Modern kitchens are designed taking into account ergonomics, and it often happens that the standard location of the refrigerator LG turns out to be inconvenient. The door may rest against the wall, block the passage, or simply interfere with the opening of adjacent cabinets. In such situations, the only way out is to hang the door on the opposite side. This procedure requires care, especially if the model is equipped with an electronic display on the facade.
Owners are often afraid to take on this work themselves, thinking that complex electronics and system Door Cooling+ will make the task impossible without a specialist. However, with a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design, you can successfully complete the relocation in a couple of hours. The main thing is to strictly follow the algorithm of actions and not ignore the peculiarities of fastening the cables.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace. You will need some space in front of the refrigerator to allow you to lay it on its side or remove the doors completely. It is also worth enlisting the help of a second person, since doors with displays and systems Linear Cooling may be heavier than standard models.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is the key to success. To work with refrigerators LG you will need a standard home craftsman's kit, but there are also specific requirements. The main difficulty lies in carefully working with plastic elements and electronics, so the tools must be in good working order.
You will definitely need a Phillips screwdriver, preferably with a magnetic tip, so as not to drop the screws inside the case. You also cannot do without a flat-head screwdriver for removing decorative plugs and plastic latches. A hex key is often included with the refrigerator, but it is better to have a full set of sizes.
- 🛠️ Phillips and flat head screwdrivers (sizes PH2 and small).
- 🔧 Set of hex keys (4 mm or 5 mm are often required).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal position after installation.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting any work. This is critical because you will have to disconnect the display's electrical connectors. Even low voltage can cause a short circuit if the contacts are handled carelessly under load.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to disconnect the display cables while the refrigerator is plugged in. This can lead to the control board burning out, the replacement of which is very expensive.
Free up space around the unit. You need to approach the refrigerator from all sides. If the floor is slippery, lay cardboard or thick fabric to avoid scratching the coating and ensure stability of the equipment when tilted.
Removing the top door and working with electronics
The process begins with the top door, on which the display and controls are usually located. This is the most critical stage, requiring maximum concentration. First you need to remove the top decorative panel if it covers the mounting bolts.
Carefully pry up the plastic plugs on the hinges with a flat-head screwdriver. The upper hinge fastening bolts are hidden under them. Before unscrewing them completely, make sure that the door is securely fixed, since after removing the fasteners it may fall.
☑️ Check before removing the door
After loosening the bolts, but before they are completely removed, you need to disconnect the connectors of the wires going to the display. They are usually found at the top of the door or inside the hinge channel. The connectors may be tight and need to be pulled by the connector body rather than by the wires themselves.
Remove the top hinge and carefully set the door in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the outside side down. Now you can proceed to dismantling the central hinge, which separates the upper and lower chambers.
Remove the middle hinge. Pay attention to its orientation - whichever side it stood on, that’s where it should end up after the flip, but on the other side of the body. Often these loops have guide pins that cannot be lost.
Features of transferring display cables
Models LG with a display have a complex wiring system. The cables run inside the door leaf, hidden by plastic channels. Your task is to move these cables to the other side or rearrange them so that they come out from the desired side.
In most cases, the wires are already of sufficient length and are simply laid in a special groove on one of the sides. You need to carefully remove them from the current channel and place them in a symmetrical channel on the other side of the door. Proceed without sudden jerks to avoid damaging the insulation.
What to do if the wires are short?
In some older models, the length of the wires may be limited. If you see that the wires are stretched, do not try to forcefully pull them out. Check to see if there is any hidden cable stash inside the door hidden under the insulation near the hinge. If there is no reserve, an extension may be required, but this requires soldering and knowledge of electronics.
Pay special attention to the connectors. When rerouting wires, make sure they do not twist or form loops that could prevent the door from opening properly in the future. The wires should lie freely.
If your model is equipped with a system Smart ThinQ or has a camera inside, the number of cables may be greater. Each connection must be marked or photographed before disassembly, so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
- 📸 Take a photo of the connection diagram of all connectors before disconnecting.
- 🔌 Use masking tape to secure the ends of the wires so that they do not go inside the door.
- 🧐 Check the integrity of the insulation of the wires after relocation.
Rearranging the lower compartment and freezer
After working with the top part, move on to the bottom. Here, more physical effort may be required, since the lower doors are often heavier due to the system Door-in-Door or simply the greater mass of the grocery shelves.
Remove the lower door by first removing the lower hinge. As with the top, first loosen the fasteners while holding the door. Also place the removed door on a soft mat.
Now you need to rearrange the handle, if it is asymmetrical, or the plugs for the bolts. On many models LG the handles are universal, but the holes for fasteners can be closed with plastic plugs. Move these plugs to new places corresponding to the new opening side.
Install the bottom hinge on the new side of the case. To do this, there are usually threaded holes at the end of the housing, closed with plugs. Unscrew the caps from the new side and screw them into the old holes to close the holes.
When installing a lower door, it is important to correctly align the lower hinge pin with the hole in the door. If the door does not sit in place, do not use excessive force - check if the wiring or plastic element is in the way.
Installing the doors on the new side and adjusting
The final stage is installing all the elements in new places. Start by installing the bottom door on the bottom hinge. Then put the middle hinge back in place and put the top door on. The upper loop is only being tightened for now, but not completely tightened.
Now you need to connect all the electrical connectors. Make sure they click into place. After this, you can carefully lay the wires in the channels and close the decorative covers.
| Work stage | Required tools | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Removing the top door | Phillips screwdriver, hexagon | Disconnect the connectors before removing the bolts |
| Transferring cables | Flat screwdriver | Do not damage the cable insulation |
| Installing loops | Hexagon, level | Check the horizontal position of the body |
| Final adjustment | Building level | The gap between the doors should be uniform |
When all the doors are installed, check their operation. They should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the door closes on its own or, conversely, does not hold in the open position, adjustment of the tilt of the body is required.
For adjustment, use the front support legs. By rotating them, you can raise or lower the corner of the refrigerator. Usually you need to lift the front part a little so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, difficulties may arise. One of the common problems is door misalignment after installation. This manifests itself in the fact that the upper or lower edge of the door protrudes forward or goes inward relative to the body.
To eliminate the distortion, loosen the fastenings of the middle hinge and, aligning the door, tighten them again. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the gap between the doors. It should be the same throughout the entire height.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation you hear squeaking or rubbing of plastic on plastic, do not ignore it. Over time, friction will cause wear and play. Lubricate the rubbing surfaces with silicone grease.
Another problem is the non-lit display after connection. Check that the connector is inserted all the way. Sometimes the contacts oxidize or become stuck. Try disconnecting and reconnecting it.
If the door does not fit tightly, check whether the contents of the shelves or the shelf itself are interfering with it. The cause may also be contamination of the seal. Wipe it with a damp cloth.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is highly recommended. When the refrigerator is tilted, especially if there is ice in the freezer, water may leak into the mechanisms or onto the floor. It is better to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended, especially for models with a display and system Door-in-Door>. Doors are heavy and bulky, and there is a high risk of them falling or damaging the floor. It’s better to call an assistant.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn on after rehanging?
Check the power cord connection. If everything is fine with the network, it is possible that the temperature sensor or wiring inside the case was touched during operation. In complex cases, diagnostics by a specialist will be required.
Will the warranty remain valid after independent re-hanging?
According to the law, independent repairs or modernization (which includes re-weighing) may cause a refusal of warranty service if the breakdown is associated with your actions. Be careful.