Not a big deal - pick up a new gasket before you pull the cover out. I had to use WD40 and heat up the housing with a propane torch before it came out. Pounded on it with a hammer.

 

The winch is fixed!! There was corrosion is the lever mechanism that engages/disengages the clutch. There is a ball backed by a spring that slides into detents in the lever. This was also stuck down. After much drilling, hammering, and swearing everything was cleaned up. The lever works better than it did when new. Lesson learned...keep the winch covered/well lubricated and do function checks regularly. Cheers

 

Great news! Not sure if covering it will make a difference as some say that that encourages corrosion also since it is slower to dry out condensation! My old Warn 8274 on my YJ was never covered and it never gave me grief, until the jeep was stolen!

 

That sucks!!

 

Found out today that I have the same problem but mine is locked in the "in" position. I put some CLP in there hoping that would do the trick but nothing. I also have to plug in the joystick and tap the button out, play with clutch and then repeat.