Hi all. I have a smittybilt 8000 winch. I haven’t used it in a year. I tried it yesterday and nothing. It wouldn’t work in either direction. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what may be wrong or how to troubleshoot it? Thanks.

 

Id start by checking the main power & ground connections with a test light.

If you those connections are good I'd look into the controller and make sure there isnt any junk in the plug end, if that doesnt get you anywhere then its probably time to test the solenoids (inside the black plastic box), they dont like moisture and will sometimes corrode and stick after a long wet winter.

 

I have 12 volts to the winch so how do I check the solenoids

 

If you have a multimeter, set it to ohms- the lowest possible- and put the multimeter leads to the outside posts. Win the leads touching, actuate the winch control in either direction to determine which solenoid is which. If no change, the solenoid is stuck. If so try actuating the winch with the control while tapping on the solenoid that clicks. use something non metallic like the wood handle of a hammer or a screwdriver handle this may unstick it.

 

makesure you turn the connector clockwise after you push it in, this will lock it in and align the contacts.

 

I don't have a remote type winch so the controler can go in only one way.