The winch solenoid is an electronic device that activates the winch motor on a vehicle-mounted winch. An electromagnetic switch is engaged when the activation button is pressed, and current from the battery is delivered to the solenoid. When the solenoid is activated, a current is sent to the winch motor, which then begins to turn the winch drum.
The standard winch uses separate solenoids for forward and reverse, with the strongest winches having four solenoids. The winch solenoid is made to resist the high electricity draw required to crank the winch. It is also designed to give the required current without harming the winch switch or the winch motor.
Is a Solenoid Required for a Winch?
A solenoid is required on a winch to protect the winch engine. However, replacing a solenoid is far less expensive when compared to replacing a motor. Therefore, even though the winch motor can operate without a solenoid, it should be approached with caution.
Solenoids are important car parts because they allow your ignition system to reach the starter motor and, as a result, cause your car to turn on. Turning your key would not start your car if it didn't have a solenoid. You could, however, start your vehicle by interfacing directly with the battery and starter motor.
However, starting your car this way would necessitate popping the hood each time you went for a drive. Depending on the complexity of your car's engine bay, this technique may be impossible. As a result, it's critical to ensure that your solenoid is operational at all times. It is a must-have component if you wish to experience the ease of key-turning engine ignition.
Winch Solenoids
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1. KanSmart Winch Solenoid
KanSmart Winch Solenoid Relay Contactor 12V 250A Thumb Truck for ATV UTV Boat 4x4 Vehicles...
- SOLENOID RELAY FOR WARN WINCH REFERENCEPART NUMBER - 63070,...
- PRENIUM WATERPROOF 2500 3500 LB WINCH SOLENOID SWITCH - Made of...
- PRACTICAL FUNTIONAL ATV WINCH CONTROLLER RELAY - The 12V winch...
- EASY TO INSTALL - Polaris ranger 800 winch solenoid comes with...
- PACKAGE AND WARRANTY - The package includes 1x winch solenoid...
Winch solenoid relay compatible with Warn winch reference part number - 63070, 62135, 74900, 2875714, 70715. 12V 250A ATV UTV winch solenoid relay replacement parts for Polaris, Honda, kfi, warn, Ramsey, superwinch, mile marker, master lock, cycle country, champion, smittybilt and other models.
It is made of solid, weather-resistant steel with a powder-coated black finish for long-lasting durability. The 12V winch solenoid relay modifies the winch's power direction based on the winch switch's input. It allows the ATV and UTV's electrical systems to be better protected and power distribution switched.
Image Credits: KanSmart
Polaris ranger 800 winch solenoid comes with a step-by-step installation guide, making it the best option for replacing a broken contactor. The two wires (Green and Black) are connected to the switch on a winch that controls in and out. The battery is connected to the black and red wires, while the motor is connected to the blue and yellow wires.
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2. Orcish Winch Solenoid Relay
ORCISH Winch Solenoid Relay 12V 500A for 8000-15000lb ATV UTV Truck Winch Replacement.
- 500 AMP 12 V Winch Solenoid
- Sealed and corrosion resistant
- Solid heavy duty construction
- Wireless remote compatible
- Suitable 8000lbs-15000lbs - Series wound and permanent magnet
The ORCISH electric contactor replacement is compatible with 12v winches rated 8000 to 17000 pounds. It is a series wound and permanent magnet, and it works with a variety of brands of winches. ORCISH 12V Winch Solenoid is sealed and corrosion-proof. The construction is strong, durable and compatible with a wireless remote.
Image Credits: ORCISH
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3. Warn 62871 Powersports ATV Winch Solenoid
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WARN 62871 Powersports ATV Winch Solenoid for A2000 Winches
- Solenoid for the WARN A2000 ATV winch system
- Replaces old WARN number 36448
- Power-interrupt solenoid only allows the winch to be used if the...
- Compatible with vehicle type: all-terrain-vehicles
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
Since 1948, Warn Industries has earned a reputation for producing the highest-quality winches, bumpers, and accessories. They are designed, constructed, and tested for dependability and durability. Warn winches are built to assist you in completing your tasks securely, rapidly, and efficiently. It is the place to start if you're creating a truck or SUV.
Image Credits: Warn
The Warn 62871 ATV Winch Solenoid is designed for the Warn A2000 ATV winch system. It takes the place of the former Warn number 36448. The power-interrupt solenoid prevents the winch from being utilized unless the ignition is turned on, a safety and advanced functionality feature.
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4. 12V 500 AMP Universal Winch Solenoid Relay Contactor
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12V 500 AMP Unversal Winch Solenoid Relay Contactor For HEAVY DUTY UPGRADE ALBRIGHT EQUIV
- Solenoids are electromagnetic switches. The winch solenoid is...
- It is activated when current from the battery is directed to the...
- This solenoid relay could be applicable for Winch Motors, Snow...
- Package includes: 1 x Winch Solenoid Relay Contactor,6 x...
- Latest heavy duty model by larger contact faces; Improve Safety...
Upgrade from the 'Twin Can' Solenoids found on many budget models to the latest WINCHMAX heavy-duty type with larger contact faces and faster contact closure. It also improves safety and reliability. It comes with heavy-duty M8 primary connection posts and a pre-fitted mounting bracket for easy installation into your control box. It is also compatible with the wireless remote system.
