Owner’s manual
Error Codes
What is a top mount refrigerator?
A top-mount refrigerator (also called a top freezer refrigerator) has the freezer compartment on top and the fresh-food refrigerator section below. Your Kenmore 79579309901 uses this classic layout to keep frozen foods up high and everyday refrigerated items at a comfortable reach.
In a top-mount design, cold air is produced in the freezer area and then shared with the refrigerator section through vents and airflow channels. For best cooling performance, we follow the airflow guidance in the owner's manual.
- Freezer on top, refrigerator below
- Air circulates between sections through vents
- Blocking vents with food can cause temperature and moisture issues
- Odors can transfer between sections because air is shared
Top-mount refrigerators are popular because they are straightforward to use and maintain.
| Feature | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Freezer location | Frozen items are stored above the refrigerator section |
| Airflow design | Cooling is shared; vent clearance matters |
| Common maintenance | Door gaskets, water filter (if equipped), and drain system checks |
These habits help prevent warm spots, frost, and food spoilage in most Kenmore top-mount models.
- Keep packages from covering the freezer and refrigerator vents
- Avoid overpacking shelves so air can circulate
- Close doors gently; pressure changes can briefly move the other door
- Clean spills promptly to reduce odor transfer
- If your model uses a water filter, replace it on schedule (see how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator)
Because a top-mount refrigerator shares airflow between the freezer and fresh-food sections, simple things like vent blockage, door sealing, and routine cleaning have a direct impact on temperatures, humidity, and odors.
Last updated: January 2026
What water filter fits my Kenmore fridge?
For Kenmore model 79579309901, the compatible replacement is the Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9990 (part number and part ID 5231JA2006E). Using the correct filter keeps water flow and taste consistent and helps protect the refrigerator water valve from debris.
Check these quick items before ordering:
- Verify the model number on the model and serial label matches 79579309901.
- Look for a filter housing inside the fresh food section (many top-mount models place it in the upper area).
- Match the printed part number on your old filter (if installed) to 5231JA2006E.
- If your refrigerator is connected to a reverse osmosis system, confirm you have adequate water pressure.
- Use the replacement steps and reset instructions in the 79579309901 owner's manual.
Use this exact part for this model:
| What you need | Part name | Part number / part ID |
|---|---|---|
| Water filter | Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9990 | 5231JA2006E |
If you are replacing the filter because water flow is slow, also inspect the supply line and shutoff valve for restrictions.
A new filter will not fix low supply pressure or a restricted valve. Try these checks:
- Make sure the household shutoff valve is fully open.
- Confirm the water line is not kinked behind the refrigerator.
- Flush water through the dispenser for several minutes to purge air.
- If you use reverse osmosis, allow the storage tank to refill after heavy usage.
- If the refrigerator has a filter and pressure is low, verify your supply is typically 40 to 120 PSI for filtered models.
If the supply and pressure are good but dispensing is still weak, the inlet valve can be the cause; see refrigerator water valve 5220JB2010T.
A correctly matched Kenmore water filter helps maintain proper water pressure to the dispenser and ice maker, reduces sediment that can clog internal screens, and supports consistent cooling performance by preventing leaks and waterline strain.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On the Kenmore 79579309901 top-mount refrigerator, the upper compartment is the freezer compartment. It’s the section designed to keep foods frozen, and it also supplies cold air that circulates down into the fresh food (refrigerator) section.
The freezer is more than “just storage”; it’s part of the cooling system for both compartments. The manual explains that cool air enters through the bottom of the freezer section, circulates through freezer vents, and some of that air moves into the refrigerator section through a top vent.
Why it matters: If freezer vents are blocked, airflow is interrupted and you can get temperature swings, moisture issues, and odor transfer between sections.
- Keep freezer vents clear; don’t pack food tightly against vent openings.
- Wrap or cover foods tightly to reduce odor transfer between compartments.
- If the refrigerator door is closed forcefully, the freezer door can briefly pop open and re-close due to air pressure.
- Keep fingers away from door “pinch points” when closing doors.
- Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning or servicing.
| What people call it | What it usually means | Where it is on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer | Frozen food compartment | Top |
| Freezer section | Same as freezer | Top |
| Upper compartment | Usually the freezer on a top-mount | Top |
| Fresh food section | Refrigerator compartment (not frozen) | Bottom |
For diagrams and airflow guidance specific to this Kenmore model, use the 79579309901 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
How to replace a Kenmore 79579309901 water filter?
To replace the water filter in your Kenmore 79579309901 top-mount refrigerator, remove the old cartridge by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it out, then install the new cartridge and flush about 2.5 gallons of water. Use the steps in the 79579309901 owner's manual for the exact sequence.
- Get ready: Place a container under the filter holder opening because water will drain when the filter is removed.
- Remove the old filter:
- Rotate the cartridge knob counterclockwise.
- Pull the cartridge straight out.
- Install the new filter:
- Unwrap the new cartridge and remove the protective cover from the O-rings.
- With the cartridge knob vertical, push the cartridge in until it stops.
- Push firmly until it can turn, then twist about 1/4 turn until it clicks into place.
- Flush the system: Dispense 2.5 gallons (9.46 liters) of water (about 5 minutes) to clear air and carbon fines.
- Unplugging is not required for the filter change, but keep hands and the area dry.
- Use a cup, bowl, or towel under the filter opening to catch drainage.
- Confirm the new cartridge is fully seated before the 1/4-turn lock.
- Flush the full 2.5 gallons so the dispenser and ice maker run normally.
- If the filter door is taped shut, remove tape carefully so you do not crack the cover.
After replacing the cartridge, reset the filter status light by pressing and holding the FILTER CHANGE button for 3 seconds.
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Filter change light ON | Filter is due | Replace the cartridge, then reset |
| Light stays ON after replacement | Status not reset | Hold FILTER CHANGE for 3 seconds |
| Water flow is weak | Air or a restriction | Flush 2.5 gallons; re-seat cartridge |
This model uses the replacement water filter listed as part number 9990; on our parts list it appears as Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9990 5231JA2006E.
A fresh refrigerator water filter helps maintain water flow to the dispenser and ice maker, and it keeps the filter-change indicator accurate so you can stay on a roughly 6-month replacement schedule.
Last updated: January 2026
