A winch is a beneficial machine, especially when off-roading, because you may never know when you might get stuck in a swamp or sand bar. You may need a remote controller to make winching easier. But we know how easy it is to damage or misplace the remote controller wireless or otherwise. So what if you do not have a remote control?
The most reliable way of using a winch without a remote controller is hot wiring the winch controls to your vehicle’s cab. This method may also require some basic electrical knowledge and skills.
But don’t worry, this article will help you with all the information on using a winch without a remote.
How does a winch controller work?
A winch controller is a two-way switch that electronically retracts and extends the wire cable by sending signals to the solenoid to turn on Y1 or Y2. Y1 and Y2 dictate the direction the winch will turn. These controls are:
- Off- Sends no signal.
- In- Sends signal to Y1.
- Out Sends signal to Y2.
The winch controller can also control other additional vehicle accessories through the winch control module. A winch controller can be in-cab, wireless, or hand-held, but the working principle is the same.
Can you still use a winch when the controller is lost or damaged?
Yes, operating a winch without a remote control is difficult but possible. You have to hard-wire the winch control switch to the cab of your vehicle.
How to replace a remote winch controller
It is best to replace a defective remote controller immediately. It prevents the winch motor from running or from stopping completely, even after releasing the control switch. Remember to promptly replace your remote controller because they also help keep you at a safe distance when winching. Here’s how to successfully replace a remote winch controller.
Things You Need
- A wire cutter
- Pliers
- Cable connectors.
- Wireless remote controller kit
Instructions
- Always ensure the vehicle is in Park, turned off, and the key is out of the ignition before you start.
- Read the manufacturer’s manual to familiarize yourself with the new remote control kit’s wiring and minimize the risk of injury.
- Unscrew and expose the wires from the control box.
- Using the cable connectors, connect the five wires of the receiver box to the control box’s terminals. For example, for the LIEBMAYA Wireless Winch Remote Control Kit, the red wire connects to the power terminal. The yellow wire goes to the In terminal, the brown to the Out terminal, and the black attaches to the ground source. The blue wire in the antenna wire. The color of wires varies from model to model, so it is crucial to read the manual first.
- Expose the antenna wire to the outside of the control box, then tuck in the receiver in the control box and screw it shut. If there is no space in yours, secure the receiver box to the plastic wall underneath the hood with screws.
How to wire and use a winch with a toggle switch
A toggle switch is a back and forth moving lever that opens and closes an electrical circuit. It is a Single Post-Double Throw Switch and has a three-way terminal. The two posts placed opposite each other are the In and Out controls, while the center one directs power into the toggle switch.
So here is a guide on how to run a winch without a remote control.
Using a toggle switch lets you jump the winch. Here is the process to follow when you don’t have remote control and want to jump your winch to operate it
- Always ensure the vehicle is in Park, turned off, and the key is out of the ignition before you start hot wiring.
- Remove the cover on your solenoid or connection box situated above the winch.
- Locate the three wires coming out of the connection port. The connection port joins the remote control to the winch and allows the exchange of signals.
- Connect the red wire(A) to the central positive power terminal on the Solenoid box, which activates the winch motor. Hook the other two wired to their In terminal(B) and Out terminal(C) to control the winch cable.
- Do make sure to test your wires with a multimeter as some installs may have wired your winch in reverse.
- Direct the other end of the connection cord to the vehicle’s cab to create an in-cab switch.
- Expose the three wires on the other end of the cable. Connect the red wire(A) to the Safety switch terminal. It supplies power to the Safety switch and also ensures the winch only draws power when needed. Then, connect the other two wires (B and C) to the opposite terminals of the toggle switch. Check to see which side is the in and out and flip accordingly.
- To direct power to the toggle switch, take a wire and connect it from the second post on your Safety switch to the other central post of the Safety switch.
- For a warning light, take a wire with a cable connector, connect one end to the Safety switch, and ground the other end of the cable to a reliable ground source.
- Finally, test the winch motor by moving the toggle up and down and checking how the winch responds. Then make any adjustments to the wiring if necessary.
After jumping the winch with a toggle switch, you can use your winch as you usually would. Move the toggle every few seconds, then release it to avoid damaging your winch motor by moving it too fast.
Check this too: How to Wire a Winch Without a Solenoid
The only inconvenience to the In-cab toggle switch is you will have to repeatedly move from the inside of your vehicle to the outside when making adjustments to the winch cord.
It would help if you had a sharp sense of observation and some knowledge to wire your winch correctly. Luckily, you can now successfully operate a winch without the remote controller and also correctly replace the remote winch controller.
Check this too: Best ATV Winch