Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is a standard procedure necessary when remodeling a kitchen or changing the location of household appliances. Owners of models Indesit often face the fact that the standard opening on the right is inconvenient in the new room configuration. The process of re-hanging doors on modern units with an electronic display requires increased care, since it affects not only mechanical components, but also the control system.
The main difficulty lies in the careful transfer of wiring harnesses and sensors that ensure the operation of the display and the No Frost system. Careless handling of the wiring can lead to failure of the electronic module or incorrect operation of temperature sensors. Therefore, before starting work, you need to clearly understand the structure of your unit and prepare the appropriate tool.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for models with a display, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling control panels. Following the sequence of operations will allow you to avoid common mistakes and complete the job efficiently. Remember that warranty equipment can be canceled with independent intervention if traces of careless repairs are found.
Preparation of tools and workspace
Before you begin dismantling structures, you need to organize a comfortable workplace. The refrigerator should be pulled out into free space, allowing access from all sides. It is advisable to have an assistant who will hold heavy door leaves while unscrewing the hinges, since the weight of the doors is significant.
To complete the work, you will need a basic home craftsman's kit. The absence of specialized tools can lead to damage to decorative plugs or breakage of the threads of the mounting bolts. Check the availability of the following items in advance:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) for removing handles and plastic covers.
- 🔧 Open-end or socket wrenches (usually 8, 10 mm) for the main fastening bolts of the hinges.
- ✂️ Pliers or thin tweezers for working with wire connectors.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
Pay special attention to lighting. The internal cavities where the cables run are often obscured, and it is important to see the condition of the wire insulation. If you are working in dim light, use an additional light source, such as a headlamp.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. Working with live electrical wiring is strictly prohibited and is dangerous to life.
Prepare a container for storing fasteners. Bolts and screws can be different sizes and can be easily mixed up. Marking parts or using separate containers for each side of the door will help avoid assembly errors.
☑️ Ready to rehang doors
Removing the top panel and accessing the display wiring
The most important step in models Indesit with a display is removing the top cover of the case. It is under it that the main control unit and connection points for the cables going to the doors are located. Unlike simple models, you cannot simply unscrew the hinges here - you must first release the communications.
The top panel is usually fixed with several screws, which can be hidden under decorative plugs or plastic covers. Carefully pry them off with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to damage the paintwork. After unscrewing the fasteners, the lid must be moved back or lifted to gain access to the insides.
Inside you will see wiring harnesses going to the top hinge of the refrigerator door. They are connected through special connectors. Do not pull the wires by force - find the connector lock, press it and carefully disconnect the contacts. Electronic module sensitive to mechanical loads on the contacts.
Features of Indesit connectors
In some models Indesit uses connectors with a rotary lock. If the connector cannot be removed by simple tension, try turning it 90 degrees or carefully prying it with a thin screwdriver from both sides at the same time.
After disconnecting the wires, the top panel can be temporarily put aside or, if the design allows, simply moved away without disturbing the integrity of the rest of the assembly. This will provide free access to the top loop.
| Element | Type of fastening | Tool | Nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative plug | Latch | Flat screwdriver | Operate without force |
| Top cover | Screws (2-4 pcs) | Phillips screwdriver | The seal may interfere |
| Wire connector | Plastic retainer | Fingers/Tweezers | Remember position |
| Top hinge | Bolts (3 pcs) | Wrench 8 or 10 mm | Requires door support |
Removing the refrigerator door
After Once the wires are freed, you can begin to dismantle the door itself. This is a heavy element, so the help of a second person is critical here. One person holds the door in a closed or slightly open position, the second unscrews the bolts securing the top hinge.
Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. Then carefully remove the hinge itself along with the axle. The refrigerator door is now free at the top, but can be secured with a bottom pin or magnetic clamp. Gently lift the door up to remove it from the bottom support.
Put the removed door in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface (such as cardboard or a blanket) with the outside facing down. This will prevent scratches and chips. Now a similar procedure needs to be carried out with the bottom door of the freezer if you plan to rehang it too.
