Moving door hinges on the refrigerator Indesit is a task which owners encounter when moving, renovating a kitchen, or simply wanting to optimize space. Unlike models of other brands, equipment from the Italian manufacturer has its own design features: from the location of the fasteners to the type of seal. Incorrect rehanging can lead to distortion of the door, loss of tightness or even damage to the body.
In this article you will find unique fastening schemes for Indesit models with a dispenser (series BIAA 13, DF 4180) and without itstep-by-step photos with markings holes, as well as tips for adjustments after installation. We will look at what tools are really necessary (spoiler: a drill with a depth limiter is not a luxury, but a necessity), and how to avoid typical mistakes due to which the door later begins to “walk” or close poorly.
Important: if your refrigerator is under warranty, moving the hinges may void it. Check this point with the service center Indesit before starting work.
Preparation: tools and conditions
Before you begin dismantling, check the equipment of the refrigerator. The box with documents should contain set of plugs for old holes and screws for new ones. If they are not available, buy similar ones (the size is usually indicated in the instructions). For models Indesit with the system No Frost additional gaskets for sealing may be required.
Minimum set of tools:
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (for different types of screws)
- 🔨 Drill with a metal drill (∅ 4–5 mm) and depth limiter
- 📏 Ruler or tape measure (accuracy up to 1 mm)
- 🧲 Magnetic holder for screws (so as not to lose parts)
- 🖌️ Marker or pencil for marking
Work in a well-lit room. If the refrigerator is two-chamber, unplug it 12 hours before reweigh it - this is necessary for defrosting and preventing condensation on the electronic boards. For models with a display (for example Indesit ITF 118), additionally prepare a screwdriver Torx T20 to remove the control panel.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is connected to a water supply (models with Ice Maker), before work, turn off the water supply and drain the remaining water from the system through the drain valve. Otherwise, when removing the door, a leak may occur.
Fastening patterns for different Indesit models
The design of the hinges depends on the series of the refrigerator. Below are current diagrams for popular lines. If your model is not in the table, look for it in the instruction manual (section “Door Reversal»).
| Model/Series | Hinge type | Number of holes | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIAA 13, BIAA 16 | Hidden (mortise) | 4 on the top, 4 on the bottom | Replacement of the door closing sensor is required |
| DF 4180, DF 5200 | Overhead | 3 on the top, 3 on the bottom | Additional holes for the dispenser |
| ITF 118, ITF 120 | Combined | 4 + 2 (for the electronic unit) | You need to remove the control panel before rehanging |
| T 16, T 18 | Universal | 4 on each hinge | Plugs are suitable from other models Indesit |
For refrigerators with electronic display (series ITF) before removing the door, you must turn off the power and remove the wiring connector going to the panel. In models DF 4180 and similar hinges are attached through metal plate — it cannot be lost, as it distributes the load.
Where can I find a circuit diagram for a rare model?
If your model is not in the table, look under the refrigerator - there may be one sticker with the part number of the hinges. Enter it into the search engine along with the words "door reversal kit". Often such diagrams are posted on forums for repairing household appliances.
Step-by-step instructions: remove the old hinges
Start with the top hinge - it usually comes off easier. body, you will have to replace the entire door.
Open the door 90° and place a support under it (for example, a stack of books). This will relieve the load on the hinges.
Remove the decorative plugs from the hinges by prying them off with a flat screwdriver. In models BIAA 13 they are attached to the hinges. latches, in DF 4180 - fastened with a screw.
Unscrew the screws of the upper hinge (usually 2-3 pieces). In refrigerators with a dispenser, first disconnect the water supply hose by clamping it with a clamp.
Lift the door up and remove it from the lower hinge. Be careful - the weight of the door with shelves can reach 15–20 kg.
Unscrew the screws of the lower hinge and remove it. Pay attention to gasket between the hinge and the body - it may be adhesive.
Removed food from the door shelves|
Unplugged the refrigerator|
Put a soft cloth under the door (so as not to scratch the floor)|
Prepared a container for screws and plugs|
Took a photo of the location of the hinges-->
If the screws do not budge, do not apply excessive force. Lubricate them WD-40 or with a similar lubricant and wait 10 minutes. In models Indesit older than 2015, the screws may have protective ones. caps - they need to be removed before unscrewing.
Marking and drilling new holes
This is the most critical stage. An error of 2-3 mm will lead to the door being touch the body or close tightly. with a refrigerator. If it is not there, transfer the markings from the old hinge, attaching it to the new side.
Procedure:
Attach the hinge to the new attachment point and circle the holes with a marker. models BIAA 13 the distance from the edge of the case should be 55 mm, for DF 4180 — 60 mm.
Drill holes to a depth 10–12 mm (not more!). Use a drill 0.5 mm thinner than the diameter of the screws.
Place a limiter on the drill depth stop (this can be made from electrical tape). depth
Insert into new holes plastic dowels (if they are provided for by the design).
For refrigerators with No Frost avoid drilling in the area air ducts (they are located on the sides of the freezer). If you are not sure, check the diagram in the instructions.
