A winch solenoid is an electromagnetic switch used to activate the winch’s motor properly, and it provides essential current without any damage to the winch motor. However, we often have to face such a situation when we need to run the winch motor without solenoid later. But first, you need to know how to wire a winch without a solenoid correctly.
Even though you see many guides online, you must know some crucial aspects to properly manage a winch without a solenoid. And with all those important tips and guides, we have made how to bypass winch solenoid step by step guide. So let’s get started.
What Does a Solenoid Do In A Winch?
The solenoid is basically designed to protect the winch engine from over current. In other words, solenoid provides a required current which amount of current is required for your winch motor. It protects the motor and winch coil from damaging or burning.
As we said before, a solenoid is an electromagnetic switch; it is activated when the winching battery provides current to the winch motor. The current reaches the solenoid switch directly, and then the solenoid sends the required current to the winch motor. And the motor is safely winching. The solenoid is very important for the safety, durable performance, and longevity of the winch.
Do You Need A Solenoid On A Winch?
The solenoid is not essential for operating your winch motor. But one thing you must keep in mind is that pulling more load means more pressure will be created in the winch motor, and more current will be required. By doing this, a lot of current will begin running to your winch. I think you already understand what I mean.
If you think a motor replacement seems much cheaper than replacing a solenoid, then you can always operate a winch system without a solenoid. However, handle the winch without solenoid with caution.
When You Need to Wire A Winch Without A Solenoid?
The winch is a common partner of any off-road trip. However, it is not only in the field of off-road; a winch is an important tool to rescue any vehicle when it gets stuck in any place. And solenoid is an important part of accessories to manage that winch motor properly and always shield the motor.
A solenoid is an important part, but it is also possible to operate the winch motor. A lot of times, you have to manage without it. Wiring in particular often generates a lot of heat, so you may need to avoid the solenoid as much as possible when you notice overheating.
Also, some more critical fields have to be wired without a solenoid. However, you can operate the winch without the solenoid if you want, but according to professional mechanics, you must be very careful and avoid some of the factors so that the winch is not exposed to motor burning.
How to Wire a Winch Without A Solenoid: Step by Step Process
Before going through the whole process, you have to get some items and keep them with you. The list is given below.
- Jumper Cables
- Spanner or Pliers
- A Winch Solenoid Diagram
Step 1: Have a Clear Description of the Solenoid
It is very important to have a clear idea about the components of any vehicle before assembling it. In the same way, in a wiring winch without a solenoid, you will need some idea. In this case, the winch solenoid diagram will give you a clear idea, where the manufacturers have discussed the details of each part with a picture for easy understanding.
Step 2: Place The Winch in Free Spool Mode
You must first see if there is any load on the winch, remove it. It will protect you from accidents. Then put your winch in free spool mode in the same way you put the car in neutral gear mode. Then keep turning the knob to thin; it will make the system easier to move.
Step 3: Disconnect the Terminals from The Battery
In these steps, you need to disconnect from the battery terminals. If you are in contact with the ground before this, leave it. Then, according to our recommendation, first, start disconnecting from the positive (+) lead. To avoid any kind of confusion and false result, you must straighten all the cables using a diagram.
When disconnecting positive and negative cables from the battery terminal, be sure to use a spanner or pair of pliers for safety. Then, place 3 labels on the motor; A, F1, and F2.
Step 4: Connect the Jumper Wires
Now you will need the jumper cables. Then run the jumper wire A to F1, then connect the cable of F2 to the battery. After successfully connecting the cable, you will notice that the motor has now started running in one direction.
Step 5: Repeat the Procedure In Other Post
To make the motor run in the opposite direction, you need to repeat the same procedure on the other post. That means run jumper cable A to F2 now, then connect it to the battery using the F2 post. After being successfully connected, you can see that the motor has started running in the opposite direction.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you hook a winch directly to a battery?
Yes, it is possible to connect the winch electrical connection directly to the battery terminal. But here, you have to need a military-style terminal to hook easily.
How do you test a 12V winch solenoid?
12v voltmeter is a great option to check if your solenoid is working or not. Before testing the solenoid with the help of a voltmeter, make sure that the winch is turned off. Then contact the voltmeter with the two studs of the solenoid. If the voltmeter can read, that means your solenoid is active.
Can you bypass solenoid on a golf cart?
The short answer is “Yes.” you can bypass the solenoid on a golf cart.
Final Verdict
Though we have led you on how to wire a winch without a solenoid guide. However, we will always recommend you not to operate the winch without a solenoid. If suddenly it is necessary, then you must always observe and manage everything in a safe way.
Also, be careful when you go to replace any part of the car. Disconnect the entire system from the battery to avoid electric shock, especially before solenoid replacing, then replace or remove.