When removing, pay attention to the condition sealing rubber. If it is severely creased or damaged, it may be worth considering replacing it while the doors are dismantled. However, for re-installation, the old rubber can be used if it has retained its elasticity.
Transferring fittings and plugs
When the doors are removed, it is necessary to move the fittings to the opposite side. At the ends of the doors you will see holes closed with plastic plugs. These plugs must be removed from the opposite side and installed in the vacated holes on the new side of the opening.
To remove the plugs, use a thin awl or knife. Be careful not to break the plastic. If the plugs have threads (in some models they serve as mounting sleeves), they need to be unscrewed and screwed in on the other side. The door handles also require rearrangement.
Unscrew the handle mounting screws on the inside of the door. Remove the handles and install them on the opposite end using the prepared holes. Make sure that the screws are tightened tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to damage the plastic.
- 🔩 Remove the metal hinges on one side of the case and move them to the other if the design is asymmetrical.
- 🕳️ Move the plastic bushings and plugs into the vacant holes on the case and doors.
- 🖐️ Move the handles to the other side, checking the alignment of the mounting holes.
Often holes from old hinges remain on the body. They must be closed with decorative plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator or are located in a storage niche. If there are no complete plugs, you can use universal analogues, selecting them by color.
Installing doors on a new side
The installation process begins with the bottom door (freezer). Install the lower support sleeve or pin into the new hole. Place the door onto the support, ensuring the vertical position. Now you need to fix the middle hinge (which is the top one for the freezer and the bottom one for the refrigerator).
Holding the door, screw in the middle hinge bolts. Do not tighten them completely until they are aligned. Then proceed to install the top refrigerator door. Place it on the axis of the middle hinge and align it with the body.
Now is the time to remember about the wires. Route the wire harnesses through the holes in the hinges or housing as they were originally located. Connect the connectors to electronic module under the top cover. Make sure that the connectors snap into place with a characteristic click.
⚠️ Attention: When laying the wires, make sure that they do not fall between the moving parts of the loop and are not pinched by the housing when closing. This may result in an open circuit and display failure.
Secure the top hinge with bolts. Only after mechanical fixation of all elements can all fasteners be finally tightened. Check that the doors close tightly and evenly around the entire perimeter.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
After installation, there is often a need for adjustment. If the door is skewed, it will not fit tightly, which will lead to ice freezing and increased load on the compressor. Adjustment is carried out by loosening the hinge mounting bolts and moving the door in the desired direction.
Use a building level to check the vertical. The door must be strictly perpendicular to the floor. If the bottom of the door protrudes forward or backward, adjust the tilt using the refrigerator support legs or the bottom hinge screws.
Checking the tightness is an important step. Take a sheet of A4 paper, clamp it with the refrigerator door and try to pull it out. If the sheet is removed with force along the entire perimeter, it means that the seal fits well. If in some places the sheet falls out freely, additional adjustment of the hinge in this area is required.
Plug in the refrigerator and check the operation of the display. The indicator should light up and the temperature reading should be correct. If the display does not work, check again that the connectors are securely connected.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the doors without disconnecting the refrigerator from networks?
Strongly not recommended. Although the voltage in the door wires is low, there is a risk of a short circuit if the connectors are not handled carefully, which could damage the main control unit. In addition, working with a metal tool near a running electrical appliance is unsafe.
What to do if the display does not light up after rehanging?
First of all, check the connection of the connectors under the top cover. Often the connector is not inserted all the way. Also make sure that the wires are not pinched by the case. If everything is visually in order, the cable may have been damaged during dismantling.
Do you need to wait after installing the doors before turning it on?
No special waiting time is required for the mechanical part. However, if the refrigerator was running before, it is recommended to allow the oil in the compressor to settle (1-2 hours) before starting, especially if you tilted the unit strongly during operation.
Where to put the holes from the hinges if the plugs are lost?
Open holes violate thermal insulation and aesthetics. You can order a set of plugs at the Indesit service center, pick up universal accessories in the store, or carefully seal them with a decorative sticker in the color of the body.