How To Wire A Winch With A Toggle Switch

Last Updated on June 21, 2021

A toggle switch works by moving a lever back and forth, switching on and off the electric system. It comes in two selections, momentary and maintained toggle types. Either will work perfectly on a winch, so your choice will depend on personal preference.

Nevertheless, you will need a strong winch toggle that can handle the winch circuit since the voltage is high. Most winch companies have this provision so that you can check with one of them. On the other hand, if the winch has a solenoid or a relay, which is almost obvious, most switches will do.

Once you have a toggle switch, here are simple steps towards wiring the winch with the switch.

How to Wire a Winch With a Toggle Switch

How to Wire a Winch With a Toggle Switch – Simple Steps

You will need: 

  • The Toggle switch
  • Pliers
  • A winch wiring diagram

Step 1: Ensure that the Winch is Off

Before you start with the switch installation process, remember to disconnect the winch from the battery. At least ensure that you have broken the circuit to prevent the occurrence of electrical accidents.

You can disconnect all the positive terminals from the battery, which is the best assurance that you can get.

Step 2: Unwrap the Switch

The switch will obviously come in a wrapping, which you should remove before starting the switch installation. Please do not fret about weather damage, as most of them are water and weather-proof. So, you can comfortably dispose of the wrapping.

At the back of the switch will be seven posts, numbered from 1 to 7. Numbers 1, 2, 3 are on one side, while the rest are on the opposite side.

Step 3: Identifying the Posts

Numbers 1-6 will be aligned in two’s, while number 7 stands on its own slightly above numbers 1 and 6. This is because it has a particular function, which is to connect to the earthing cable.

First off, we have numbers 1 and 3, which are in one line and skipping post number 2. Here, you will get the terminal block, which allows the switch to control the circuit. When you turn the switch on, it allows the On light to show.

Number 4 provides the post where the switch wire from the solenoid will attach.

Numbers 2 and 5, which are in the middle, will take in the positive terminals that tend towards the battery and the solenoid.

Finally, we have number 6, which attaches to the solenoid switch wire.

Step 4: Wiring the Winch with the Toggle Switch

Here, you have to use the wiring map that comes with the winch so that you identify the area that you will fix the switch.

Then, carefully identify each of the cables that will connect with the posts in step 2. The final result should be that the switch will connect to both the battery and the motor through the solenoid.

You can place it anywhere that is convenient for you, mostly inside the car.

This way, you will not have to get out of the car when you start winching your car. You can control both the car engine and the winch from the car, as long as the cables outside the car are in a clear and visible position.

Can You Change a Rocker Switch for a Toggle Switch?

Yes, you can. Most Winches that come with switches already in place use the rocker switches. However, if you feel that you need a change into a toggle switch, the replacement is never a big deal.

The rocker switches also feature the seven posts that the toggle switches do, so it will just be a matter of getting a different switch in the same place.

However, always ensure that you are slow and sure with the process because a single confusion could be fatal.

Final Thoughts

Wiring a winch with a toggle switch is a matter of steps, and each step is done correctly. Nevertheless, do not forget to check the voltage that the switch can take in comparison to the winch voltage. This way, your DIY process will be worth the trial.

You’ll find a lot of winch reviews and guides on our site. We hope these guides will be really beneficial for you. We have listed some of those reviews & guides below:

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  5. Guide on wiring a winch without solenoid
  6. Detailed guide to choose the best winch battery
  7. Methods of Wiring a winch on a trailer
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