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how do you test a winch solenoid

by Deanna Cruickshank Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How do you test a winch solenoid?

  • Check the cable connections from the winch solenoid to the battery.
  • Unscrew the solenoid cover after you disconnect the positive (red) winch cable from the battery.
  • Touch a voltmeter to the large studs on the solenoid with the winch turned off.

Part of a video titled Winch not working? Here's how to test the solenoid #1471
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Go through the same process again and i'm going to use a battery load tester to apply a load acrossMoreGo through the same process again and i'm going to use a battery load tester to apply a load across these two terminals to see if that bus bar inside will actually carry a load.

Full Answer

How to troubleshoot a winch that has stopped getting power?

  • Disconnect all winch cables from the bike.
  • Disconnect the battery from the bike, or use another battery so that you don’t damage the bike’s electronics.
  • Connect the jumper cables to the battery. ...
  • Connect the negative cable to one of the terminals on the winch.
  • Gently tap the other terminal using the positive cable. ...

More items...

How to wire a winch without a solenoid?

How to Wire a Winch Without a Solenoid. Step 1: Make sure the winch is in the free spool position. Step 2: Disconnect the battery’s positive lead (leave the ground lead attached). Step 3: Unplug the three wires that connect the control pack to the three motor posts and label them.

Does an ATV winch need a solenoid?

You do not need a solenoid for every winch. Most winches have them and some dont. Mine does not. The only thing a solenoid does is take the current and stress off of the switch so it does not burn up. Subsequently, question is, how do you test an ATV winch solenoid?

What do I need to power my winch?

Types of Winches

  • Electrical Winch. Electrical winches run on their own battery and also with the battery of the vehicle. ...
  • Hybrid Winch. The winch, which is built from spare parts, is known as a hybrid winch. ...
  • Mechanical Portable Winch. Such winches are handmade out of a drum hooked to a chainsaw motor that provides motive force. ...
  • Hydraulic Winch. ...

How do you bypass a winch solenoid?

How to Wire a Winch without a SolenoidStep 1: View the circuit diagram of the winch solenoid. ... Step 2: Set the winch to free spool mode. ... Step 3: Disconnect the winch from the battery terminals. ... Step 4: Connect the Jumper Wire. ... Step 5: Repeat Step 4 to turn the motor in a different direction.

How do you test a winch switch?

The easiest way to test the switch would be to run power directly to the winch, bypassing the switch. If it powers on just fine then there is an issue with the switch or its wiring. You can also check for continuity by removing the switch wires (red is power, black is ground).

How do you test an anchor winch solenoid?

1:042:28How to Troubleshoot a Clicking Winch Contactor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome sparking is okay you'll find if you just tap it you get the spark. If you put a nice firmMoreSome sparking is okay you'll find if you just tap it you get the spark. If you put a nice firm connection on it should run.

How do you test a 3 wire winch motor?

0:452:55PS654 Winch Motor Test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to ground the casing as you would on any other motor. And use a bolt that will hook upMoreYou're going to ground the casing as you would on any other motor. And use a bolt that will hook up our ground. We're going to run a jumper from f2 back to the armature.

How does a winch switch work?

2:3213:49In-Cab Winch Controls - DIY/How To - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipControl box is power to my battery. I can still use my winch. If I were to wire this to the positiveMoreControl box is power to my battery. I can still use my winch. If I were to wire this to the positive on my alternator. Then it would essentially be a switched circuit meaning you would only operate.

How do you test a 12-volt winch motor?

Jumper Cable Test Connect the free end of your black cable to one of the terminals on your winch. Use the red cable to tap the other terminal of the winch, which should create an electrical response from the winch. If your motor is working, the winch drum should start to move.

How do you bench test a winch?

Injury from moving parts.Connect an earth cable to the motor earth (bolt on the bottom of the winch motor).Connect a cable between terminal F1 and terminal A. ( ... To test, connect a live cable to terminal F2.To test the other polarity, connect a cable between terminal F2 and terminal A. (More items...

How do you troubleshoot a winch?

3:447:10How to troubleshoot a WINCH that has stopped getting power - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBack over Twitter winches. Go ahead and hook one side up. Now make sure you stand back because whatMoreBack over Twitter winches. Go ahead and hook one side up. Now make sure you stand back because what you're doing is you're bypassing the switch. And you are going to activate your winch.

What does a winch solenoid do?

The winch solenoid is an electronic device used to activate the winch motor on a vehicle-mounted winch. Created to withstand the high draw of electricity required to crank the winch, the winch solenoid is designed to supply the required current without damaging the winch switch or the winch motor.

How do you test a winch motor with a multimeter?

0:502:58Winch Motor Test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf it's on the vehicle. As long as your ground is good you can just run a hot wire straight to thisMoreIf it's on the vehicle. As long as your ground is good you can just run a hot wire straight to this one and then connect these two and it'll spin do vice versa and it'll do the other.

How do you wire a 3 post winch motor?

