Winch Issue

[taits_papa]

Question for those educated on winches. When plowing, my winch works perfectly everytime when letting it out, but only sometimes when pulling it in. It seems like I need to hit the button 4-5 times before it starts to pull in cable. Sometimes I even need to let it out and then quickly hit the in before it reels. What might this be? I love to plow, but this is getting cumbersome. It's a warn winch if that matters.

[Macgyver55]

Sounds like either the contactor or the switch is going bad.

I would however check all the connections on both of those before replacing either.

[sparkydm]

I agree with macgyver. it sounds like the switching system and not the winch itself.

[taits_papa]

Does it help clarify the issue if when i try to pick the winch up, i do hear a click at the winch, but it does nothing? thanks again for the help.

[Macgyver55]

The fact that you are hearing a click probably means the switch is ok. Is your contactor mounted near the winch? That is probably what you are hearing. First thing I would do is check for power and ground at the winch when you operate the switch.

[sparkydm]

The click would be the relay(contactor). Sounds like the relay is pulling in as it should but power isn't reaching the motor. Do as macgyver said and check the connections between the relay and the motor. hope that helps.

[Roofer]

Hmmmm, which one is it?

It could be either one as both the switch and contactor have been known to go out. Make sure it is the updated contactor also.

I would say it's the switch, myself.