I just installed a cycle country winch on my 2001 Foreman. Ran all wires and double checked the connections. The motor only <u>runs in one direction.</u> It lets the cable out but won't let the cable in. I checked the rocker switch by reversing the wires. When I press the cable in button I only get a clicking sound.
Any advise??

 

Sounds like the selenoid/contactor is bad... Try reversing the cables to the winch motor, and see if it then will reel in only...

 

Thats what mine did also. It's the contactor for sure. I was told there's nothing you can do except buy a new one. With nothing to loose I took the contractor apart and found one of the copper wires which are about the size of a hair had come loose. A simple soider job fixed it and all is well. Pop off the lid on the contractor and you"ll se e what I'm talking about. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the infromation. I reversed the wires to the winch motor and now it will reel in only. Is the contractor/ selenoid the same as the relay??

 

Spelled information wrong. Sorry

 

Yeah, a winch contactor is essentially a large relay capable of handling high current.

If it's not under warranty, CamoKodiac's suggestion of tearing it apart and seeing if there's something inside you could fix sounds like an idea. Otherwise, just buy a replacement.

 

Thanks for the help. The winch is brand new and under warranty. I'll just return it to the Honda dealer where I bought it.