0:462:20How to Test a 3-Post Winch Motor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your positive wire hook it to the positive post on your battery. And you can hook it to thisMoreTake your positive wire hook it to the positive post on your battery. And you can hook it to this right hand post on your motor. Next thing you need is another jumper you can use a screwdriver.

How do you test a Badlands winch solenoid?

9:4356:10Winch not working? Here's how to test the solenoid #1471 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then well we can just quickly check can't wait we can go clickety click click we can put aMoreAnd then well we can just quickly check can't wait we can go clickety click click we can put a positive supply on this side this is the green terminal.

How to run a winch motor in one direction?

The winch motor should run in one direction when power is applied to the “F2” terminal. Next swap the jumper wire from "A" to "F2" and put power from the battery to terminal "F1".

How to read volts on a solenoid?

The two big studs are on the winch side of the solenoid. The voltmeter will read Twelve volts if the solenoid is functioning properly.

Do you need a solenoid for a winch?

You do not need a solenoid for every winch. Most winches have them and some dont. Mine does not. The only thing a solenoid does is take the current and stress off of the switch so it does not burn up.

How to test a solenoid?

You can test the solenoid by hooking a test light on the cables that go to the winch. Test first with the blue, then with the yellow. If you don't get a light with one of them, you likely have a bad solenoid.

How to run a winch motor in one direction?

The winch motor should run in one direction when power is applied to the “F2” terminal. Next swap the jumper wire from "A" to "F2" and put power from the battery to terminal "F1".

How to read volts on a solenoid?

The two big studs are on the winch side of the solenoid. The voltmeter will read Twelve volts if the solenoid is functioning properly.

Do you need a solenoid for a winch?

You do not need a solenoid for every winch. Most winches have them and some dont. Mine does not. The only thing a solenoid does is take the current and stress off of the switch so it does not burn up.

What is a winch solenoid?

Everything You Need To Know About Winch Solenoid (New Guide) Solenoids are electromagnetic switches. The winch solenoid is used to activate the winch motor on a vehicle-mounted winch. It is designed to supply the required current without damaging the winch motor or the winch switch. It is activated when current from the battery is directed to ...

How does a winch solenoid work?

The activation of the winch solenoid sends current to the motor. Then the winch motor begins to run the winch drum. The typical winch uses separate winch solenoids for reverse and forward. Best quality winches use four winch solenoids

How to measure OHM?

Measure the OHM reading of the two little studs with the voltmeter once the winch is on. If there's no reading on the meter, then the solenoid isn't operating properly. The two little studs are energized with the winch activated.

How to fix a winch that makes a clicking noise?

Disconnect the positive cable from the battery and after that, unscrew the solenoid cover. Ensure that all the connections in the solenoid are secure. If a clicking noise is heard when you turn the winch, a wire might be loose.

How many solenoids are in a series wound winch?

Common winches use a separate solenoid to move the winch drum. But series wound winches have a four winch solenoid arrangement. It is used with 2 solenoids working in unison for both winch directions.

Why do you need a solenoid switch on a winch?

A plus point of having remotely mounted solenoid switches on any winch is space savings. The winch becomes a smaller package and requires less room to mount when the winch solenoid is removed from the top of the winch motor. A smaller winch is more easily protected from damage. It's easier to hide behind a brush guard or bumper.

What is the purpose of a solenoid mounted on a winch?

This eliminates extra wiring, reduces the opportunities for chaffing a wire and create a short in the electrical systems of the winch.

How to test a 12V winch solenoid?

A sure way in testing the 12v winch solenoid is by using a voltmeter. When using the voltmeter, ensure the winch is turned off and touch the device on the two studs on the solenoid. If it is in order, the reading will indicate 12 volts on the voltmeter.

What is a solenoid on a winch?

The solenoid is the wire coil that features in electromagnetic operated winches. When an electric current passes through the wire, it produces a uniform magnetic field. The wires act as switches, something you can notice when you look at the winch solenoid wiring diagram. The solenoid’s main purpose is to ease the tension on ...

Why bypass a winch solenoid?

Bypassing a winch solenoid is significant when troubleshooting the winch engine, or if you notice the solenoid system is malfunctioning. As a mechanic, you first need a clear impression of the solenoid system to map its terminals and know which to bypass.

Why is a solenoid important?

As earlier hinted, it reduces the stress factor, which prevents the winch from burning up. It is also easy to control, and you will notice its efficiency when you want to use it.

Why do solenoid switches work?

It reduces strain on the motor and improves its service, ensuring a smooth pull when you initiate it. The solenoid switch also acts as a fuse in case of excess electric discharge, where it bears the burden, instead of the motor. Another benefit is it reduces extra wiring, which may lead to chaffing and cause short-circuiting.

How to connect a winch motor to a battery?

You now run the cable from point A to F1 and connect it to the battery through F2. Once you complete this connection, the winch motor should run in one direction.

Why do you need to match the terminals to the right wires?

The polarity matters, and you need to match the terminals to the right wires to avoid short-circuiting incidences.

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