Modern kitchens are often designed with ergonomics in mind, and the placement of appliances plays a key role here. There are situations when Samsung refrigerator you need to move it to the other side so that the door opens in a more convenient direction. This is especially true for narrow rooms, where every centimeter of free space is worth its weight in gold. However, owners of models with displays are often afraid to take on this task themselves, for fear of damaging the electronic filling.
In fact, the process of hanging the door does not require specialized education, but it definitely requires attentiveness and accuracy. The main difficulty lies not in the loops themselves, but in the correct transfer display cable and control cables. Incorrect actions may result in the control panel not working or the camera seal being compromised. In this article, we will analyze each step in detail so that you can complete the job efficiently and safely.
Before you begin, make sure that you have the necessary set of tools and free space around the unit. It is important to understand that the design of different models Samsung may vary slightly, so it is always useful to have the original instructions on hand. We will consider a universal algorithm that is suitable for most modern Side-by-Side models and two-chamber refrigerators with a top freezer.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is half the success of any installation operation. To rehang doors, you will need a basic DIY kit, but there are also specific tools that will make the process much easier. You should not try to do the work “by eye” or using improvised means, as this can lead to thread breakage or damage to the plastic.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers with a Phillips and flat slot (sizes PH2 and PH3 are often required).
- 🔩 Hex key (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) for adjustment hinges.
- 🧤 Painting tape for fixing the doors in the open position.
- 🧶 Soft rags or a towel to protect the floor and cover of the refrigerator.
Particular attention should be paid to the organization of space. The refrigerator must be pulled out so that there is free access from all sides, including the back wall. It is better to cover the floor with cardboard or thick fabric so that a fallen nut or tool does not damage the floor covering. It is also extremely important Disconnect the power to the device Before starting any work on electrical components.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical wiring is prohibited and may result in electric shock or failure of the control board.
Do not forget to empty the door shelves of products and remove all removable elements that may fall out when the case is tilted. It is better to remove heavy bottles and glass jars in advance to reduce the overall weight of the structure and avoid combat injury in case of a fall.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the top panel and accessing the electronics
The first step in models with a display is to remove the top cover, under which the main wiring is hidden. This is where the wiring harness is located that goes to the control panel on the door. In some models Samsung this panel is secured with latches, in others - with screws hidden under decorative plugs.
Carefully inspect the top of the refrigerator. If you see plastic plugs, you need to pry them off with a thin screwdriver. Screws are usually located in the corners or along the back edge of the cover. After unscrewing them, the panel must be slightly lifted and moved back or forward (depending on the model) to disengage the locking hooks.
Under the cover you will see wire connectors. The important thing here is not to try too hard. The cables may be quite short, so sudden movements are not allowed. Your task is to gain access to the junction of the display cable with the main board or adapter connector.
Nuances of fastening the top cover
In some models of Samsung refrigerators, the top cover may be additionally secured with sealant or have very tight latches. If the cover does not come off easily, do not use force - check to see if there are any unscrewed screws under the decorative trim on the front.
For the convenience of further work, it is recommended to photograph the location of all wires before disconnecting them. This will help avoid assembly errors. Remember or write down which connector was connected where, especially if there are several of them.
Disconnecting the display cable and door wires
This is the most critical moment of the entire operation. The display cable is a thin, sensitive element that connects the control panel on the door to the “brains” of the refrigerator. In most cases, it goes through or near the top loop.
Locate where the ribbon cable is connected to the connector. Connectors can have different types of latches. Some need to be pushed up, others to the side. Never pull on the wires themselves! You need to pull on the plastic housing of the connector. If the connector does not budge, check to see if you forgot to release the latch.
- 💡 Types of connectors: Pay attention to the color markings or numbers on the board, they often correspond to the mating part on the door.
- 🔌 Grounding: Remember to disconnect the door ground wire, if present (usually yellow-green wire screwed to the metal).
- 📸 Fixation: After disconnecting, carefully lay the cable so that it does not interfere with the removal of the door, but is not strained.
In some models, the cable can be threaded through the hollow axis of the top loops. In this case, it does not need to be disconnected from the door itself; it is enough to release the hinge mechanism. However, most often a complete disconnection of contacts is required. Be extremely careful with the contacts - oxidation or contamination can lead to incorrect operation of the display in the future.
