Harbor Freight 12k winch froze

[White whale]

I have had a Harbor Freight 12k winch on my LJ for about 8 or 9 years. Haven’t had to use it for a couple of years. Today time to use it and spooled it out and the solenoid clicks with authority, but nothing else. The engine doesn’t even draw down as if the motor was seized. Looking for some advice other than buy better equipment. It had never caused me an issue in almost a decade.
Thanks for any help

 

[KingCarGuyZ]

I have had a Harbor Freight 12k winch on my LJ for about 8 or 9 years. Haven’t had to use it for a couple of years. Today time to use it and spooled it out and the solenoid clicks with authority, but nothing else. The engine doesn’t even draw down as if the motor was seized. Looking for some advice other than buy better equipment. It had never caused me an issue in almost a decade.
Thanks for any help

can you free spool it? - could be the gearbox is sized.

if you can free spool it, its a motor/ contractor issue. I would check for power at the motor next

 

[bucky]

Start tracing the wiring and connections from the battery. I suspect a wiring issue.

 

[Rut Row]

Start tracing the wiring and connections from the battery. I suspect a wiring issue.

I have the same winch. It would be internal wiring. If the solenoid clicks, then there is power to the winch.

 

[TJ Jim]

Open it up and look for corrosion on your terminal ends.

 

[tnjeepguy]

Did you resolve ?? Motor or solenoids ?? You there ??