (in some LG series, the handles are symmetrical and do not require rearrangement).
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order: first install the bottom door, then the middle and lastly the top. When installing the upper door, be especially careful with the wires - they must be carefully laid in the designated channel so that they are not pinched by the metal of the hinge.
What to do if the wires do not reach?
In rare cases, when rehanging, it may turn out that the standard cable length is not enough for the new configuration. In such a situation, you cannot leave the wires in a taut state. It is necessary to check whether the cable reserve inside the case can be freed by carefully dismantling the inner casing near the hinge. If there is no reserve, you will need to extend the wire by soldering while maintaining insulation, which is best left to a professional.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
After all the doors are installed in new places, it is necessary to perform adjustment. The doors should close tightly and be automatically attracted by a magnetic seal at a small opening angle. If the door slams or, conversely, does not fit completely, you need to tighten the adjusting bolts on the hinges.
Use a building level to check the vertical installation. Misalignment of the body may cause the door to open spontaneously. LG refrigerators often provide the ability to adjust the height of the legs, which also affects the angle of inclination of the entire unit and the operation of the closing mechanism.
Check the operation display. If everything is done correctly after connecting, the panel should light up and display the current temperature. If the screen does not respond, check the reliability of the connection of the connectors - perhaps one of the contacts is not fully latched.
- 🚪 Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
- 📐 Make sure that the gaps between the doors are the same.
- 🔊 Listen for creaks when opening.
- 💡 Check the operation of the internal lighting and display.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Squeeze the sheet with the refrigerator door and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out with force along the entire perimeter, then the seal is working correctly. In areas where paper falls out easily, additional hinge adjustment is required.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of small parts such as washers, bushings or decorative caps. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or stick the removed elements on tape near the dismantling site. Users also often forget to remove the shipping bolts from the compressor before turning it on, although this has less to do with re-hanging the doors, but it’s worth checking.
Another problem is damage to the display wire during reassembly. If the wire is pinched by a metal loop, a short circuit or broken contact may occur after some time. Visually inspect the cable path before final tightening the bolts.
⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the refrigerator makes strange sounds or does not maintain temperature, the installation geometry may have been damaged. Do not ignore these signs and repeat the adjustment procedure.
In some cases, especially in models with the system Linear Cooling, after a long period of inactivity during repairs, it may take time for the temperature to stabilize. Do not load food into the chamber immediately, let the unit run idle for 2-3 hours.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. As you work, you will tilt and rotate the unit. If ice or water remains in the chambers, it may get on electrical components or leak onto the floor. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier to maneuver.
Can you re-hang the door yourself or do you need a master?
If you have basic tool skills and physical strength (the doors are heavy), you can do it yourself. However, if the model is complex (for example, InstaView with a large glass), it is better to call an assistant so as not to break the expensive glass.
What to do if the display does not work after rehanging?
First of all, check whether the wire connectors are tightly latched. Often the problem lies in poor contact. If reconnection does not help, the wire may have been damaged during operation, and the harness will need to be replaced.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging yourself?
According to the law, independent repairs or upgrades (which include re-hanging) do not void the warranty if you have not damaged the components. However, if you break a loop or wire, this case will not be considered under warranty. Be careful.
Where to put the holes on the old side of the door?
There are usually holes left in the place of the old fasteners. Plastic plugs are often included with the refrigerator. If they are not there, you can carefully paint over the holes with a marker in the color of the body or leave them as is if they are not conspicuous.