Warn winch dramas

[Potsy]

Noticed that my winch cable was back to front the other day so rolled it out only to find that it will not drive the right way (anticlockwise if standing on the passenger side) the other direction is fine which tells me the motor is ok but when trying to run it the other way all I hear is a click (maybe a solenoid) from the control box behind the bull bar so maybe the switch that reverses the drive is buggered?!
Is anyone familiar with these winches and can shed some light on what to look for as I'm hoping I can fix it without having to pull the thing out and drop it into the (more than likely expensive) professionals.
Cheers people.

[MudRunnerTD]

Are you using the standard warn control box? Big black plastic thing? If so then you have 4 solenoids in there, 2 for each direction. I'd say they are knackered. I'd be inclined to swap it out for a single solid state one. It might not be your problem but likely is.

How old is the winch? How long has it been on the car? Have you ever services it? I'd take it off and bench test it without the solenoid to make sure it is ok though. Could have water in it which it won't like at all.

[Potsy]

Cheers mud runner.
The history of the winch is unknown to me, I purchased the car about a year ago but I know the winch has been on there much longer, am spewin I didn't realise when I bought the car but I never actually planned on keeping the winch a and was way to excited at the time.
I will more than likely pull it out later this week with my cousin and see if we can test it.
When you say test it without the solenoid box is it pretty straight forward (I.e. One active, one forward and one backward) cable out of the winch? And all I need to do is bridge these.
Also the solid state control box, is this an aftermarket accessory or is it just a newer setup made by warn?

[threedogs]

@ MR do you have a link for that solid state controller ??

[Hodge]

@ MR do you have a link for that solid state controller ??
This as well I'd like to see how it all works.

Tapatalked from S6

[threedogs]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Giantz-12V-Winch-Controller-Solenoid-500A-DC-Switch-4WD-4x4-Boat-ATV-Control-/350884059533?hash=item51b251d98d:g:gooAAOSwA4dWH3C e

I think these are the solenoids in question
not sure if these are the best quality out there
as pricing varies a bit

[the evil twin]

Noticed that my winch cable was back to front the other day so rolled it out only to find that it will not drive the right way (anticlockwise if standing on the passenger side) the other direction is fine which tells me the motor is ok but when trying to run it the other way all I hear is a click (maybe a solenoid) from the control box behind the bull bar so maybe the switch that reverses the drive is buggered?!
Is anyone familiar with these winches and can shed some light on what to look for as I'm hoping I can fix it without having to pull the thing out and drop it into the (more than likely expensive) professionals.
Cheers people.

As others mention... I would start with a Winch service IE pull it out and check brushes, regrease etc etc.
Warns will 1/2 fill with goo if they are not installed correctly IE had the motor drain orientated properly
I know that isn't the problem but would do it anyway.

Pull the cover off the controller and check all wiring.
It wil probably be corroded and/or full of crap.
You will possibly have probably a faulty solenoid in one of the pairs
Approx $60 each to replace if you want to keep the original setup
Warn use solenoids in pairs to prevent uncontrolled overruns so probably only need one

The 4 point contactor style are a popular replacement but be aware that most are cheap and are NOT solid state
They have moving parts sama sama as the Warns just 1/2 as many of them

A solid state controller that handles that amperage is hideously expensive by comparison

[Potsy]

Cheers all for your input,
evil twin, i will pull it out and leave it on the bench for a while to play with.
Are the brushes easy enough to remove and clean?
Also am going to try and bench test it as recommended by mud runner but am wondering if anyone knows of any wiring diagrams for the two solenoid setups?
I'm sure it won't be to tricky to work out but I love a good diagram as I'm a fridgie but automotive isn't my cup of tea!
Maybe the missus will get me a new one for Christmas......hahaha.

[the evil twin]

Here ya go, apols that it is from a Jeep Forum but at least they are good for something http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/warn-winch-wiring-diagram-515718/

[Potsy]

Thanks mate, trust a jeep forum to know all about winches!
I saw a new one the other day and they come factory with swanky red recovery points on the front.
Should make everyone's life easier.....teeheehee.

[MudRunnerTD]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Giantz-12V-Winch-Controller-Solenoid-500A-DC-Switch-4WD-4x4-Boat-ATV-Control-/350884059533?hash=item51b251d98d:g:gooAAOSwA4dWH3C e

I think these are the solenoids in question
not sure if these are the best quality out there
as pricing varies a bit

Yeah not sure i would buy that though.... I have an Albright which is what the Comp guys use and it about $180. Works great.

In terms of Bench Testing i have not had a look at that Jeep Link but if you google Bench Test winch motor you will get the sequence. Easy to do. The Solenoid acts like a Relay and is a Step up system so the 400amps don't hit your switch and battery.

[Potsy]

Yeah not sure i would buy that though.... I have an Albright which is what the Comp guys use and it about $180. Works great.

In terms of Bench Testing i have not had a look at that Jeep Link but if you google Bench Test winch motor you will get the sequence. Easy to do. The Solenoid acts like a Relay and is a Step up system so the 400amps don't hit your switch and battery.

Ah the wonders of Google!
Cheers for the info and I'll look into this Albright setup if it is the solenoid box that's shagged.