Notice: We request that you don't just set up a new account at this time if you are a previous user. If you used to be one of our moderators, please feel free to reach out to Chris via the facebook Outerlimits4x4 group and he will get you set back up with access should he need you.
Recovery:If you cannot access your old email address and don't remember your password, please click here to log a change of email address so you can do a password reset.
I've never used the winch that was included when I bought my FJ40, and today I tested it and it would just make a clicking noise.
Its a Ramsey REP8000 with hand controller
There's voltage coming in on the controller unit (solenoids) but nothing on the winch itself.
are you sure all wiring is correct as those solinoids normaly have + & -
it apears that they are all missing 1 wire ..
those connections are either side of the feild for the solonoid to switch it
one should be POSATIVE and the other NEGATIVE
i would sudjest disconnect your main power cables from batt then test the solonoids 1 at a time applying pos and neg to each and then check across each one with a multy meter to show its switching the controled circut
71 fj40 front shackle reversal +3" , 55 rear springs +3", 35 15.5 claws , 60 diff's 4wheel disc's , SOON TO BE WINDSOR V8 + 5 speed
74 fj40 stock but very clean
84 bj40 3b stock and unloved
the top ones have only one bolt sticking out on the body
the bottom ones have two
from the picture above the two inner big cables (red and blue taped) are the ones that goes to the winch and they dont have power even when the solenoids are clicking
Use some jumper leads to bypass the solenoids altogether to check if the winch motor is alive.
If it works then the issue is with the solenoids.
If it doesn't work then the issue is most likely not with the solenoids, but is more likely the motor.
Winch motor - check the carbon brushes and springs for them, check for free movement of the motor spindle (unspooling the winch cable and looking in the vent holes for movement of the spindle), sandpaper the armature winding (contact area with the carbon brushes)
Solenoids - if you can dismantle them do so and clean the contacts. They may physically be clicking, but not making good enough contact for the current they are meant to be passing.
George Carlin, an American Comedian said; "Think of how stupid the average person is, and realise that half of them are stupider than that".
I've tested the motor and the winch works.
It looks like theres too much hassle to open the solenoids up and take it apart as they are riveted? Need to drill it to open them up. Then have to worry about sealing them up again.
