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2024 Winch

EngineCo392

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Is it normal for the spool lock lever to be difficult to turn? It is not easy to get my hand between the front parking sensor and winch fairlead. When I do, the lever is difficult to twist.
 
On my 2019 (same winch, I believe), it can be difficult primarily because of the limited access back in the bumper. As noted above, if it doesn’t want to turn at all, spool out a bit so that it’s not under tension that usually helps it.
 
Is it possible to "clock" the winch? Check out Vice Designs YouTube where they install their hidden winch. Their setup has them clocking the winch body 180* and that puts the lever lock in a more favorable position. I don't know if this works in any configuration or with what winch other than what they offer. Just a suggestion.
 
The winch they are using is the Warn EVO 12-S. Do you currently have that winch? I have the Vice Designs setup on my truck.
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I have found mine almost impossible to turn. I know it is in a difficult position but still.... Will try unspooling it. Otherwise, am taking in to the dealer I purchased from.
 
I have found mine almost impossible to turn. I know it is in a difficult position but still.... Will try unspooling it. Otherwise, am taking in to the dealer I purchased from.
How old is it? I have had winches in the past be difficult to freespool after a few years due to corrosion where I had to disassemble/ clean / lube and reassemble.
 
Brand new. less than a month old. Took it to dealer (not one I purchased truck from) they would not do anything. Said that they think they would be denied warranty claim. Taking it to dealer I purchased from.
 
I have seen warn winches come out of the box with a clutch lever that wouldn’t turn at all. Not sure if it’s the same thing for you but In the case I have seen, the clutch lever was knocked in even though the packaging was not damaged. A secondary symptom in this instance was the winch sounded rough sorta grindy

The clutch lever needs to ride in the correct position. The lever can get knocked off its detent and be pushed down into the winch body too deep. It should sit flush and not sub flush. On a cable that doesn’t have tension on it, the clutch lever should be able to be turned with a firm twist.
 
So tried unspooling it, didn't make a difference. Thanks for the suggestion. Off to the dealer. FYI was at a repair place and turned the clutch on a warn winch that was for sale, fairly easy to turn.
 
So tried unspooling it, didn't make a difference. Thanks for the suggestion. Off to the dealer. FYI was at a repair place and turned the clutch on a warn winch that was for sale, fairly easy to turn.

What was the outcome of the dealer visit?
 
Haven't taken it in yet, holidays and such. I have alerted the dealer and they are aware of the issue. I will post the resolution when I take it in. Probably several weeks.
 
As an update: I went to the dealer today, they agreed that it should not be this difficult/impossible to turn. Stated that they did not have any way to fix in their repair shop so will order new unit. They did caution that it was a special item and might take awhile.
 
My winch had a loose clutch and would constantly open by itself. So I took it in the dealer and they replaced it under warranty. It took them about a week to receive the new one. I hope this helps. It should be covered under warranty.
 
Still no factory wireless it appears? Have to add that to a 2025 when ordered. Cannot believe they do not have a wireless controller from the factory.
 
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