Some breakdowns and malfunctions of the refrigerator can be fixed on their own. But for this you need to be able to carry out a complete or partial disassembly of the unit. Care must be taken to avoid unnecessarily dismantling individual components when the problem is precisely identified. Otherwise, it will take time and increase the amount of work. Sometimes it becomes necessary to work only with the upper part of the device. Therefore, it is extremely important to know how to properly remove the top cover of the refrigerator and not damage the rest of the elements.
Refrigerator top cover
What possible breakdowns make it necessary to remove the lid of the refrigerator?
Each model may have its own structural differences. For example, in some refrigerators, the freezer is located at the top of the unit, and in others at the bottom. Therefore, depending on the type of breakdown, in some cases it will be necessary to carry out a certain type of dismantling and repair.
The top cover of the refrigerator is removed for such breakdowns:
- if you want to change the side of the door opening, for which it is outweighed together with the hinges;
- to repair the light on and off button in the refrigerator (in some models it is located in the upper panel under the lid);
- to repair or replace a temperature relay;
- with leakage of the evaporator;
- when in the unit on the top panel the liquid crystal display fails;
- some refrigerators have an electric cable under the top cover, so it is also removed to check the integrity and serviceability of the wires.
- when replacing bulbs, starting and protective relays.
What materials are needed?
To disassemble the device, regardless of model, you will need only one tool - a screwdriver. BUT! The plugs on the top panel hide the fasteners, and the upper thread on them can be different - cruciform or straight. Therefore, the figure of the screwdriver is selected in accordance with these latches. It is best to have several tools for disassembly at once.
Fixing bolts from the back of the refrigerator
It is also recommended to prepare old rags and a container for collecting water. All work is carried out with a de-energized and defrosted refrigerator. Therefore, such materials will be required for water treatment.
How to remove the top cover of the refrigerator with your own hands: the algorithm of actions
To do the dismantling of the cover, it is recommended to install the unit in the middle of the room. This will allow you to freely move around him. But for this you need to disconnect the device from the power supply, clean the chambers of food and defrost.
Instructions for dismantling the top cover are as follows:
- all shelves and cells are removed from the refrigerator and freezer, including from the door;
- if necessary, clean the walls;
- Further, the top cover is inspected for the presence of plastic plugs, which can be hidden with the help of trim strips.
- due to a knife or a flat screwdriver, they are poked and removed from the fasteners;
- under the plugs there should be metal bolts (often they are designed for a Phillips screwdriver) - we unscrew them;
Method for unscrewing screws from the top cover
- on the refrigerator there may still be protective rails (strips, gaskets), which are often fixed with latches - you can pry them and open them with the help of an already used tool;
- the upper panel is again inspected for the presence of all the smallest details, after which you can remove the cover with your hands.
The direction of movement of the cover when removing
Important! If you miss at least one mount, then this threatens to disrupt the fasteners.
Different types of refrigerators have their own specific plastic latches, which prevent the lid from freezing. They may not be visible, but it is easy to detect them - by pulling the lid toward you, a certain stupor may occur at a particular point. So, attention should be paid to this particular area and look for a latch. The manufacturers of some refrigerators already indicate in the instructions in which places there are plugs and latches, and how they are properly disconnected. Therefore, before proceeding to dismantle yourself, you should first familiarize yourself with the operation manual. The fact is that in the upper part of the unit can be located nodes important for proper operation, which are easily damaged. If they are touched, then this can lead to a more serious breakdown and then you can not do without the help of specialists.
Refrigerator Repair
Using the above method, it is quite easy and simple to remove the lid of the refrigerator. And here you don’t even need any special tools and skills. If a specific model is not amenable to self-disassembly, it is recommended that you immediately turn to professionals for help. This will immediately save your finances, because careless actions can permanently disable the refrigerator.