Installing hinges and doors on a new side
Start with the bottom hinge - it fixes the position of the door. Tighten the screws crosswiseto avoid distortion For models Indesit with electronic control (ITF 118 and similar) first. connect the wiring connector to the new loop, then secure it to the body.
Assembly algorithm:
Install the bottom hinge and tighten the screws not all the way (70% force).
Place the door on the bottom hinge, aligning it vertically. Ask an assistant to hold the door.
Install the top hinge and tighten the screws. Check that the gap between the door and the body is the same around the entire perimeter (optimally - 2–3 mm).
Close the door and check how it fits. If there is a distortion, loosen the screws and adjust the position.
In models with a dispenser, after installing the door you need to reconnect the water supply hose and check the tightness of the connection. To do this, pour a glass of water - if it drips, tighten the clamp.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Indesit with a system Total No Frost (series BIAA 16) after re-hanging the door, an error may occur E01 (sensor malfunction). To reset it, unplug the refrigerator for 1 minute.
Adjusting and checking the tightness
Even when installed accurately, the door may not close tightly. This is due to deformation of the seal or uneven distribution of the load. To check, use test with a paper sheet:
Insert a sheet of paper between the seal and body.
Close the door and try to pull out the sheet. If it comes out without effort, the seal does not fit.
Repeat the test at 4-5 points around the perimeter of the door.
If the seal allows air to pass through:
- 🔧 Tighten the hinge screws (but do not overdo it - you can break the threads).
- 🌡️ Warm the seal with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) - this will restore its elasticity.
- 🧴 Apply to the seal silicone grease (do not confuse with WD-40!).
For models with No Frost after rehanging the door you may need temperature sensor calibrationFor this:
Press and hold the button
Super Cool5 seconds.Wait for the sound signal - this means that the refrigerator has reset the settings.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even if you follow the instructions, you can make mistakes that will lead to breakdown:
- 🔨 Drilling without a depth limiter → damage to the internal insulation. Consequence: condensation on the walls and increased energy consumption.
- 🔧 Use of unsuitable ones. self-tapping screws → broken thread in a plastic case Solution: insert into the hole threaded bushing (sold in fastener stores).
- 🚪 Improper gap between the door and the body → the seal wears out quickly. Optimal gap: 2 mm on the sides and 3 mm on the top/bottom.
- ⚡ Forgot to disconnect the refrigerator from the network → risk of short circuit when drilling. In models with a display, this can damage the control board.
Pay special attention to models with with an inverter compressor (series Indesit ITR). When re-hanging the door, you should not tilt the refrigerator more than 40° - this can lead to oil leakage from the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: If after re-hanging the refrigerator began to freeze worse, check whether it is pinched capillary pipeline (thin copper tube on the back wall). This disrupts the circulation of the refrigerant.
What to do if the door creaks after rehanging?
The creaking is usually caused by friction of the hinges against the body.
1. Remove the hinges and apply to their axes food grade silicone grease (not technical!).
2. Check to see if any debris (dust, crumbs) has gotten into the mechanism. data-i="225">3. If the creaking does not go away, replace the hinges (the article number can be found in the instructions).
3. If the creaking does not go away, replace the hinges (the part number can be found in the instructions).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rehanging Indesit doors
Is it possible to rehang the door on an Indesit refrigerator with a dispenser yourself?
Yes, but it is more difficult than in models without a dispenser. You will need to:
- Turn off the water supply and drain the remaining water from the system.
- Reconnect the hose to a new side (an extension may be required).
- Readjust the ice maker sensor (in the instructions, look for the section
Water Dispenser Adjustment).
In models DF 4180 and DF 5200 to do this, you need to remove the bottom panel and reinstall the water supply valve.
How much does it cost to rehang the doors at the Indesit service center?
The cost depends on the model and region:
- For refrigerators without dispenser: 1 500–2 500 ₽.
- For models with a dispenser: 3 000–4 500 ₽ (an additional fee may be charged for reconfiguring the water supply).
If the refrigerator is under warranty, some service centers do it for free, but the warranty may be voided.
What to do if after rehanging the door does not close tightly?
Causes and solutions:
- The hinges are skewed → Loosen the screws and adjust the position of the door.
- Deformed seal → Warm it up with a hairdryer or replace it (the seal code is listed in instructions).
- Debris getting into the hinges → Clean the mechanism and lubricate with silicone grease.
- Uneven gap → Place adjusting washers under the hinges (sold in stores spare parts).
If the problem cannot be solved, check body geometry. In old refrigerators (Indesit before 2010), the frame may become deformed over time.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
For models with a drip system (without No Frost) defrosting is required - otherwise, when tilting the refrigerator, water may get on the electronic boards. For refrigerators. with No Frost it is enough to turn off the power for 1-2 hours for the condensation to evaporate.
Exception: if you hang the door freezer compartment, defrosting is needed in any case (at least 12 hours).
Is it possible to use old holes to fasten the hinges on the new side?
No, this will lead to:
- Weakening of the fastening (the thread in the plastic wears out).
- Door distortion due to the asymmetrical arrangement of the hinges.
- Loss of tightness (old holes can allow warm air to pass through).
Use plugsthat are included in the kit, or buy them separately (suitable for other models Indesit or Ariston).