I bought an SEC12 model Mile Marker this past holiday and had to bolt it to a Warn plate, (because MM doesn't make a plate for the JKs yet as far as factory bumpers are concerned), and it was only then I noticed that in freespool mode, it takes two guys to pull outthe cable! I've checked everything. And when I call MM, they tell me it's their mess up and if I ship it back, they'll fix it. I don't feel like spending the $130 to ship back their problem.

Has anybody had the same problem with their MM?

Does anyone have a better solution?


I wrote to them for the third time last night. I'll keep you UTD, but in the mean time, any info would be helpful. Thanks.

 

i'm quite sure u need to pull all that wire rope out and respool under tension. I am not sure that'll fix ur problem but it couldn't hurt. I think if I spent the cash 4 a winch I'd not wanna loose all that over $130 shipping. I am hard headed though and would probably insist if mile marker is sure it's their problem they paid shipping.

 

Did it. In fact that was the first thing they suggested. But I did that upon completing the install. It's in the gear housing they said. They used the wrong oil or something. And I'm with you on your thoughts. I guess if I have to pay the shipping, I will. It's the point that you buy a $700 winch, it'd be nice if it worked out of the box, OR, the company would make it right without putting up a fight. Thanks for the advice.

 

I know it's upsetting to have a fault with a new winch but this sort of thing can happen if you submerge your winch in muddy water. Why not ask MileMarker to send you a can of the correct lubricant with a repair manual. It's not that difficult to strip down a winch and useful experience to know how it works if it needs a repair when it is out of warranty. To show their goodwill, they could send you a pack of mostly likely needed spares.

 

I would probably settle for that. My problem is the blatent lack of customer service. I've left two messages, and emailed them several times. ow they're just not getting back to me. What have I done them? Except for write a letter expressing my disappointment, and a call explaining the same. They admit they're wrong, but don't want to even help to fix the problem.

 

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that about 4 days after my last post on here, I did hear from the warranty and customer claims office at Mile Marker. They seemed to be very genuine and concerned. Offered to pick up the shipping to fly it down there and be fixed for free. After talking with the guys there, they clain that the oil inside will loosen up to where it should be, nice and loose, after about 50 or 60 "in and outs". Over the past couple of weeks I have been doing just that, pulling my Jeep with a tree, 2-5 times a day. It's is better than it was, but no where near where it should be. I still has to put tones of force into getting it it in freespool mode. I sent them an email with this information last night, (because they asked that I keep them up to date), and will call them tomorrow. I will tell you how that goes later.

Thanks guys for the considerations.

 

Wow, that sounds like an absurd "fix" to your problem! I dont think I would settle for that anser at all. Why doesnt EVERYBODY who buys a new winch have to use it 40-50 times to break it in?!?! I call BS. Tell them to send you a new one. If that was REALLY the problem, then they could have told you that when you FIRST contacted them, as they should be used to the inquiries. I'd let them know that you are giving them one more oppty to make you a satisfied customer, or you will start demanding what you would *like* them to do...

Its not a bad idea to "name drop" this forum either. Most of these manufacturers knows that you have an audience of 20k Jeepers (potential customers) to go cry to. Say something along the lines of "several of my buddies on the JK-Forum feel this isnt right, and think it should be replaced... and I tend to agree with them. They are ALL looking forward to hearing the outcome of this issue..."

 

Makes me glad I went WARN.

 

You're right. But don't get me wrong, I'm not going soft on the guy. His name down there is Srikanth, and he's been a great guy to work with. He said that he would replace the winch if they couldn't fix it. So I will either get mine back like it should have been, or they'll ship me a new one. He just stated that the oil might break up a bit and work like it should IF it was used a few times. My reply was that I just want a winch that works, and that I'm not trying to get something out of them for nothing. SO I said I would try to break it in. Here we are a couple weeks later and no real difference. But, I emailed him, and I'll keep you guys UTD.

 

I saw this on youtube the other day.. Are you same person? $700 dollars is alot to pay for something that isn't working right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBHGAwPdVa0