dyolfknip

I have a winch below in my Sig. Today I went to give a friend a hand pulling his bumper out after a fender bender. Winch worked fine until it got to about the last 6 feet of pulling it in after the tug. Then it started to slow right down. When I let go of the pay in button, I couldnt get it to spool anymore. I pulled it out manually and tried respooling...it started again slow and I got it all spooled in that way. The solenoids are clicking and I had a friend hitting the gas.

I havent had a chance to see if it is getting the proper voltage with a meter, and I am still running the stock battery and alternator. The electronics tech in me says it might be a voltage problem. Anyone ever run into this issue?

The winch hasnt been used often, maybe 5 times.

Thanks
T

w squared

Is it a spooling issue? I know this may sound like a "duh" question, but if the line isn't on the drum neatly, sometimes it'll bind/pinch/reverse wrap. If that happens on your last wrap, it may bind between the drum and the housing.

dyolfknip

Ya I thought that too, but when it started doing it, there was lots of room on the drum....thanks though man....

09rubicon

Sounds like a voltage/alternator/battery issue. Basicaly if your alternator is weak (stock or just old) and your battery is weak you can actually drain your battery with the vehicle running (including giving it gas). I honestly think now is the time to upgrade your battery/alternator. If push comes to shove go with a good battery first, something like an Optima or other sealed deep cycle.

scbesse

I would say send it back to the idiot that installed it !!!!!!!!!!!!!

dyolfknip

I hate you.

dyolfknip

thats kind of the direction I am going in. I will bring a meter home this weekend and see. Thanks
T

RedneckJeep

Before you go jumping off the deep end just throwin parts at it, check the SIMPLE stuff first. Loose grounds would be first on my list. If the winch was not loaded when you were spooling it in, then it is not going to pull much amperage at all. Even a weak battery or faulty alternator would likely run it good enough to spool properly. Make sure all connections are clean and tight. Don't just try to tighten them, REMOVE them and inspect the connection and make certain it's clean. It's usually the simple things.

w squared

If you're checking grounds and the like, a can of brake cleaner and a small wire brush will make life easy.

bosscj351

If you get a yellow top, you probably don't have to upgrade your alternator, unless you're running a whole handful of stuff. However, upgrading both would eliminate a lot of problems. Don't ask how I know.