Common Warn Winch Problems That You Should Know : With Fix

Last Updated on July 8, 2021

There are many winch manufacturer brands out there. Among them, the Warn winches are the most renowned as their product users do not suffer lots of defects like other brand models.

In the late 1950s, Warn Industries started the development of the electric winch. In 1974, the company updated its Belleview winch to the M8274, It featured more modern components and had and impressive an 8,000 lb. capacity. Ever since they have been upgrading their winches regularly.


By the way, I have reviewed a few warn winch series. If you’re looking to buy a new one then you may find these helpful.

Most Common Warn Winch Problems

1. The contractor often goes wicked





2. Problems while spooling




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3. Winch stuck in free spool

Winch free spool doesn’t engage?

To fix this: take the side cover of the winch off, there will be a spring/ramp mechanism or some such thing. Grease it and put it back together and check if it works. There can be many reasons behind it, best option will be to see a mechanic if basic checking doesn’t work.

4. Useless Remote



In the rear case, you need to keep in your mind about some problems with the remote controls as it may dive into the puzzle actually what is mistaken the winch. Here is some warn winch remote replacement options.

5. Motor often stop working

Another reason for a dead winch is it can stop breathing of the motor. It is often seen that the motor stops working often.

There could be lots of reasons behind a quitting motor. It can be- getting stuck the motor gears or a bad ground contact or entrance of dirt into the casing of the motor.




6. Frayed rope resulting in a snapped cable

It does not matter either you use steel cable or synthetic rope on your winch, at a time it will be frayed. Well, generally it happens by using the cable over time.


However, there is a simple solution to this problem. The solution is – you need to ensure that you are bringing some sort of wrap whenever you are going to wrap the cable around a sharp object.

You can use these type of straps too.

7. Provides low power while the winch is new






Yes, I am talking about your friend: winch.



However, if you have good knowledge about a winch, then you will be able to deal with your emergencies effectively. If you are new to winching then I hope that this article have helped you a lot to deal with the warn winch problems.


common warn winch problems

8 thoughts on “Common Warn Winch Problems That You Should Know : With Fix”

    Any suggestions?




  3. Hi. I have warn axon 45s winch. I bought it from amazon and after installation it is working with clicks (when operating it turns-stop, turns stop, and it happens for both direction, and no matter its under the load or just trying). Its not just clicks, and not turn, that is why I think this is not solenoid problem, but something else, probably electronics.
    Here is the link for video on how it works.
    youtube .com/watch?v=Mudbp1xeuEI
    Will appreciate any advise.

    • Try the solution I mentioned in free spooling problem (point 3). If that doesn’t work, you’ve to see a mechanic.


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