Changing the layout of the kitchen or simply the desire to optimize the space often raises the question of the need for rearrangement for owners of household appliances. The refrigerator Indesit, like many other models, can initially be equipped with a door that opens in a direction that is inconvenient for you. Fortunately, the design of most modern units allows you to solve this problem without calling a technician. Relocating the doors of the Indesit refrigerator to the other side is a task quite feasible for a person who knows how to hold a screwdriver in his hands and follows safety precautions.
The process rehanging takes on average from 30 to 60 minutes if you act calmly and carefully. The main advantage of doing it yourself is saving time and money, since calling a specialist often costs more than the cost of the operation itself. However, before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model really supports this function, since some budget or specific modifications may not have the corresponding holes in the case.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work, from preparing tools to final adjustment of gaps. You will learn what nuances exist when working with different types of handles and hinges, and also receive valuable tips on maintaining your warranty. Attention: on some models with a display on the door, additional care is required when disconnecting the cables so as not to damage the electronic board. Let's begin a detailed study of the process.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin dismantling, you need to collect all the required tools. Not having the right screwdriver in the middle of the process can cause you to strip screw slots or damage plastic fasteners. To work with refrigerators Indesit most often you need Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, as well as a socket wrench, the size of which depends on the specific model of hinges.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need to provide free access to the unit from all sides, since you will have to walk around it while carrying heavy elements. If the floor is slippery, lay down cardboard or a mat to avoid falling tools that could scratch the surface or break.
Be sure to unplug the refrigerator. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a way to prevent the compressor from accidentally turning on or a light coming on while the doors are removed. Let the unit stand for a while so that the refrigerant is redistributed, although this is not critical for the rehang itself.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for most housing screws.
- 🔩 Flat screwdriver for prying off plugs and plastic clips.
- 🔑 A socket wrench or socket (usually 8 mm or 10 mm) for the hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A container for storing small parts so that they do not get lost.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a magnetic screwdriver when working near electronic control units, if they are located in the doors, so as not to create interference or magnetize sensitive elements.
Design features of doors of various models Indesit
Refrigerators Indesit are produced in various modifications, and the design of their doors may differ significantly. Understanding your model type will help you avoid mistakes when dismantling. The main difference lies in the method of attaching the handles and the presence of a No Frost or static cooling system, which affects the tightness and weight of the sash.
In models with hidden handles (recesses in the body), the process is usually simpler, since there is no need to disassemble the handle itself. If the handle is overhead and fastened with screws, they will have to be unscrewed first. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of a display or control panel on the door: such models require disconnecting the electrical contacts before removing the panel.
The weight of the door on two-chamber refrigerators can reach 15-20 kilograms, so it is not recommended to carry out work alone. It is better to call an assistant who will hold the heavy element while you unscrew the fastener. This will prevent the door from falling, damaging the floor, or injuring your feet.
Below is a table to help determine the type of your model by external features:
| Model type | Arrangement of handles | Presence of display | Complexity of work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Top screws | No | Low |
| Hidden handle | Integrated into the body | No | Medium |
| Smart / Premium | Various options | On the door | High |
| Built-in | Depends on the facade | No | High |
Removing the upper and lower doors: step-by-step algorithm
You should always start the process with the upper door, since it often blocks access to the fastenings of the lower one or creates additional stress on the structure. First, remove all decorative caps from the hinges. They can be held on with snaps or simply inserted into the holes. Carefully pry them off with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the plastic.
After removing the plugs, you will see the upper hinge mounting bolts. Unscrew them, but do not remove them completely until you are sure that the door is securely secured by a helper or support. Then remove the loop itself. If there are wires on the door (for a light bulb or display), now is the time to disconnect them. Typically, the connectors are located in the upper part of the doorway.
To remove the lower door, the algorithm is similar, but often requires more effort due to the greater weight and the presence of a magnetic seal that can stick to the body. Unscrew the bolts of the lower hinge, remove it and carefully place the door in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface.
- 🔌 Disconnect the wire cables, if any, remembering their position.
- 🔩 Unscrew all the bolts securing the hinges to the refrigerator body.
- 🚪 Remove the door and set it aside, protecting it from scratches.