⚠️ Attention: The display cable is very easy to damage. Do not bend it at an acute angle, do not twist or stretch it. Damage to even one track will cause the buttons or screen backlight to stop working.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
After all the wires are disconnected, you can begin dismantling the door itself. Here you will definitely need an assistant, since the door with the display and seal weighs quite a lot, and it is almost impossible to hold it with one hand while unscrewing the bolts.
First, remove the top hinge. Unscrew the mounting bolts while holding the door. Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower axis, and place it in a safe place (it is better to place it on a prepared soft surface). Now it’s the turn of the bottom loop.
Remove the bottom loop on one side and move it to the opposite side. For this purpose, threaded holes are provided in the refrigerator body, closed with plastic plugs. Pull out the plugs from the new side and close the vacated holes on the old side with them.
Now install the door on the new lower hinge, align the holes and screw the upper hinge. Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” right away. Leave a small gap so that later you can perform position adjustment doors.
| Stage | Action | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Removing the top hinge | You need an assistant to hold the door |
| 2 | Moving the plugs | Do not lose the screws, they can be different lengths |
| 3 | Installing a new hinge | Watch the thread so as not to strip it |
| 4 | Fixing the door | Tighten the bolts only after adjustment |
When installing, make sure that the door is level and the seal is evenly adjacent to the body along the entire perimeter. If you notice a distortion, loosen the fastenings and correct the position.
Laying the cable and connecting on the new side
When the door is installed on the new side, the time comes for the most delicate part - laying the cable. The cable must pass through a special channel in the loop or housing. Models Samsung often use a rotating mechanism inside the hinge, which allows the door to open 180 degrees without twisting the wires.
Carefully study the design of the hinge. The cable must lie in the groove intended for it, without protruding beyond the edges. If the cable is pinched by the metal of the hinge when closing the door, the insulation will wear out and a short circuit will occur.
Connect the connectors to the mating part on the refrigerator body. Make sure they click into place with a distinctive click sound. If the connectors are screw-retained, carefully tighten them.
Assemble the top panel by returning all screws to their original locations. Check to see if there is any excess wire left inside that could be caught by moving parts. All cables must be laid in their normal places and secured with plastic clamps or clips.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the cable is not stretched when the door is closed. Leave a small margin of length (loop) so that when opening the door the wire is not under tension.
After connecting, you can check the functionality of the display. Plug in the refrigerator. If the screen lights up and responds to touches, you have completed the most difficult part.
Adjusting gaps and closing tightness
Even with careful installation, the door may not close tightly or warp. This can be easily fixed using adjustment screws. The bottom hinge usually has a screw that allows you to raise or lower the door, as well as screws to adjust the tilt left and right.
Use a level to check that the installation is vertical. The door should close on its own if you open it 30-40 degrees (thanks to the magnetic seal and a slight tilt of the body back). If the door slams or, conversely, does not reach the end, correction is required.
- 📏 Gap at the top: Adjustable by the height of the lower support.
- 📐 Gap at the side: Adjustable with side screws on the hinges.
- 🚪 Density: Check along the entire perimeter by pressing a sheet of paper. It should be pulled out with force.
Do not forget that after adjustment you need to finally tighten all the fastening bolts of the upper and lower hinges. Check the operation of the door several times, opening and closing it.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door without completely disconnecting the cable?
In some models, the length of the cable allows you to simply transfer it to the other side through the top hinge without disconnecting it from the board. However, this is only possible if the design of the loop allows the harness to be threaded through the axle. In 90% of cases with displays, a complete shutdown is required.
What to do if the display does not work after reversing it?
Most likely, the cable connector is not inserted completely or the polarity is reversed (although physically inserting it incorrectly is difficult). Also check if you damaged the cable during installation. Try reconnecting the connector after turning off the power to the refrigerator.
Do you need to change the direction of opening the freezer at the bottom?
If you have a Side-by-Side refrigerator or with a bottom freezer (No Frost), then the freezer door also requires reversing. The principle is the same, but often there are no electronics, which simplifies the task. However, in some Samsung models, the bottom door may be symmetrical and does not require replacing the handle.
Will the warranty be lost after re-hanging it yourself?
The procedure of re-hanging the door itself is not a basis for voiding the warranty if you have not damaged the internal components. However, if you contact the service center with a display problem, and there are signs of tampering, questions may arise. Keep all screws and parts.
What if the hinge holes on the new side are closed?
Samsung refrigerator cases always have hinge holes on both sides. They are closed with plastic plugs that need to be removed. If you do not see any holes, carefully inspect the end of the case - the plugs can be painted in the color of the case and be almost invisible.