The situation when, after purchasing or rearranging furniture, it turns out that refrigerator opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many owners of household appliances. This creates significant inconvenience, especially in small kitchens where every centimeter of space is important. Fortunately, the design of most models Indesit provides for the possibility of changing the direction of opening of the valves.
The process rehanging the door does not require calling a technician or expensive equipment. A basic set of tools, attentiveness and strict adherence to the algorithm of actions are enough. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of rearranging hinges, including the features of models with a freezer compartment on the bottom and top.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the warranty on the refrigerator will not expire due to this procedure if you do not damage the parts in the process. However, if you doubt your abilities, it is better to enlist the help of a second person, since the doors are quite heavy. It is critically important to disconnect the device from the power supply before any manipulations with its body.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the operation of changing the opening side. You will need to collect a certain set of tools so as not to be distracted at the most crucial moment. To work with Indesit most often you need Phillips and slotted screwdrivers, as well as an 8 or 10 mm wrench or socket, depending on the year of manufacture of the model.
Be sure to free up space around the refrigerator. You need access from all sides to be able to walk around the unit without obstruction. Remove the mat if it is slippery and ensure the work area is well lit.
Here is a list of what should be on hand:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔩 Wrench or ratchet with head appropriate size.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Soft cloth for wiping seals and fastening points.
⚠️ Attention: Use only serviceable tools. Broken threads or licked edges of bolts can turn a simple procedure into a long and complex repair.
It is also recommended to find or prepare in advance plugs for holes that form on the front side after rearrangement. Complete with the refrigerator, they often come in a bag with instructions, but if you have lost them, you can buy them at a hardware store or use decorative stickers in the color of the body.
☑️ Preparation for work
Dismantling the top panel and preparing to remove the door
We start the process from the top refrigerator parts. In most models Indesit the top cover is secured with bolts that are hidden under decorative elements or located at the back. Carefully move the refrigerator away from the wall to gain access to the fasteners.
Use a slotted screwdriver to remove the plastic plugs, if present. They are usually located at the corners of the lid or at the front. After this, unscrew the bolts securing the top panel. If the cover is held on by latches, they need to be carefully unlocked by prying them off with a flat tool.
By removing the top cover, you will gain access to the top fastening of the door. Make sure the door is locked in the closed position before unscrewing the hinges. You can use tape or ask an assistant to hold the door so that it does not fall when removing the fasteners.
Now you need to remove the handle from the door. In some models it is screwed from the inside, in others - from the outside. Carefully inspect the structure. If the screws are hidden under decorative trims, carefully pry them out.
Removing the door leaf and rearranging the hinges
This is the most critical step that requires caution. After unscrewing the upper hinges, the door must be carefully lifted and removed from the lower pin. The weight of the door is significant, so act confidently, but without jerking, so as not to damage sealing rubber or the body itself.
After the door is removed, move on to the bottom of the refrigerator. Here you need to dismantle the bottom hinge. Pay attention to its design: it often has an asymmetrical shape, which allows it to be used only on one side. You may need to flip the hinge or move the pin to the other side.
On the opposite side of the body where the door was not previously, you will find hidden holes covered with plastic plugs. Remove these plugs. You will need to screw the bottom hinge pins into them from the other side. If the kit includes a second set of hinges, use it; if not, rearrange the existing elements according to the design.
Install the bottom hinge in a new place. Make sure the door hinge pin is facing up and vertical. Tighten the mounting bolts securely, as they will bear the main load.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the bolts so as not to strip the threads in the metal body of the refrigerator. Use moderate force.
Installing the door on the new side and adjusting
Now that the lower support is ready, you can hang the door leaf. Carefully slide the door onto the bottom pin, making sure it fits into the grooves. Have an assistant hold the sash while you install the top hinge on the new side.
The top hinge is also transferred to the opposite side. Insert the bolts into the prepared holes and begin tightening them. At this stage, do not tighten them all the way - this will allow the final adjustment position of the door.
Check how the door closes. It should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice any gaps or a loose fit, loosen the fasteners and slightly move the door to the left or right, up or down until the ideal result is achieved.
After successful adjustment, finally tighten all bolts. Replace the top cover of the refrigerator and secure it. Now you can proceed to installing handles and decorative elements.
Features of models with a NoFrost freezer
For refrigerator owners Indesit with the system NoFrost you need to be especially careful. These models often have control cables or sensors running through the door. Before removing the door, be sure to inspect the top hinge - if you see the wires, they cannot simply be broken or pulled strongly.
When rearranging the door in such models, it may be necessary to reconnect the connectors. Usually the wires are long enough to maneuver, but they must be carefully routed through the new holes in the loops. Proceed slowly to avoid damaging the insulation.
If wires interfere with installation, they can be temporarily secured with electrical tape or a zip tie to prevent them from getting caught in the hinge mechanism. After installing the door, check that the cables are not pinched when closing.
Some modern models with displays on the door may require reconfiguring the electronics after rehanging. This usually happens automatically, but if the display does not light up, try unplugging the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
What to do if the wires are too short?
If the cables are not long enough to move to the other side, your model may not allow for rehanging without lengthening the wires. In this case, it is better to contact a service center so as not to break the tightness of the insulation.
Table and methods for eliminating them
Even with careful work, small problems may arise. Below is a table that will help you quickly diagnose and eliminate common errors.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Door does not close tightly | Incorrect adjustment hinges | Loosen the fastenings and level the door |
| A squeak is heard when opening | Metal friction or lack of lubrication | Lubricate the hinges with silicone grease |
| Gap between the door and the body | Displacement of the seal during removal | Adjust the rubber seal around the perimeter |
| The door opens itself | Tilting the body in the other direction | Adjust the legs of the refrigerator |
After completing all work, wipe the mounting points and the door itself with a damp cloth. Reinstall all decorative caps. If the old holes on the front side spoil the appearance, seal them with special stickers or plugs from the kit.
Plug in the refrigerator only after making sure that all tools are put away and the door opens and closes freely. Allow the unit to reach temperature before loading food.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is highly desirable. When tilting or moving the unit, water may leak from the chambers if there is ice or condensation there. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier and safer to tilt.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
Theoretically, it is possible if the model is small and light. However, refrigerator doors Indesit are quite heavy, and holding them with one hand while tightening the bolts is very difficult and risky. It’s better to call an assistant.
Will the temperature settings be lost after the procedure?
No, mechanically moving the door does not affect the electronics and thermostat settings. The only exception is if you touch the wires in models with a display on the door, but with careful work this is impossible.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
You can order original plugs at the service center, buy universal ones at a furniture store, or simply cover the holes with a decorative film or sticker in color housing.