Hope someone can suggest solution...

12 year old Maytag MBF2256KEW warm (65 deg) refrigerator, cold (0 deg) freezer due to defrost failure.
Cleared dog hair from front of condenser section under fridge and removed all foods to backup fridge.
Unplugged and allowed frost to thaw from evaporator while ordering defrost system replacements.

Figured we could run refrigerator few days before it froze up again, but…
Can feel ‘motion’ in compressor (comparable to a working compressor) when it is turned on which stops when it ‘clicks’ off after 5 seconds. This on 5 seconds then off cycle repeats.

Main Control Board (Code 01) Service Tests:
1) Defrost Thermostat & Circuit = “O”pen because warm or has failed.
2) Compressor/Condenser Fan = Fan runs
3) Evaporator freezer fan = Fan runs
4) Refrigerator Sensor = “P”assed
5) Freezer Sensor = “P”assed
6) Damper Door = opens and closes on demand.
7) default temp = 5
8) default temp = 5
9) ?? = “A”

Starter Relay = no debris inside, no unusual sounds when shaken.
Continuity through starter relay on 2 male connectors to 2 female connectors = power is able to pass through.

Compressor has no continuity between male compressor connectors and ground = not shorted.
(not surprising since compressor does react to power.)

Capacitor is not deformed, but not sure how to test. No continuity between contacts.

Questions:
Is there logic that prevents compressor operation if either defrost thermostat or defrost heater have failed?

Could failure to defrost lead to compressor’s cycling?

Could thermistor failure be responsible for frost-up & compressor’s cycling?
(not sure how reliable the service tests are)

Could compressor problem cause frost-up rather than a defrost system failure?
Note: freezer stayed cold (0 deg) at least 8 hours after refrigerator was 65 deg.

Note: was unaware of ‘10 minute rule’ for compressors so probably short cycled a couple of times in dealing with the problem.

Thank you.

*Follow-up: It was the start relay.
Only symptom was clicking after manual defrost.
If you have clicking on startup (i.e. click on power up followed 10 seconds later by click) replace the start relay. Just hope I haven't done in the compressor with all the starts and stops...

Also want to thank Appliance Parts Pros for their resources and their excellent business practices (no gouging on shipping and no restocking fees on returns) - cannot say enough about how unusual they are in this day and age!

Edited by user Wednesday, August 11, 2021 10:35:15 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Update on repair