The need to change the side of door opening often arises when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing new furniture, when the standard arrangement interferes with convenient access to products. Owners of modern models LG with an electronic display on the door often doubt whether they should take on this task themselves, for fear of damaging the complex electronics. However, having a basic set of tools and following a clear sequence of actions, you can successfully cope with this procedure without calling a technician.
The main difficulty in models with information display is the correct disconnection of the loops and the transfer of control elements to the new side. Ignoring this step may result in the temperature control system malfunctioning or errors appearing on the screen. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling and installing hinges, and will also pay special attention to working with electrical components.
Before starting work, it is extremely important to make sure that you know exactly the model of your device, since the design of fasteners for different series LG may differ. Some modifications require specific steps when removing the top cover, where the main connections are often hidden. Proper preparation of the workplace and the availability of free space around the unit will be the key to the successful completion of the operation.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Quality preparation is the foundation of any successful repair operation, and rehanging doors is no exception. You will need a flat surface near the refrigerator where you can carefully place the removed parts to avoid losing any small screws or fasteners. It is also worth emptying the shelves on the doors in advance to reduce the overall weight of the structure and minimize the risk of an accidental fall.
As for the tools, the basic set usually includes a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, as well as a wrench, the size of which depends on the hinge model. Some modern models LG may require a hex key, which is often included with the refrigerator itself upon purchase. It would be a good idea to prepare a soft cloth or cardboard to cover the floor and protect the coating from scratches when installing the removed elements.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for dismantling decorative panels.
- 🔧 An adjustable wrench or a set of sockets for unscrewing the hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Level for checking the horizontal installation after completion of work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on the electrical components of the refrigerator, including the display, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. Working under voltage is strictly prohibited and may result in electric shock or short circuit.
Particular attention should be paid space organization around the refrigerator. You will need to ensure that the unit is accessible from all sides as it may be necessary to tilt it or walk around it to check the position of the doors. If the kitchen is small, you may have to temporarily remove adjacent furniture in order to have sufficient maneuverability for work.
Removing the top panel and disconnecting the electronics
The most critical step in models with a display is removing the top cover, under which the wiring harnesses leading to the screen are located. In most models LG this panel is secured with latches or screws hidden under decorative plugs. You need to act carefully, using a plastic card or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in fabric, so as not to damage the glossy surface of the plastic.
After removing the cover, the control unit and the connection points of the cables will be revealed to your view. It is important here not to pull the wires sharply, but to first find the locking locks of the connectors. They usually have small levers that need to be bent before removing the connector. If you pull out the cable by force, you can break the contact tracks, which will lead to the need to replace the entire display.
Hidden wiring in the doors
In some LG models, the wires pass not only through the top hinge, but also inside the door leaf, going down to the bottom. In such cases, partial dismantling of the inner door trim may be required, which significantly complicates the process and requires professional skills.
For safe disconnection, it is recommended to photograph the location of all wires before disconnecting them. This will help you avoid confusion during reassembly when you need to connect the connectors in reverse order. Remember that electrical contacts must be absolutely dry and clean; if they get wet, allow them to dry naturally before connecting.
| Connection type | Dismantling features | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Display cable | Requires bending latch | Breakage of tracks when jerking |
| Grounding wire | Unscrewed with a screw | Loss of a screw |
| Lamp connector | Removable connector | Damage to the base |
Removing the door and dismantling the hinges
After all the wires are disconnected and the top panel is removed, you can begin to physically dismantle the door. The refrigerator door LG weighs quite a lot, so it is better to perform this operation with an assistant so as not to drop the heavy canvas and damage the floor covering. First, the upper hinge that holds the door is unscrewed, and then it is carefully removed from the lower pin.
It is important to immediately remove the handles and counterparts of the locks from the side where they will no longer be used. Often the holes for them on the new side are closed with plastic plugs that need to be removed. If you plan to install the handles on the new side, make sure that all the necessary screws and decorative trims are included in the kit.
