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In-Cab Winch Control Wiring (From Basic to Warn Zeon)

WashingtonWetWheeler

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Heed the warning about preventing the in and out switches from being able to operate at the same time.

The ground relay terminal layout looks correct, though.
They are on individual switches on my d-switch and set to momentary, won't be an issue.
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They are on individual switches on my d-switch and set to momentary, won't be an issue.
It's unsafe to set up switches so it's even possible. At a minimum, program the D-Switch to disable each switch when the other is enabled (though it's not clear to me the unit is designed to ensure one is fully off before the other is engaged). Definitely properly fuse both power wires.
 

WashingtonWetWheeler

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It's unsafe to set up switches so it's even possible. At a minimum, program the D-Switch to disable each switch when the other is enabled (though it's not clear to me the unit is designed to ensure one is fully off before the other is engaged). Definitely properly fuse both power wires.
I think you are confused. All these are performing are signals to the winch to operate. They are not what the winch current runs through. My d-switch does allow me to set whatever fused amperage I wish though (its a solid state system) and I've set it quite low for these as I do with all my signal wires/switches.
 

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Nope, I'm not confused.

The winch contactor will probably prevent your wiring from causing problems, but allowing both switches to send power simultaneously is poor design.
 
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tonygiotta

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Just wanting to make sure I'm understanding the relay 5-pin instructions correctly for my d-switch (s-pod more or less):

Great right up, and thank you for taking your time!
Glad to see my old thread is still being referenced and the pictures are all still there. I really did put a lot of time into these posts...

Just did it, can confirm what I relayed above is correct :rock:
and glad you got it working... it was going to take me awhile to get back up to speed to answer your question!

He hasn't been on the forum in over a year. Hopefully someone else will answer your questions.
It has been awhile, but the "someone quoted you" notification in my email drew me back in. Still an active Jeeper, just have far less time these days to browse the forums.

Heed the warning about preventing the in and out switches from being able to operate at the same time.

The ground relay terminal layout looks correct, though.
My warning was more about using latching switches, however, it is true that I STILL don't know what operating the two at the same time would do and STILL am not willing to find out. :LOL:

It's unsafe to set up switches so it's even possible. At a minimum, program the D-Switch to disable each switch when the other is enabled (though it's not clear to me the unit is designed to ensure one is fully off before the other is engaged). Definitely properly fuse both power wires.
Would be curious if a switch pod is capable of being programmed this way. I would assume not, and thus probably why they tell you not to use them for winches.

I think you are confused. All these are performing are signals to the winch to operate. They are not what the winch current runs through. My d-switch does allow me to set whatever fused amperage I wish though (its a solid state system) and I've set it quite low for these as I do with all my signal wires/switches.
I get what you're getting at. You're using momentary switches so they won't stay on. My concern (and thus the reason I used an (ON)/OFF/(ON) switch) is that you have two fingers (or one fat one) that is capable of pushing both the IN and OUT switches at the same time. If you're feeling bold and confident in your fuse settings, you could try pushing both and see what happens. That way you could share with the rest of us and put the mystery to rest. Disclaimer: I am not to be held responsible for any negative results, experiment at your own risk...
 

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Zandcwhite

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Modern winches have wireless controllers that are super reliable (aside from warn that seems to drain its own batteries by turning on randomly). I've used mine in the Jeep, outside the jeep, while driving, while passenger, with 0 extra wiring and 100x the versatility of switch panels and internal switches. And what happens if the battery does die? Grab the wiring harness that's also in the center console and plug the controller into the winch. Seems like a bunch of work, wiring, complexity, and potential failure points with 0 gain to me.
 

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Ok I love wiring although I admit my understanding is limited.

Yesterday as I sat in two feet of snow just about 20 feet from the top of a long steep hill, another Jeep was there at the top. I thought, man it sure would be great to have in cab winch controls right now.

But you still have to run some line out to the Jeep ahead of you, attach, and then engage the winch. Or make someone else do all that. I just plugged in the controller and fed it through the driver’s side window. Then someone still has to be outside the Jeep to make sure the line and winch puck (or whatever) is run back in to the tension you want on the fairlead.

I’m skeptical, but open to the fact that the in cab controls are really worth the effort despite the added complexity. Maybe scenarios I’m just not thinking of?

I have my aux switch with a warn power interrupt, and a simple cover around the winch lever for the nefarious hoodlums who stole paper lips out of their science teacher’s desk.

My last question is why not cannibalize a second winch controller made for your winch for the switch assembly.


