The defrost timer is just like most clocks, it has a motor, a cam and some electrical contacts. Just like other clocks the motor eventually quits or gets stuck.

Timers "refrigerate" for 6 or 8 hours then the go into "defrost" and activate the defrost element. Defrost is usually 22 to 30 minutes, then its back to refrigerate.

Yours apparently is getting stuck in defrost. Symptom: nothing is on but the lights.

Replace the timer. This site show this timer as a replacement.

Whirlpool W10822278 Timer-Def - AppliancePartsPros.com

How old is the timer? Have you ever replaced it? Have you seen a lot of 15, 20, or 25 year old clocks that have ran continuously for all those years without any service, not even a drop of oil? How long do you expect this timer to work? Do you think it will somehow work for another 20 years because you turned its shaft and sparked its contacts a few times?

Try that with your car or TV. Things get old. Things eventually wear out.

no need to come off like a condescending jerk buddy. I asked a simple question if there is an easy way to test it..no reply about this I have to think either you don't know or you don't care to explain. Also I have a valid concern considering I'm reading of people replacing the timer and its not the issue and was the temp control thermostat or something else.

yeah well you're not the lone ranger. I had a chemical exposure during the gulf war and I'm also disabled but that don't give me the right to talk to people like they are idiots. If you treat people with respect they will generally do the same back..talk to someone like they are stupid and you wont usually get a good response.

I do appreciate you regardless, I just don't bode well with condescending people or comments, it tends to bring out the fighter in me. If you would like to move on from this negativity and help me figure this thing out I'm game. I'm not a stupid person I've repaired many things myself and simply cannot ignore the facts which include people having replaced the defrost timer with no results and turned out to be the temp control thermostat and like I said I don't have much money ( because I'm also on disability) I make less than 12k a year so I have l learned to be a frugal as possible and not waste money. I do my best to test things to the best of my ability to assure I at least gave myself the best chance at success the first time. to me being this way is smart and just makes sense. I came here to see if someone could help me in this goal. you seemed to get bothered when i asked about a way to test the part which in light of the purpose of this forum don't make sense to me but I understand we all have bad days me included..so what do you say, can we move on ? do you know of a way to test this part ?

I should also mention when chatting with a appliancepartpro live chat when looking up parts the agent told me to her it sounded like it was the temp control thermostat which they cannot get. so when i come to the forum and post my issue and you tell me the defrost timer..well now maybe you can see why I would like to know how to test a part. I don't think I'm being unreasonable ..I JUST WANT TO FIX THIS DAMN THING LOL

It's fixed now. I would post some details I have written out but it says I have a score of 40 and its set to 20 so I guess people wont get to see some helpful details I learned in the process.