The need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door often arises when remodeling the kitchen or purchasing new furniture. Equipment owners LG face additional difficulties if there is a display or touch control panel on the front panel. Unlike simple models, this requires not only physical transfer of the canvas, but also careful work with electronics.
The process requires care, since incorrectly disconnecting the cables can lead to failure of the control system. However, by following the sequence of steps and using the right tool, you can complete the task yourself. The main thing is to prepare the workspace in advance and make sure that all the necessary components are included.
Preparatory stage and necessary tools
Before starting work, it is extremely important to free up the internal space of the unit. Shelves, drawers and products should be removed to reduce the weight of the structure and prevent damage to the contents. A heavy refrigerator is easier to move if it is empty, and the risk of breaking glass shelves when tilted is reduced to zero.
To dismantle and then install the hinges, you will need a basic set of tools. Usually, hex keys, which are often included in the kit, are sufficient, but it is better to have a professional set on hand.
- 🔧 Set of hex keys (usually sizes 4 mm and 5 mm)
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for housing screws
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp edges edges
- 📏 Level or tape measure to check distortions
Be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. Working with electronics, even when turned off, requires compliance with safety precautions. It is also recommended to cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft material, such as cardboard or an old blanket, so as not to scratch the floor covering when moving the heavy case.
Removing the top panel and access to the electronics
The most crucial moment is removing the top cover, under which the top hinge fasteners and cable channels are hidden. On models LG with a display, the wires often run inside the case or under the decorative trim. First, remove the decorative plug if it covers the screws.
Carefully unscrew the fixing screws. Do not use excessive force as the plastic may be brittle. Once the cover is removed you will see the wiring harnesses going to the display. They need to be disconnected. The connectors may be tight, so be careful, holding the board with your fingers so as not to pull out the contacts along with the wires.
⚠️ Attention! Never pull on the wires themselves. Handle only the plastic housing of the connector, otherwise there is a high risk of broken contacts, which will require complex repair of the electronics.
After disconnecting the electronics, you can begin to remove the door. It is better to perform this operation together: one person holds the heavy blade, and the second unscrews the bolts of the upper hinge. The removed door must be put in a safe place, placed on a soft surface.
Moving fastening elements and plugs
When the door is removed, attention turns to the body of the refrigerator. On the opposite side, where previously there were no hinges, there are technological holes closed with plastic plugs. They must be removed and moved to the free space.
Use a thin screwdriver or knife to pry out the plastic plugs. Be careful not to break them. The rearranged plugs should fit tightly and not protrude beyond the surface level. This is important for aesthetics and safety, especially if there are children in the house.
Now you need to rearrange the stops and pins on the door itself. The refrigerator LG often comes with special plugs for the holes for the hinges. Find the instructions for your model to determine the correct sequence for rearranging the fittings on the canvas.
- 🔩 Unscrew the bottom pin and move it to the opposite side
- 🚪 Remove the lock strike plate (if any) and move it
- 🕳️ Cover the vacated holes with decorative stickers from the kit
Check that all threaded connections are clean and free of burrs. If necessary, blow out the holes with compressed air. This will ensure a tight fit of metal to metal and no backlash in the future.
☑️ Check before assembly
Installing the door on a new side
Installing the door in a new location requires precision. First, install the bottom hinge on the refrigerator body, but do not tighten it all the way until it stops, leaving a small gap for adjustment. Insert the bottom door pin into the hinge groove and position the door leaf vertically.
Ask an assistant to hold the door while you install the top hinge. Align the holes and screw in the bolts. At this stage it is important not to pinch the wires if they pass through the channel in the loop. Make sure that the door is level with the horizon.
⚠️ Attention! If you feel resistance when tightening the bolts, do not force them. Check the alignment of the holes, otherwise you can break the threads in the aluminum case.
After fixing the top hinge, you can finally tighten all the fasteners. Check the door movement: it should open smoothly, without squeaks or jams. If the door closes on its own or, conversely, does not reach the magnets, you will need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs.
