Many owners of modern household appliances are faced with the need to change the kitchen configuration, which requires rearranging large appliances. Reposition the doors on the LG refrigerator - the task is completely solvable, but it requires special care if the device is equipped with an electronic display or a control system on the front panel. Unlike mechanical models, you cannot simply rearrange the hinges here, since the control cables require delicate handling and adherence to the sequence of actions.
The process of dismantling and installing the doors on models with a screen takes longer due to the need to disconnect the power and data transmission cables. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to expensive electronics or damage to the seal. Below is a detailed guide that will help you complete the job safely and efficiently, while maintaining the warranty and functionality of LG DoorCooling+ or other advanced systems.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you begin any active actions, you need to clear the space around the refrigeration unit. You will need access to the unit from all sides, including the top and bottom where the main hinge mounting hardware is located. Make sure that the floor is covered with a soft material, such as cardboard or a thick blanket, to avoid scratches on the decorative surface if parts accidentally fall.
To work, you will need a standard set of tools, which is usually found in the arsenal of a home craftsman. The main tool will be a wrench or a set of sockets, since the hinge bolts often have a significant diameter and require force to unscrew. Also, do not forget to prepare a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers for removing decorative plugs and working with the display mounting screws.
Pay special attention to safety: the refrigerator must be completely disconnected from the power supply. This will not only prevent the risk of electric shock, but will also allow you to safely disconnect the cables going to the display without shorting the control board. It is advisable to carry out work together, since doors with double glazing or a system Linear Cooling can be heavy and bulky.
Removing the top panel and access to the electronics
The first step will be removing the top cover of the case, under which the main communications are hidden. On models LG with a display, this panel often serves as a decorative element that hides wire entry points. Carefully pry the plugs of the mounting screws and unscrew them, then remove the cover, being careful not to jerk sharply so as not to damage the connections.
After removing the cover, you will see a wiring harness going to the door. It is critical to remember or photograph the order in which the connectors are connected before disconnecting them. Modern models use different types of connectors, and it may be possible to confuse them when assembling them on the opposite side fatal to electronics. Some connectors may have retaining clips that must be pressed with your finger or a thin screwdriver.
⚠️ Attention: Never pull on the wires themselves when disconnecting cables. Hold only the plastic housing of the connector, otherwise you may break the thin current-carrying wires inside the insulation.
If the display is located directly on the door, you need to dismantle its control unit or disconnect the main cable going through the top hinge. In some designs, the cable runs inside a hollow loop, which requires complete disassembly of the hinge assembly. Proceed slowly, checking each step, since replacing a burnt-out control module can cost significantly more than calling a technician.
What to do if the connectors do not come off?
If the connectors are soured or are sitting very tightly, do not use brute force. Try gently rocking the connector from side to side or using a special contact cleaner. In rare cases, careful heating with a hairdryer at a minimum temperature is required, but this is a last resort.
Removing the door and dismantling the hinges
After all communications are disconnected, you can move on to the mechanical part of the process. You must hold the door with one hand or ask an assistant to fix it in a vertical position so that it does not fall after unscrewing the hinges. First, loosen, but do not completely remove, the top hinge bolts, then completely unscrew them and remove the metal bracket.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door up, moving it out of the bottom guide or axis. Place the removed sash on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Now you can begin to dismantle the lower hinge and the mating parts on the opposite side of the case, where the transfer will be made.
When working with hinges, pay attention to their condition: if there is rust or wear on the axles, it is recommended to lubricate them with graphite grease or replace them with new ones. This will ensure smooth running and no squeaks in the future. Also check the integrity of the rubber seals, since when rehanging they often have to be warmed up or adjusted.
☑️ Check before removing the door
Compatibility table and specifics of LG models
Not all refrigerator models LG structurally allow rehanging doors. In some budget series or specific modifications, the hinges may be welded or may not have holes for fastening on the other side. Below is a table that helps determine the type of your model and the possibility of carrying out work.
| Refrigerator series | Possibility of re-weighing | Design features | Display type |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG DoorCooling+ | Yes (with restrictions) | Requires relocation of air ducts | Built into the door |
| LG InstaView | No (most often) | Complex system of glass and lighting | Touch panel |
| LG No Frost Classic | Yes | Standard hinges | On the body |
| LG Side-by-Side | No | Asymmetrical design | Separate |
If your model belongs to the series with technology InstaView (door to door), then independent rehanging is practically impossible without professional equipment and reprogramming of controllers. In such cases, it is better to contact an authorized service center, since the risk of damaging the tinted glass or backlighting system is extremely high.
For models with a conventional display on the body, the procedure is simpler, but requires care when laying the wires. Make sure that the cables are long enough to connect to the new side, or use the extension harnesses provided by the manufacturer if they are included with the fittings.
Installing hinges and mounting the door on the new side
Installation begins by installing the lower support hinge on the opposite side of the case. Screw the bolts into the reserved holes, making sure they are tight but not too tight. On some models LG it is necessary to first install plastic bushings or plugs in the vacated holes on the previous side.
Then install the door on the lower axis and align it vertically. Now is the time to install the top hinge. Pass the wires through the hole in the loop (if the design involves hidden wiring) and secure the metal bracket with bolts. Do not tighten the bolts all the way right away - leave a small gap for final adjustment of the door position.
After mechanical fixation, it is necessary to reconnect all electrical connections. Insert the cables into the corresponding connectors until the latches click. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal hinges or touching moving parts or heating elements of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that no wires are caught between seal and refrigerator body. This will break the seal of the chamber and lead to the formation of ice.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
The final stage is fine adjustment. The door should close tightly, without distortions or gaps. If you notice that the sash is skewed, loosen the top hinge and slightly raise or lower the corner to achieve the ideal position. Some models LG provide for adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs, which also affects the angle of inclination and self-closing.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points. If the paper is pulled out with noticeable force, the seal is normal. If the sheet falls out freely, additional adjustment or replacement of the seal is required.
After turning on the refrigerator, check the operation of the display and all indicators. If the screen does not light up or shows an error, re-check that the cables are connected correctly. Often the problem lies in a connector that is not fully inserted.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the doors on an LG refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, on most models with the system No Frost reweighing is possible. However, it is important to consider that the cold air supply channels may be located asymmetrically. In such cases, it may be necessary to move the plastic plugs of the air ducts to the opposite side, which is described in the instructions for the specific model.
What to do if the display does not work after rehanging?
First of all, check whether the connectors of the cables are tightly inserted. Often the contacts oxidize or do not snap fully into place. If a visual inspection does not help, it is possible that the wire was pinched during installation, and it needs to be replaced or the circuit restored.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. In addition to the fact that a full refrigerator is too heavy, the presence of ice and food can upset the balance when removing the door. In addition, when tilting or moving a filled unit, oil from the compressor may enter the cooling circuit.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
Officially, any interventions in the design that are not described in the user manual as “available to the user” may be grounds for denial of warranty service. If you are not confident in your abilities, especially when it comes to working with electronics, it is better to use the services of an authorized service.