Rearranging a kitchen unit or changing the layout often requires moving large household appliances. Owners of modern models LG with a system No Frost and a built-in display Door-in-Door often face a dilemma: it is inconvenient to open the door, and there is not enough space for full opening on the right or left. There is only one solution - to change the opening side, which is technically possible for most units.
However, the presence of an electronic control module displayed on the facade significantly complicates the process compared to mechanical models. You will have to work not only with heavy metal loops, but also with fragile cablesconnectors and display boards. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the electronics or disruption of the seal of the chamber.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and specific nuances of working with refrigerator electronics LG. We will look at the steps of dismantling, transferring fasteners and, most importantly, the correct connection of the display wires. Strict adherence to the sequence of operations will allow you to complete the work yourself, avoiding costly mistakes.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before starting any manipulations with the unit body, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. The refrigerator is a heavy device, often weighing more than 80-100 kg, so make room for it around it. You will need a flat surface where you can safely lay the unit on its side or tilt it to access the bottom mounts.
You will need a tool kit to complete the work of reinstalling the hinges and moving the display. The absence of even one key element can stop the process or lead to thread failure.
- 🔧 Screwdriver set: Phillips (PH2) and flat in various sizes for dismantling panels.
- 🔩 Hex keys: sizes 4 mm, 5 mm and 8 mm are most often required for hinge bolts.
- ✂️ Pliers or tweezers: for carefully removing connectors from tight connectors.
- 📦 Container for fasteners: to avoid losing screws of different diameters during work.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Unplug and allow the compressor to cool for 15-20 minutes. This will prevent accidental electric shock when working with the display wiring and will protect the electronics from power surges.
Removing the top panel and accessing the electronics
The first stage of working with models LGequipped with a display is removing the top decorative cover. It is under this that the main part of the wiring going to the door is hidden. Unlike older models, you cannot simply unscrew the hinges here - you must first release the cables.
Carefully remove the top cover of the case. It is usually secured with two screws at the back and plastic latches at the front. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the cover, but be careful not to break fasteners. After removing the cover, you will see a wiring harness running from the body to the door through the top hinge.
⚠️ Attention: Do not pull the wires with force! Connectors can be secured with additional locks. Before disconnecting, carefully inspect the connector for locking tabs.
Locate the connector connecting the main board and the display on the door. It can be one or divided into several parts depending on the model LG. Carefully disconnect the cable. If the wires pass through the hollow axis of the top hinge, they will need to be pulled out after removing the hinge itself.
Removing the door and dismantling the hinges
After the wires are freed, you can begin removing the door leaf. This is the most difficult stage, requiring physical strength or the help of a second person. The refrigerator door LG with the system No Frost weighs a lot, and holding it with one hand while unscrewing the bolts is extremely risky.
Using a hex key, unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. Remove the hinge along with the axle. Now the door is only supported by the lower awning. Lift the door leaf up, removing it from the lower axis, and set it in a safe place, having previously laid down a soft cloth or cardboard.
Next is the dismantling of the lower hinge. It is attached to the bottom of the refrigerator with several bolts. Unscrew them and remove the hinge. In some models LG, there may be a counter part of the magnetic lock or a stopper on the bottom hinge, which also needs to be moved.
Now you need to prepare the door itself. Remove the mating part of the upper hinge (if it remains on the door) and the plug for the hinge hole on the opposite side. These elements will need to be rearranged to the other side so that the door can be hung mirrored.
☑️ Ready for rehanging
Moving fastening elements and plugs
The design of refrigerator doors LG provides symmetrical holes for attaching hinges on both sides. Those holes that are not used are closed with decorative plugs. To rehang the door, you need to swap them.
Remove the plugs from the working holes at the end of the door (where the hinges were) and install them in the holes on the opposite side. Carry out a similar operation with the upper and lower parts of the refrigerator body. The plugs are usually easily removed with a thin screwdriver or knife.
Pay special attention to the door handle. If your model LG has a hidden (mortise) or asymmetrical handle, you may need to rearrange it. However, in most modern models with a display, the handles are either symmetrical or already have mounts on both sides. Check the instructions for your specific model, as configuration handles may differ.
