Winch Problem

[disco_drum]

I have a superwinch x9 and last time i used it it stopped working. It was night time when it happened and I could see sparks inside the motor drum. The selonoid was still clicking so i think the problem lies within the winch itself. Anyone have any idea of what could be wrong and what i should do to remedy the problem? Thanks!

sorry for the double post.....

 

[rmuller]

Josh -- Does it have a integrated solenoid or separate box? You should be able to bypass the solenoid box to see if thats the culprit.. I'll describe the process for a Warn since that's all I've done it on;

1. Put winch in freespool
2. Disconnect the positive winch lead to the battery
3. disconnect the three wires running to the winch motor (remember which goes where)
4. Stamped next to the posts on the motor should be a "A", "F1" and "F2" .. run a small jumper wire (8 ga or lower is fine) from "A" to "F1" and then put power from the battery to "F2" .. you can use a jumper cable to do this... Motor should run in one direction doing it this way..
5. Do step 4, but do a jumper from "A" to "F2" and power to "F1" and it should run the other way.

If that works, then the motor is good... check all of your ground connections as well.

 

[disco_drum]

according to ryan's method my motor is shot! what is my next step. You think Superwinch will replace the motoe under waranty? what are my chances?

 

[rmuller]

Motors can be repaired or replaced... it'd be nice if you were still under warranty though! I'd contact superwinch and make sure the method I described is an accurate way of testing your winch (Like I said, I only know for a fact that it works on my Warn)... a replacement motor cost me about $100 for my warn..

 

[Kacers]

When you did the test did you completely disconnect the solenoid wiring? You need to remove all solenoid wiring to the winch to perform the test Ryan listed which does work for the X9 winch motor. And make sure the battery ground is still connected to the winch ground.

I completely rebuilt my X9 many times (don't ask) and have dealt with both solenoid failure and motor failure. Its all pretty easy to do and new motors can be had online for around $100 as Ryan posted. Be careful though as, depending on your bumper, replacement motors may or may not fit. They will bolt-up to the winch but may not fit your bumper install. Have the source measure the size of the casing from the four winch mount points where the bolts go into the bumper. I had to return two different motors before I got one that fit in my ARB correctly as the aftmkt motors were too wide for the winch tray. Save yourself the hassle here and do this before you buy.

It would be more likely that you blew a solenoid though motors can go as well depending on condition and use. My solenoids would click like they should and winch would not run and the solenoid was bad - so hearing a click does not mean it is OK.

Also check your winch connections to the battery. If the connection is loose and its not getting full power than your winch may not work.

Were you winching under heavy load when it went?

AndrewT

 

[Kacers]

Also - if you end up replacing the motor, I would go ahead and replace those crappy solenoids as well. Mine kept going after being used once or twice. Not sure why. I ended up with an Albright sealed solenoid pack and this has worked great. You can get it from Summit though they do not always list it on their site. You can call and ask them and they can order it for you. It took a few weeks to get but well worth it as the sealed unit is better for dealing with water ingress and its much more durable than the OEM design.

AndrewT