How to test a solenoid

[jabberwoki]

These are of my winch , it stopped pulling in but it will lead out.
I put a new control set up of another new winch and it works so i need to figure out if one of these is toast?

 

[rmanrman]

If your winch is 12 volts take a battery and two leads to the smaller two terminals on the solenoid. You should hear a clicking noise when you put the 12 volt battery leads. If it clicks then put a multimeter set to ohms low scale to the larger terminals. There should be close to 0 ohms reading on the multimeter. If not then then the solenoid is bad
Replace the solenoid.

 

[mm08822]

Within each solenoid relay there are 2 contacts - one normally open (NO), one normally closed(NC). Depending on whether solenoid is energized, n.o. closes and n.c. opens.
Contacts in both solenoids need to good to operate in both directions. Contacts could easily be pitted.

 

[jabberwoki]

Thank you gentlemen.

 

[zmotorsports]

In addition to the above suggestions, I prefer to put some kind of load on the contacts in question rather than just testing with an Ohm meter. The Ohm meter is a good first step, but I like to put a load across them and do a voltage drop test as it will tell the full story on how the contacts can deliver the current.

Just another step, but I feel a good one to determine overall health of the contacts.

 

[jabberwoki]

Ok so where can i get new American made solenoids from?

 

[The Cobbler]

Ok so where can i get new American made solenoids from?

check Cole Hersee and see where their's are made.

 

[jabberwoki]

Looks like OZ? I emailed them so we`ll see.

 

[mm08822]

search fo 12 volt winch solenoid and many will appear. Just make sure you are looking at 6 terminal versions. Many available in the $18-25 range. Hard to tell which is USA made.

 

[jabberwoki]

.............

 

[jabberwoki]

So what amperage should I be looking for? Nothing listed on the original part or the wiring diagram.