Smittybuilt XC8 wires over heating

[cjfj80]

I have a Smittybuilt XC8 on my taco. It's worked previously ok but now its overheating at the control box and elsewhere. Tonight I free spooled it out hooked it up, engaged it and within a foot of pulling it made a ground wire from the block to the firewall glow red and melt its cover off. I let it cool down, unhooked the cable so there was no load on it. I made it in foot or two in and the control box began to smoke.

I am not super familiar with using a winch. I never had to use one that often. I gone though the original manual, checked wiring, and am out and out stumped. Any help is great.

 

[spencurai]

The solenoids might be toast.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/of...ur-smittybilt-xrc8-solenoid-before-fails.html

You can get a replacement from
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/smt-97281-52/overview/

I had to replace mine as it leaked and corroded horribly. I also followed the guide and sealed the crap out of it.

 

[Jinx]

My guess would have been loose connections that let contaminents in.

Have you had problems with battery dying lately?

 

[1993yj]

A ground wire from the block to the firewall? Do you have both + and - run from the winch directly to the battery?

 

[cjfj80]

I have the - from the winch directly to the battery but the + runs though the control box. The ground wire turning red does have me a bit confused. I've had no problems with the battery at all. While I was intermittently getting the cable back in I did turn the headlights on and while winching it pulled to at least half bright. Also the control box started clicking like crazy every time I reeled in the cable. I'll look into the solenoid and try replacing it.

thanks for the help. I've got a lot to learn about using a winch still.

 

[AddictedOffroad]

Sounds like the ground wire on the bottom of the winch is either loose or corroded. Clean all your connections really well. You were essentially grounding the winch through your motors wiring harness. Not good.

 

[neagtea]

Is it still under warranty?

 

[cjfj80]

Thanks for all the input. I went ahead and sealed all the connections and cleaned the ground on the bottom of the winch. Seems to be working great now. Thanks again.