Timer vs electronic mess

[JWWebster]

My refrigerator stopped defrosting and I checked the heater it was fine and the defrost terminator didn't look bad so I found out my ice box has electronic defrost. The ice box I had out back has the same control but it has a timer in it. I plugged it in and so far every things working. Got an ice tray in there that seems to be making some ice. That other ice box had a hole in the compressor. Has anybody swapped out a electronic defrost for a manual timer in these? If it don't defrost I plan on swappin out the terminator but if it defrosts ok I gonna just leave that older control in there. What do yall thank?

[AJ]

Model number?

[JWWebster]

Workin on model number:

[tgoods]

On Whirlpools, you can replace the electronic control with a timer.  It won't be quite as efficient as stock but it will work fine.  I wouldn't do it on a customer's fridge,except temporarily until I get the right part, but I see no problem with it on your own fridge.

[JWWebster]

Model is ET8GTMXKQ00

[JWWebster]

So far so good.

[RegUS_PatOff]

If the "extra wire" is brown, that's for the electronic defrost to sense when the Defrost Terminator opens...
(not needed with the mechanical Timer)
What's model number of the "old fridge"?
 

[JWWebster]

106.39422990

[RegUS_PatOff]

mechanical Defrost Timer 2183400