Why Does My Winch Go in But Not Out

Have you ever been working on a project only to have your winch fail you? It’s a frustrating experience, especially if you’re in a hurry and need to get the job done quickly.

Winch troubleshooting can be tricky, but with the proper guidance, it doesn’t have to be.

There are several possible root causes for this problem, so it’s essential to consider a few other factors before making any assumptions.

In this article, we’ll explore the various causes of why your winch may be going in but not out and provide some tips on troubleshooting the issue.

With a better understanding of the problem, you should be able to find the right solution for your winch. Let’s get started…

What could cause a winch to go in but not out?

A few things could cause your winch to go in but not out while using it. Let’s look at some potential causes of this issue, so you can start troubleshooting your winch.

The first thing you should inspect is the winch rope. If the rope has come loose from the winch or has somehow become tangled, your winch will not be able to function correctly.

Be sure to check the rope before deciding on any other form of troubleshooting. 

Another potential cause of your winch’s issues could be an obstruction in the path of the winch rope.

If the rope has become tangled, or some debris or foreign object caught up in the rope, it may keep the winch from functioning correctly.

In this case, you can clear the obstruction with your hands, or you may need to use a tool like a winch hook.

If you decide to go with that you must ensure that you follow proper safety precautions.

In case you aren’t familiar with winches, you can read our guide on how to use a winch, so you understand the entire mechanism.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re having trouble with your winch, it’s essential to troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a situation where you’re stuck and can’t get out.

Here are a few useful tips on how to troubleshoot a winch that goes in but not out:

Inspect the winch’s power source

You should inspect the winch’s power source to ensure it is plugged in and there is an adequate flow of electricity to the winch.

If you’ve confirmed that the winch is plugged in and has power running to it, but it’s still not pulling the rope, check that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped.

If the breaker has been tripped, you may need to reset it before you can proceed with using your winch.

You can find the circuit breaker on your winch’s power source.

It will be a red button or some other type of reset button. Once you have confirmed that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped, you can then ensure that the winch is set to the correct voltage.

According to the model of your winch, you may need to switch or press a button to change the voltage from 230 volts to 110 volts.

If the winch is going in but not out, you should be able to detect the issue and fix it by checking the power, batteries, control unit, and motor.

Check for obstructions

Next, check for any potential obstructions in the winch rope. You can carefully inspect the rope for knots, tangles, and other debris.

If you find an obstruction, you may be able to remove it with your hands, or you may need to use a winch hook. As we stated earlier, be sure to follow proper safety precautions when using a winch hook.

Inspect the winch rope

You will also want to inspect the winch rope to make sure there are no breaks or frays in the rope. If there are breaks or frays in the rope, you may need to replace it before you can continue using your winch.

You can purchase winch ropes from most hardware stores, which are easy to install. The rope should be well-coiled, with no kinks in it.

You can also clean the rope to remove any dirt or dust that may have been collected on it. Dirt and dust can cause the rope to break down more quickly, so it’s essential to keep it clean.

Once the rope has been cleaned, you can protect it further by applying a coat of wax to it. Wax will keep the rope from collecting dirt and dust, extending its life.

Check for damage

After you are done with other checks you should inspect for any potential damage to the winch. If the winch has sustained damage, you may need to replace it before you can continue using it.

If you notice any cracks, dents, or discoloration on the winch, you should stop using it and have it inspected by a professional. These signs can indicate that the winch is about to fail and could cause severe injury or property damage if you continue using it.

In some cases, you might need to have your winch repaired or have it replaced entirely.

Disengage the brake and clutch

Check the winch’s brake to ensure it is not engaged.

The brake will have to be disengaged for the winch to operate. Also, check the winch’s clutch to make sure it is disengaged. The clutch must be disengaged for the winch to function correctly.

If the power is on, the winch is plugged in, the brake is disengaged, the clutch is disengaged, and the winch still will not go out, then the winch may be defective and will need to be replaced.

Final thoughts

Now that you know how to troubleshoot your winch, you should have no problem diagnosing and fixing your winch’s issues.

Different things could cause your winch to go in but not out, so be sure to check everything before making any assumptions.

With the proper troubleshooting techniques, you should be able to find the right solution for your winch in no time. So go ahead and get to work!