The bottom hinge also requires attention: it needs to be removed from the body of the refrigerator and moved to the opposite side. When unscrewing the mounting bolts, hold the hinge with your hand, as it may unexpectedly slide off. The metal elements of the hinges are often coated with a protective lubricant, so try not to stain your clothes or the floor.
☑️ Check before removing the door
In the process of working with metal hinges it is worth checking their condition. If you notice signs of severe corrosion or deformation, it may be worth replacing them with new ones, even if the old ones are still functioning. Worn hinges can cause the door to not fit tightly in the future, which will lead to the formation of ice.
Transferring controls and fittings
When the door is removed and the hinges are rearranged, the stage of transferring functional elements begins. Models LG with a display often require rearranging the control panel itself or reconnecting it through extended cables, if the design allows for this. In some cases, the display is a non-removable element of the door, and then only the location of the wire entry changes.
Door handles are attached to long screws that are tightened from the inside of the door leaf. When installing them, it is important not to overtighten the fasteners so that the plastic or metal of the door does not crack. Use moderate force and control the position of the handle relative to the edge of the door so that it looks symmetrical.
- 🔩 Rearranging the plugs in the holes for handles to the new side.
- 🔌 Laying wires through new channels in the top hinge.
- 🖐️ Installing magnetic latches (if the design involves their transfer).
Pay special attention seal to the door. When removed and reinstalled, it could become displaced or deformed. If you notice that the rubber band has moved away from its seat, carefully straighten it with your finger or a blunt object to ensure a tight seal.
⚠️ Attention: The design of some models LG does not allow for transferring the display to the other side without replacing the door itself or using special adapters. Make sure that the technical possibility of re-hanging is in the instructions for your specific model before starting disassembly.
Installing the door on the new side
Installing the door on the new side is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the lower hinge is screwed onto the refrigerator body, the door is put on it, and then the upper hinge with the wires already threaded is mounted. At this stage, it is critical not to pinch the wires between the metal parts of the hinges, as this can cause a short circuit.
After physically installing the door, you need to connect all the electrical connectors that were disconnected at the beginning of the work. Make sure that each connector clicks into place and is securely locked. The cables should lie freely, without tension, so that when the door is opened they are not subject to tensile load.
The final touch of the mechanical part is the installation of the top decorative cover. It should fit into place without gaps or creaks. If the lid does not close completely, check whether the wires are laid correctly and whether any parts are in the way.
After assembly, check the operation of the closing mechanism. The door should open smoothly, without jerking, and fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice a distortion, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or the position of the hinges.
Checking the tightness and adjusting the display
After everything is assembled, connect the refrigerator to the power supply and turn it on. The display should light up and the control system should enter operating mode. If error codes appear on the screen or it does not respond to pressing, the cable may not be fully connected or is pinched. In this case, the procedure of turning off the power and checking the connections will have to be repeated.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter; it should be removed with noticeable effort. If the paper falls out freely or is pulled out too easily, it means that in this place seal it does not fit tightly, and the cold will go away.
In some models LG after rehanging the doors, a software reset or calibration of the door position sensors is required. This is done through the service menu or the button combination described in the user manual. Without this procedure, the refrigerator may “think” that the door is open and not turn on the compressor or light.
Pay attention to the operation of the compressor in the first hours after switching on. If the door is installed correctly and airtight, the refrigerator will gain temperature and turn off normally. If the unit works without stopping, this may indicate that warm air is leaking through a loosely closed door.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the geometry of the installation is broken. Check if the refrigerator is level on the floor using a building level. Adjust the height of the front legs until the body is perfectly vertical. Also check whether the products on the shelves or in the side pockets interfere with a tight closure.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the display cable is too short?
If the standard cable does not reach the new side, you cannot extend it yourself, as this will disrupt the operation of the digital signal. In such cases, you need to order an original extended cable from the manufacturer or service department, specifically designed for rehanging.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the refrigerator or food that could fall out when tilted, it is better to empty the chambers. The main thing is to prevent moisture from getting on the electrical contacts of the display.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the doors yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty unless parts are damaged in the process or the integrity of the seals on the compressor is broken. However, if you break the display or hinges, you will have to pay for the repair of these components yourself.