Car fanatics understand the value of a winch, either for off-road excursions or everyday use. They are best when there’s no help and you’re trapped in the dirt, stones, or snow and need to get out. For tasks that require loading, they could also be used to transport or hoist big items. Winches are extremely long-lasting and capable of lifting huge loads. they can sustain regular use and can tolerate rough terrains and terrible weather circumstances while trekking.
How to wire a winch without a solenoid? In electromagnetically powered winches, a solenoid is known to be a wire coil. A consistent electromagnetic field is created whenever an electric flow travels across the wire. When you check at the winch’s solenoid wire schematic, you’ll note that the cables operate as switches. The solenoid’s primary function is to relieve stress on the winch’s switching and avoid it from overheating.
The solenoid is crucial to the winch motor, which is a well-known fact. As previously stated, it lowers the stress level, preventing the winch from overheating. It’s also simple to operate, and you’ll notice its effectiveness when you need it. Nonetheless, there are times when a winch must be wired without the use of a solenoid.

One of the images is when tainted or unclean gases are detected, indicating an excess. As a technician, you must respond quickly to avoid more problems that might be more serious. Other scenarios where a solenoid should be avoided include overheating, since the wiring might start producing large amount of heat at moments.
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The scenarios provided answer a common concern among mechanics and vehicle repair experts: do you really require a solenoid for a winch? Yes, it is necessary to safeguard the winch engine, especially because replacing a solenoid is less expensive than replacing the motor. You may, meanwhile, operate without it, albeit you must exercise extreme caution to avoid secondary difficulties with the vehicle’s winch mechanism. In most situations, a solenoid is bypassed to verify the winch engine’s functionality. It’s vital, especially if it’s not working and you intend to figure out a solenoid switching problem.
Method to wire a winch without solenoid
From mechanical point of view, you must have a clear image of things you want to do, concentrating on the goal and intended outcomes. To begin connecting a winch without the need for a solenoid, you’ll need a clear picture of the solenoid. A winch solenoid wiring schematic might assist you at this point by demonstrating the motor’s architecture. The schematic will come in handy when it comes time to mark your wires and terminals. The designer or other technicians with knowledge with particular winch model can provide you with a visual depiction.
The next stage is to set the winch in loose spool, which is equivalent to driving on neutral. You accomplish this by twisting a knob, which makes it simple to change the device. To avoid a mishap, make sure the winch is not loaded before using this mode.
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Remove the batteries terminals one by one, beginning only with positive end. You must, however, keep the grounding lead active. Label the wires on the schematic to prevent any misunderstanding that might lead to erroneous results. To assist you detach the terminals, take the pliers or wrench. or F1 or F2 must be labelled on the three poles near the engine.
For the following stage, you’ll need the jumper wiring, which should be a 5 to 6 inches of cable. You now attach the connection from station A to F1 as well as to the charger with F2. The winch engine should only operate in one manner or direction once you’ve completed this connection.
Continue the method for the A as well as F2 posts, then attach the F1 pin with the power supply. When the connection is complete, the engine will start running on the contrary or opposite direction.
These are all the procedures to determine if you want to replace your winch solenoid. It’s a good approach to figure out what’s wrong with your winch solenoid. If the motor runs smoothly in both sides, the problem might be with the switches.
Precautionary Measures
Safety comes first and it is a responsible act. Before we begin, it is critical that we keep safety in mind. Keep in mind that you will be handling a winch, which is meant to pull massive level of force. Always continue with precaution, particularly while working with electrical connections.
Please remember that winches are intended to draw hundreds of kilograms of force while working with them. Maintain a clean working environment. Make sure there’s nothing in the way that might lead you to stumble or slip. When working with electric wire, clean the workspace and make absolutely sure that there are no liquid in form of water or anything surrounding you.
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Furthermore, winch wire may include metal splinters, so be sure to put on the gloves to protect yourself from injuries. Refrain from wearing any loose clothes or jewelry, watches, generally anything that might become entangled in the moving components of the winch.
How To Bypass Winch Solenoid?
When repairing the winch motor or noticing that the solenoid unit is failing, to bypass a winch solenoid is important. To identify the solenoid program’s connections and understand which one to bypass, you’ll need a firm idea of it.
While bypassing, use a source of power, such as your batteries, to link a jumper wire to the terminal of A and may be of F1 or F2 alternatively. The engine must move in both directions after the jumper cord or wire is connected to the ports or terminals. Bypassing the winch mechanism allows you to figure out where the issue is.

How To Hook Up a Winch Solenoid?
Starting with the positive or negative engine wires, now attach the solenoid to the winch. To link these cables to the proper terminals on the solenoid, unscrew the terminal screws and place the ring plugs on the terminal nuts or bolts.
Attach the solenoids battery or engine wire or connection to that of your vehicle and fasten it to the pole terminal, after which link the positive as well as negative cables from the engine or battery with the solenoid’s battery connections. Finally, attach the both the wires of the winch’s on or off button or remote controller to the corresponding ports on the solenoid.
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How To Test a Winch Solenoid?
“In” or “out” are the two motions of the winch. The winch solenoid is connected with the battery via a direct cable. By replacing cable and wire connections during regular maintenance inspections, the winch’s lifespan can be extended. When a functional winch is provided power, it emits a distinctive clunk noise. The solenoid winch operates on 12 volts of electricity. The winch’s two tiny lug screws each retain 12 volts while operation, while another lug screws have constant 12-volt electricity. Tapping the lug screws causes an unpleasant electric shock.
With the winch switched off, connect a voltmeter with the big studs or screws that are present on the solenoid. On the side of the winch of a solenoid, there are 2 big studs. When the solenoid is functional, the voltmeter would register 12 volts.
FAQ’s
Do you need a solenoid on a winch?
It relieves stress on the engine and increases its performance, resulting in a smoother draw when you start it. In the event of an excessive electrical discharges, the solenoid button functions as a fuse, taking the load off the motor. Additional advantage is that it eliminates unnecessary wire, which can cause friction burns and short-circuiting.
Can you hook a winch directly to a battery?
If indeed the terminal voltage grip bolts are big enough, you can hook the winch electric connections straight to them, but you probably want to purchase in and add military-style terminal instead.
Wrapping Up How to Wire a Winch without Solenoid
A solenoid, or electromagnetic control, is used in modern winches. It’s an important element that ensures the winch operates properly by regulating the electric flow from the vehicle ‘s battery. When repairing the solenoid, there are times when you also might need to bypass it. You may use your mechanical learning to discover whether your winch motor has a problem by following the steps mentioned. Remember to take safety precautions like making sure the winch isn’t loaded and that the poles are properly aligned.
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