Eventually the filter will have to come out or it will get slimy and gross inside. DH took the top fittings of the filter off and used those and that was enough for the fridge brain to think the filter is in place. He did the same with the lid lock on the new top load washer. Disconnected the thing. Lid locks are electric now and easy to disconnect. It's a small thing but that lid lock was something that made me want to beat the washer with a hammer.