Image Credits: Benefast
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5. Bigtur 500A 12V Winch Relay Solenoid Replacement Contactor
BIGTUR 500A 12V Winch Relay Solenoid Replacement Contactor for 8000-15000lb ATV UTV Truck 4WD 4x4...
- ๐ซ๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐...
- ๐๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น...
- โจ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐น ๐ณ๐ถ๐: suitable...
- โญ๏ธ๐๐ฎ๐๐...
- ๐๐ช๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐: We provide one-year limited...
It has a heavy-duty construction, black powder coat, shockproof, corrosion-resistant, sealed, and long-lasting. Compatible with remote control systems that use wireless technology. Works with most brands of 12v 8000lbs-15000lbs winches and is suited for 4WD vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, SUVs, and other similar vehicles. The mounting bracket is pre-cut for quick insertion into the control box.
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How to Change a Winch Solenoid
It is time to replace the solenoid after you've investigated the problem and concluded that it's malfunctioning. Keep in mind that your vendor may request the core, so keep the broken solenoid once it's been removed. Place the new solenoid next to the old one to compare sizes and shapes once you've received it. They should be the same.
- Remove the wire on the car's negative battery terminal.
- Remove the wires from the old solenoid by loosening the terminals and noting where they all return.
- Remove the fasteners that hold the solenoid in place by unscrewing or unbolting them.
- Remove the old solenoid from the circuit.
- Install and secure the replacement solenoid.
- Connect the wires to their appropriate terminals.
- On the vehicle's battery terminal, replace the negative wire.
How to Test a Winch Solenoid
A voltmeter is required to test the solenoid's electrical system. First, check for battery voltage at the solenoid's red "+ Battery" big-wire connector. Even if the vehicle is turned off, it should display battery voltage. Next, check for voltage at the other big-wire connections on the solenoid with everything turned off. All of them should be zero.
Select a direction for the winch to spin in. Then, check for voltage at the big-wire terminal that should match that direction when spinning it. The battery voltage is revealed when the solenoid is engaged for that spin direction.
Something is amiss with the solenoid if you press the button to engage the spin, but it doesn't spin, and there's no audible click sound. Instead, when solenoids are working properly, they make a loud clicking noise.
How to Wire a Winch Without a Solenoid
Before getting started, it's a good idea to have a basic understanding of DC wiring. You should be able to go around the solenoid with ease if you understand how the electrical system works and a few standard tools.
A high-current switch is a solenoid. When you connect a small-wire signal to the small-wire terminal on the solenoid with battery voltage (typically 12 Volts), it completes a circuit that energizes the electromagnetic coil within.
In a short-travel, in-out plunger motion, this electrified coil pulls a piece of metal against a spring. The big-wire circuit is completed when the piece of metal is brought into place. When the big-wire circuit is completed, current flows from the battery to the solenoid metal component, then down the big wire to the winch motor terminal.
Keep in mind that the solenoid's metal portion must be thick enough to carry current in the same way as the large wires do. Multiple solenoids are used in some winches to regulate each direction separately. Circumstances that require you to bypass the solenoid within the winch electrical system:
- Troubleshooting the Winch
- Battery/Alternator or Wiring Issue
- Relocating Solenoid/Winch Drum
- Vehicle-Related Issue
- Remote Switch Issue
- Custom Build Project
Troubleshooting Solenoid
Equipment Needed
- Jumper Cables or Thick Wire Lengths and Clips
- Nut driver or screwdriver (for dust covers)
- Pliers with a Needle-nose
- Fire Extinguisher
- Protective Eyewear
- Find the solenoid. If necessary, remove the dust cover to allow access to the wiring terminals.
- Find the red-colored big-wire terminal that says "+ Battery." It should always test positive for battery voltage even while the car is off.
- One end of a red jumper cable should be connected to the red "+ Battery" terminal.
- Connect the red jumper cable's other end to the selected function terminal. If the terminals aren't labeled, see which way the winch rotates by tapping the jumper cable to each terminal for a second.
- To stop the winch, remove either end of the red jumper cables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Causes Solenoids to Fail?
Solenoids are crucial components for optimal vehicle operation. They are durable, but they can still fail under specific conditions. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, a faulty solenoid prevents your engine from starting.
It's critical to understand how solenoids fail so you can spot any problems and repair them as soon as possible. When solenoids don't get enough juice from the battery, they usually stop working.
In this instance, the solenoid will not give the necessary electrical current to the starter motor. A quick clicking sound indicates a low power issue when turning your ignition key. This loss of power can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Low battery power.
- The battery cable has corroded or has weak connectors.
- Red connections connected to the battery casing are damaged.
2. What is the Location of Solenoids?
The location of a solenoid varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The solenoids on most cars are installed directly on the starter motors and are coupled to other "starter" components such as the starter gear and the starter control terminal.
So, what is a starter motor? It's simply a magnetic and electric motor attached to your car's battery that receives low current power. It turns the starter gear, which then turns to start your entire engine.
However, the solenoids on a few autos are located elsewhere in the engine compartment. Regardless, the solenoid is always found between the ignition and the engine, so consult your owner's manual for further information on your specific make and model's solenoid position.
3. Is it Possible to Utilize Any Solenoid?
Why aren't solenoids interchangeable? The continuous duty solenoid isn't designed to handle the amount of power necessary in a vehicle's starting system, and a starter solenoid can't handle the heat of continuous operation. Using the incorrect solenoid could cause it to burn out fast, resulting in more repairs.
Featured Image Credits: winch-it.com