Removing the top cover of a refrigerator Indesit is a task encountered when repairing lighting or replacing thermostat or condenser cleaning. Many owners are afraid of damaging the plastic latches or breaking the seal, but with the right approach the process takes no more than 20 minutes. In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos, video guides for popular models (Indesit C132G, Indesit DF4180, Indesit BIAA 13), as well as list of tools and typical mistakesthat should be avoided.
It is important to understand that the design of the lid may vary depending on the year of manufacture and series of the refrigerator. For example, models Indesit till 2018 often used metal staples, while new ones used plastic clips. We will analyze both options, and also give advice on how do not break the fasteners and do not lose small parts (for example, sealing rubber inserts). If you are planning a repair yourself, this material will help you save on calling a technician.
Preparation: tools and safety measures
Before you begin dismantling, prepare the workplace and tools. You will need:
- ✅ Flat screwdriver (preferably with a magnetic tip so as not to drop the screws).
- ✅ Phillips screwdriver (PH2 size for most models Indesit).
- ✅ Plastic mediator or old bank card (for carefully snapping off the clips).
- ✅ Flashlight (lighting at the top of the refrigerator is often insufficient).
- ✅ Container for small parts (screws, plugs, rubber seals).
Also unplug the refrigerator - this will protect you from accidentally turning on the fan or compressor during operation. If your model has electronic display, wait until it goes out completely (usually takes 1-2 minutes). data-i="77">if it interferes with access to the lid, but this is not necessary. remove the freezer door, if it interferes with access to the lid, but this is not necessary.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Indesit with the system No Frost, be careful - there may be a fan in the upper part. Do not use excessive force when removing the cover so as not to damage the blades.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the top cover
The algorithm of actions depends on the type of fastening. Below we will analyze the two most common options: with screws (old models) and with plastic clips (new models). If you are not sure which one you have, look at the end parts of the cover: the screws are usually visible from the outside, and the clips are hidden under the decorative one. cover.
Option 1: Cover with screws (models before 2018)
Remove decorative trim (if any) - it is attached on the latches. Use a flat screwdriver to pry it towards you.
Unscrew two screws from the back of the cover (usually they are located in the corners) There may be screws in some models (Indesit C168NF). hidden under the plugs - pry them off with a screwdriver.
Carefully move the cover forward (towards you) 1-2 cm - it should come out of the grooves. Do not pull up immediately, otherwise you can break the guides!
Lift the cover and set it aside. If it is tight, check to see if there are any loose screws or latches left.
Option 2: Clip-on cover (models after 2018)
Start with the front of the lid. Insert the plastic pick into the gap between the lid and the refrigerator body (from the side of the door) and gently press down to release the first clip.
Move along the perimeter, releasing one by one There are usually 4-6 of them: two in the front, two in the back and one or two on the sides.
When all the clips are snapped off, move the cover back (away from you), and then lift up. Be careful - sometimes the clips remain on the cover and may fall out!
If the cover does not budge, check if there are any unnoticed latches. In models Indesit BIAA 13 i Indesit DF5200 there is often an additional clip in the middle of the rear edge.
Is the refrigerator disconnected from sockets?
Is there a container for small parts at hand?
Are the tools (screwdrivers, pick) prepared?
Have all visible fasteners (screws, plugs) been checked?-->
If you are removing the cover for the first time, we recommend take a photo of the process - this will help to put everything back together correctly. Pay special attention to wires. lighting (if they pass through the cover) and sealing rubber inserts, which are often lost.
Video instructions for popular Indesit models
Visual guidance often helps to better understand the process. Below we have selected proven videos for different series of refrigerators Indesit. show typical mistakes (for example, how not to break clips or lose spring latches).
| Refrigerator model | Link to video (description) | Features fastening |
|---|---|---|
| Indesit C132G, C168NF | Video: "How to remove the top panel of the Indesit C-series" | Screw fastening + 2 hidden latches on the back |
| Indesit DF4180, DF5200 | Video: "Removing the Indesit DF (No Frost) cover" | Clips + additional screw under the plug |
| Indesit BIAA 13, BIAA 16 | Video: "Disassembling the Indesit BIAA to replace the lamp" | Plastic clips + lighting wiring |
| Indesit SB 167 (Side-by-Side) | Video: "Removing the top panel of the Indesit Side-by-Side" | Combined fastening: screws + clips |
If you haven’t found a video for your model, pay attention to the universal videos on disassembling refrigerators Indesit. The main thing is the match type of fastening (screws or clips) and location of the freezer compartment (top or bottom). For example, instructions for Indesit C132G are also suitable for Indesit C158NF, since they have the same design of the top panel.
⚠️ Attention: In some videos, the authors use metal screwdrivers to snap off clips. We recommend using only plastic mediatorsto avoid scratching the case and breaking the latches.
What to do if the cover does not come off?
Sometimes, even with the correct actions, the cover does not budge. Here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:
- 🔧 Not all screws have been unscrewed. Check the back of the cover - sometimes there. additional fastenings are hidden under plugs or stickers.
