i have a ac 500 limited edition,put a plow on it.the plow is an a.c. brand i really like it because it is a heavy plow,but my winch quit working,i have no juice to the up and down switch. the selenoid makes a popping noise when you turn the switch on,being a limited edition the winch is factory.would appreciate any thoughts.

 

I had the same problem. Took it to the dealer and they replaced the switch for the winch.

 

Yes had same problem. solenoid clicks but doesn't put power through. Sometimes if you turn your ignition switch on & off a few times it will work. Dealer replaced mine under warranty.

 

the solenoid contacts are probably all munged up from making and breaking the contacts and arcing so much

 

if you use the winch a lot will the soleniod go bad often?why not wire the winch directly to the battery?but if you wire direct to the battery i heard you can burn out your shift indicator lights,is this true?

 

As far as I know the problem (with burning out the indicator lights) was fixed by adding a diode in the wiring harness in early 2000 models. Aczr2k

 

don't even think about bypassing the solenoid and wiring directly to the battery, the solenoid is an important safety and effiency item. it prevents you from using the winch unless the key is in and turned, thus preventing operation unless it is actually needed, besides winching without the machine running isn't a good idea. plus, the solenoid acts as a "fuse" of sorts, if a short were to occur, it would fail and secure current flow before more expensive damage could occur

 

The problem with the solenoids that I have seen is moisture turns to ice and prevents the contact from making conection. Mine would work if I held my hand on it to warm it up and turning the key repeatedly to engage the solenoid. They are supposed to be a sealed unit but some aren't sealed well enough.

 

Take your wifes blow dryer out to where you keep your cat and heat the solenoid to see if that fixes it. It should, ice in the solenoid will cause the problem you describe. It will also help dry it out and prevent internal rusting of the solenoid plunger.

 

If the solonoid goes bad, buy one from car parts store, it will be much cheaper.