Connecting the display and assembling the control panel
We return to the most difficult stage - connecting the display. The cables you disconnected at the beginning now need to be routed through the new channels. In some models LG the length of the wires is designed with a margin, and it is enough to simply transfer them.
If the wires are short or run inside the door, careful disassembly of the internal control panel may be required. Carefully inspect the design: often it is enough to remove the plastic cover to gain access to the commutation point of the cable.
Connect the connectors until you hear a characteristic click. Make sure that the markings on the board and on the cable match. Incorrect connection can lead to the controller burning out.
| Connector type | Marking color | Purpose | Fixation feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-pin white | White/Grey | Display power | Latch on top |
| Flat cable | Orange/Blue | Transmission data | Clamp-bar |
| 3-pin black | Black | Grounding | Tight fit |
After connecting, assemble the top panel into in reverse order. Lay the wires so that they do not get under moving parts or get pinched by the cover. Tighten all the screws and install decorative plugs.
What to do if the display does not light up?
If after assembly the screen does not respond, check the tightness of the connectors. Often contact is lost due to microscopic displacement. Also make sure that the refrigerator is plugged in and plugged in. If the problem persists, the cable may have been damaged during transfer.
Final adjustment and tightness check
The final stage is checking the quality of the installation. The door should fit equally tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. Check this with a piece of paper: press it between the door and the seal at different points. If the paper is pulled out with the same force, the seal is normal.
If you notice a distortion, use the adjusting screws on the hinges or tighten the support legs of the refrigerator. For models with a display, it is also important to check the operation of the sensor or buttons. Sometimes after transfer, calibration is required, which is described in the user manual.
- 📄 Test with a sheet of paper around the entire perimeter
- 🔊 Checking the operation of the open door alarm
- ❄️ Monitoring the temperature rise during the first 4 hours
Plug in the refrigerator and let it work without loading food for at least 2-3 hours. Make sure that no condensation or ice appears in the area where the doors meet, which could indicate a loose fit.
Possible difficulties and their solutions
Unforeseen situations may arise during the work. For example, screws may not fit due to factory paint in the holes. In this case, carefully clean the threads with a tap of the appropriate diameter or just an old bolt coated with oil.
Sometimes, after rehanging, the door begins to touch the body. This can be solved by adjusting the height of the legs: if the door touches from above, the front leg needs to be unscrewed (raised), if from below, it needs to be tightened. Do this in small turns, checking the result.
⚠️ Attention! The design of the loops and the location of the cables may differ depending on the specific series LG (for example, DoorCooling+ or classic models). Always check the original diagram in the instructions, since there is no universal algorithm for all years of production.
If you are faced with the fact that the display cable is too short and does not reach the new side, do not try to stretch it. In this case, you will need to order an extension cable from an official service center or re-soldering the contacts, which is a complex procedure.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Yes, this is necessary. Water may leak out of the drainage channels when the cabinet is tilted, resulting in a short circuit or damage to the floor covering. In addition, the ice in the evaporator can shift and damage the tubes.
Is it possible for one person to do the job?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. The refrigerator door LG is heavy and has a complex geometry. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping it, scratching the case, or incorrectly aligning the hinges, which will lead to loose closure.
Will the system assemble if the display connectors are mixed up?
Modern controllers have protection, but it’s not worth the risk. Mechanically unsuitable connectors often have different shapes, but in some cases the contact groups can be damaged. If, after switching on, chaotic symbols light up on the screen, immediately turn off the device and check the connection diagram.
Will the warranty remain valid after self-replacement?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-service. However, if in the process the hinges are damaged, the display is broken or the thread is torn, and you contact the service, there will be a charge for repairing these components. The very fact of overweight does not void the warranty if there are no traces of careless intervention.
What should you do if, after overweight, the refrigerator slams loudly when closing?
This may mean that the air lock does not have time to escape, or the seals are pressed too tightly. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet a little to change the angle of the chassis. Also check if the food in the door shelves is pinched.