- 🧊 Check the condition of the rubber seal for damage.
⚠️ Attention: When disconnecting the electrical connectors, do not pull the wires themselves, hold only the plastic housing of the connector, otherwise you may break the contact.
☑️ Removing the doors
Moving fasteners and fittings
The most critical stage is moving the holes and installing plugs in new places. The refrigerator body Indesit already has technological holes on the side where you plan to hang the door. They are closed with plastic plugs that need to be removed and moved to the vacant places.
Take the previously removed plugs and install them in the holes on the opposite side of the case. They should click into place with a characteristic click. If the plugs have threads for bolts, make sure they fit snugly and do not wobble. This is important for aesthetics and tightness.
Now let's move on to the door itself. It is also necessary to rearrange the handle (if it is overhead) and rehang the loop. Often the loops are symmetrical, but sometimes it is necessary to turn them over to a certain side. Study the instructions for your model or carefully examine the geometry of the metal. The bolts that held the handle may be needed to attach the plugs or vice versa.
Do not forget about the door opening limiter, if it is provided for in the design. This small plastic pin is moved into the hole on the opposite side of the door end. It prevents the door from swinging open more than 90 degrees, protecting the seal.
What to do if the plug does not fit into place?
If the plastic plug does not want to fit into the new hole, do not use force. Check to see if the internal design or factory lubricant residue is interfering with it. Sometimes light tapping with the handle of a screwdriver helps.
Installing doors on a new side and adjusting
Installing doors is done in the reverse order of dismantling, that is, starting from the bottom. Lift the bottom door, insert the bottom hinge into the mounting hole on the body and tighten with bolts. Do not immediately tighten them “all the way”; leave a small gap for subsequent position adjustment.
Then install the upper door. Align the holes in the top hinge with the holes on the body and on the door itself. Screw in the bolts. If the model is equipped with wires, carefully thread them through the technological channels and connect the connectors. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal of the hinges.
After installing both panels, you need to check the horizontal and vertical positions of the doors. The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If the door is skewed, loosen the fastening bolts of the middle or lower hinge (depending on the design) and align the position, then tighten the fasteners again.
The final touch is to check the operation of the magnetic seal. The door should close tightly, with slight force, and not bounce back when released. If you notice a loose fit, you may need to heat the seal with a hairdryer or adjust the height of the refrigerator legs.
- 🔧 Install the bottom door and fix the hinge.
- 🔌 Connect the electrical connectors (if any).
- 🚪 Install the top door and screw the top hinge.
- 📏 Check the gaps and tightness of the seal.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to operational problems. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of screws of different lengths. For example, if you screw a long screw into a short hole, you can pierce the inside wall of the door and damage the insulation or even the evaporator.
Another mistake is insufficiently tightening the hinge bolts. Over time, under the weight of the door, the fasteners may weaken, the door will sag, and the refrigerator will no longer close hermetically. This will lead to the formation of ice and increased energy consumption. Always check the tightness after the first day of operation.
They also often forget to reset the opening limiter. As a result, the door swings too wide, which can lead to the seal coming off or damage to the fasteners if not handled carefully. Carefully check the presence of all small plastic parts.
⚠️ Attention: If after rehanging the door does not close tightly, do not rush to blame the seal. Often the problem is solved by simply adjusting the height of the front legs of the refrigerator to create a slight tilt of the body back.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
To defrost the refrigerator specifically for rehanging the doors is not necessary unless you plan to wash its insides. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to wait until it defrosts so that water does not flow when tilting or removing the doors.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, re-hanging the doors yourself, as provided for by the design, is not a basis for voiding the warranty if you have not damaged the equipment in the process. However, if you break the thread or break the glass, the warranty case will not be recognized.
What to do if there are not enough holes for the hinges?
If there are no corresponding holes on the body or door, it means that your model Indesit does not provide for overhanging. It is strictly forbidden to drill new holes - this will break the tightness of the circuit and thermal insulation.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a display?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will need to carefully disconnect the display power cable and, possibly, rearrange the control unit itself if it is integrated into the door. Proceed very carefully so as not to damage the thin contacts.