Install the hinge mates in new places on the end of the door. Tighten the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - the final adjustment is made after hanging the door.
Installing the door on the new side and connecting the display
This is the most critical stage where maximum concentration is required. Place the bottom hinge in its new location on the refrigerator body and secure it with bolts. Slide the door onto the bottom axle, holding it in a vertical position.
Now you need to thread the display wires through the top hinge. The design LG often provides a special channel inside the loop. Carefully pull the wire harness through, being careful not to damage the insulation on the edges of the metal. Reinstall the top hinge by passing the wires through the hole.
Connect the wire connectors to the main control board and to the door display module. Make sure each connector clicks into place. A loose connection will result in the display not lighting up or showing an error.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Transfer to the opposite side | Hexagon 5-8 mm | Keep an eye on the wires |
| Bottom loop | Transfer and adjustment height | Hexagon 4-5 mm | Checking the level |
| Display | Cable switching | Tweezers/fingers | Until it clicks |
| Plugs | Replacing sides | Thin screwdriver | Do not lose |
After connecting all communications, hang the top loop on the body and tighten the fastening bolts. Check whether the door opens and closes freely and whether there are any distortions. The gaps around the perimeter should be uniform.
What to do if the wires do not reach?
In rare cases, when reassembling yourself, the wiring harness may be too tight. Do not leave the wires in a tense state under any circumstances - this will lead to broken contacts after a few months. If you notice tension, you will have to partially disassemble the plastic door casing (usually it is held on by screws on the inside) to free up the length of the wire inside the door cavity. This requires caution, since the plastic latches are fragile.
Adjusting the door position and checking the tightness
After installing the door in a new place, it may not open tightly or close spontaneously. This is normal and requires adjustment. Most refrigerators LG have a mechanism for adjusting the height of the bottom hinge, which allows you to level out distortions.
Use a building level, placing it against the end of the closed door. If the door is skewed, tighten the adjusting bolt on the bottom hinge. Also check the tightness seal along the entire perimeter. There should be no gaps between the rubber and the body.
Plug in the refrigerator. Check the display operation: the temperature indicators should light up. If an error appears on the screen or it does not turn on, double-check the connection of the cables. Sometimes it takes a few seconds for the system to initialize after power is applied.
⚠️ Attention: If the door does not close completely after rehanging, check to see if the display wire is touching the frame. Excessive pressure on the harness may block the door movement.
Leave the refrigerator idle for 2-3 hours. During this time, the compressor will gain temperature, and you can make sure that there is no extraneous noise and that the system is operating correctly No Frost.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
When rehanging doors themselves, users often make typical mistakes that can lead to breakdown. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Hinge bolts LG often have a specific thread and length; replacing them with regular ones from a hardware store can be difficult.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level check. If the refrigerator is not level, the door will open on its own or, conversely, will not stay open. Always use the adjustable supports on the legs of the refrigerator for leveling.
Problems with the display may arise if the cable was pinched during assembly. If the screen blinks or shows incorrect data, try turning off the power to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to reboot the controller, and then turning it on again.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of elements may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the LG refrigerator. Always check the official diagram in the user manual before starting work.
If you encounter mechanical damage to the plastic or a crack on the hinge, do not try to glue or weld the part. The load on the hinges is enormous, and such repairs will be temporary. Order an original spare part from the manufacturer.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
Technically this is possible, but it is extremely difficult. You will need to completely remove the refrigerator from the niche, as work requires access from all sides, including the ability to lay the unit on its side. Built-in models often have additional fastenings to the furniture, which complicate the process.
What to do if the display does not work after rehanging?
First of all, check whether the connectors are fully inserted. Often the connectors are tight. If visually everything is connected correctly, try resetting the settings by unplugging the refrigerator for 15 minutes. If this does not help, the cable may have been damaged during installation.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is a mandatory condition. As you work, you will tilt and lay down the refrigerator. If water or ice remains in the system, it may enter the electrical part or compressor, causing damage. Wait until the internal chambers are completely defrosted and dry.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, independent repairs or modifications (which include re-hanging the hinges) may become grounds for denial of warranty service if the breakdown is related to your actions. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call an official technician.