- 🔧 The clips are jammed. Try to gently heat the fastening area with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 50°C), the plastic will become more elastic.
- 🔧 The cover is glued with sealant. This occurs in older models. In this case, you need to carefully trim the sealant with a utility knife.
- 🔧 The lighting wiring is in the way. Disconnect the connector (usually it is on the right side) and only then remove the cover.
If you feel that the lid is “jammed” and does not move either forward or backward, do not use excessive force. It’s better to carefully inspect all the fastenings again. In models Indesit with a system Total No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118) sometimes there is an additional metal bracket under the decorative overlay - it is easy to miss.
What to do if the clip breaks?
If the plastic clip is cracked or broken, do not panic. It can be replaced with a similar one (purchase at a service center Indesit or choose a universal one) or temporarily fix the cover with double-sided tape. However, keep in mind that this is not a long-term solution - vibration (for example, during operation of the compressor) may cause the cover to move.
In Indesit models with electronic control (for example, Indesit ITR 5200) there may be a control unit under the cover. If you remove it to repair electronics, be sure to photograph the location of all connectors before disconnecting!
How to put the cover back: assembly tips
Putting the cover back in place often raises more questions than removing it. Here are the key points to pay attention to:
If the cover is attached to clips, start with rear: insert it into the grooves and gently press until you hear a click.
For screw fastening do not tighten the screws too much - this can lead to cracks in the plastic. It is enough to press the cover tightly and screw it until it stops.
Check that lighting wires do not get under the cover. In models Indesit BIAA they often fray if they are pressed.
Make sure that decorative trim fits into place without gaps. If there are gaps left, check whether all the clips snap into place.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator and check:
- ✅ Does lighting work when the door is opened.
- ✅ Is there extraneous noise (for example, rattling of the lid when the compressor is running).
- ✅ Does it fit snugly sealing rubber (if the cover has moved, the seal may be broken).
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when removing the top cover. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:
| Error | Consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Using a metal screwdriver to snap off the clips | Scratches on the body, broken latches | Use a plastic mediator or a special spatula |
| Loss of sealing rubber or spring latches | Violation of tightness, drafts inside the chamber | Put all parts in container and photograph the process |
| Applying force when the lid is jammed | Cracks in the plastic, deformation of the guides | Carefully inspect all fastenings, if necessary, heat with a hair dryer |
| Failure to disconnect the refrigerator from the mains | Short circuit, damage to electronics | Always remove the plug from the socket before disassembling |
You need to be especially careful with models Indesitin which the cover is combined with ventilation grille (for example, Indesit ITF 118). If you dismantle carelessly, you can damage the grille, which will lead to overheating of the compressor and expensive repairs.
⚠️ Attention: If you remove the cover for replacement thermostat or lamp lighting, make sure that the new parts are compatible with your model. For example, refrigerators Indesit until 2020 used incandescent lamps E14 15W, and new ones used LED modules.
When is the best time to contact a specialist?
Although removing the top cover is a relatively simple procedure, in some cases it is better to entrust the work to a professional:
- 🔧 If the cover deformed (for example, after the refrigerator has fallen) does not fall into place.
- 🔧 If during dismantling you find damaged wires or traces of melting (this may indicate a short circuit).
- 🔧 If the refrigerator is under warranty - independent repair can lead to loss of warranty service.
- 🔧 If you are not confident in your abilities and are afraid of damaging electronic control unit (in models with a display).
Average cost removing/installing the top cover in service centers - from 800 to 1500 rubles (for 2026). If the problem is more complex (for example, a thermostat or fan needs to be replaced), the price can rise to 3,000–5,000 rubles. However, in most cases self-removal allows you to save money and avoid downtime of the refrigerator.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the cover of the Indesit refrigerator
Is it possible to remove the cover without unplugging the refrigerator?
No, it's dangerous! Even if the compressor is not running, there may still be voltage on the control board. Always remove the plug from the socket before starting work.
How many clips usually hold the lid in Indesit models?
Most models after 2018 use 4-6 plastic clips: 2 in the front, 2 in the back and 1-2 on the sides. In older models, instead of clips, there may be screws or metal brackets.
What to do if the light bulb stops working after removing the cover?
Most likely, the lamp power connector has come loose. Check the wires going from the cover to the body - they may have fallen out of the socket. Also make sure that the light bulb has not burned out (insert a known working one).
How to understand that the cover is installed incorrectly?
Signs of incorrect installation:
- Appeared cracks between the cover and the body.
- Cover rattling when the compressor is running.
- Does not work lighting or the fan (in models with No Frost).
- The refrigerator has become noisier.
In this case, remove the cover and reinstall it, making sure that all the clips snap into place.
Where can you buy a replacement for the broken ones? clips?
Spare parts for refrigerators Indesit sold:
- In official service centers (guaranteed suitable parts).
- On AliExpress or eBay (search by model code).
- In stores spare parts for household appliances (for example, "220 Volt", "Techport").
- On Avito or Yule (used parts from disassembly).
The average price of one clip is from 50 to 200 rubles.