Jeep Wrangler JL In-Cab Winch Control Wiring (From Basic to Warn Zeon) IMG_2055
 

Terrymo

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Modern winches have wireless controllers that are super reliable (aside from warn that seems to drain its own batteries by turning on randomly). I've used mine in the Jeep, outside the jeep, while driving, while passenger, with 0 extra wiring and 100x the versatility of switch panels and internal switches. And what happens if the battery does die? Grab the wiring harness that's also in the center console and plug the controller into the winch. Seems like a bunch of work, wiring, complexity, and potential failure points with 0 gain to me.
I think we were typing at the same type only I just type about 10 words per minute
 

Terrymo

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The snow was a bit over 2' up near the rubicon yesterday. Damn near window deep when I really buried it before ice hose road.
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We were in two feet of snow on, definitely not a Rubicon level trail, and the steepness of a few sections a made for a long day of winching and waiting.
 

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Zandcwhite

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We were in two feet of snow on, definitely not a Rubicon level trail, and the steepness of a few sections a made for a long day of winching and waiting.
We were on wentworth springs rd, between Georgetown and loon lake, not the actual rubicon. Snow was pushing 7' in spots though.
 
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tonygiotta

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Modern winches have wireless controllers that are super reliable (aside from warn that seems to drain its own batteries by turning on randomly). I've used mine in the Jeep, outside the jeep, while driving, while passenger, with 0 extra wiring and 100x the versatility of switch panels and internal switches. And what happens if the battery does die? Grab the wiring harness that's also in the center console and plug the controller into the winch. Seems like a bunch of work, wiring, complexity, and potential failure points with 0 gain to me.
To each their own. Just about everybody I wheel with runs Warns, and most of them spent the extra bucks for the fancy wireless controller version which (as you have discovered) always seems to be dead or having connectivity issues when you need it most. Not sure how you're getting 100x the versatility out of yours, but ok. I also prefer not to have a wired controller running through my window, or having to figure out where to set it out of the way when I'm not actively winching. In fact, I prefer not to have to go digging through my gear to find my controller in the first place. I flip on the winch power switch on my dash and I'm ready to go.

But most of all, I personally LOVE accessory wiring projects, check out my build thread for some other examples of what I've done. I really get enjoyment out of planning things out and wiring for an OEM look. It honestly brings me nearly as much joy as wheeling itself. So your "bunch of work, wiring, and complexity" points are part of the fun for me and if approached with the proper parts, tools, and some attention to detail, are unlikely to lead to failure. Seven plus years without an issue on any of the accessory wiring on this JL so far. Twenty plus trouble-free years in my XJ before that. Wish I could say the same thing for my XJ's factory wiring...

Regardless, this thread was not meant to be a place to debate the virtues of in-cab winch controls, but rather a means to teach those who are interested how the electronics inside their winch works. If it clicks and they want to wire up their own controls, the step by step how-to is there for them. If wiring is not your thing, don't do it. You can take your dead wireless controller and move on to the next thread...
 

Zandcwhite

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To each their own. Just about everybody I wheel with runs Warns, and most of them spent the extra bucks for the fancy wireless controller version which (as you have discovered) always seems to be dead or having connectivity issues when you need it most. Not sure how you're getting 100x the versatility out of yours, but ok. I also prefer not to have a wired controller running through my window, or having to figure out where to set it out of the way when I'm not actively winching. In fact, I prefer not to have to go digging through my gear to find my controller in the first place. I flip on the winch power switch on my dash and I'm ready to go.

But most of all, I personally LOVE accessory wiring projects, check out my build thread for some other examples of what I've done. I really get enjoyment out of planning things out and wiring for an OEM look. It honestly brings me nearly as much joy as wheeling itself. So your "bunch of work, wiring, and complexity" points are part of the fun for me and if approached with the proper parts, tools, and some attention to detail, are unlikely to lead to failure. Seven plus years without an issue on any of the accessory wiring on this JL so far. Twenty plus trouble-free years in my XJ before that. Wish I could say the same thing for my XJ's factory wiring...

Regardless, this thread was not meant to be a place to debate the virtues of in-cab winch controls, but rather a means to teach those who are interested how the electronics inside their winch works. If it clicks and they want to wire up their own controls, the step by step how-to is there for them. If wiring is not your thing, don't do it. You can take your dead wireless controller and move on to the next thread...
3 Jeeps, 3 wireless controllers, none have needed a battery or been plugged in yet. I don't need to dig through my gear as the controller goes in the center console and is always ready. Push power button and winch from the cab same as you. Or winch from the tree I hooked up to if alone or with a 2nd driver. Winch from behind the rig. The roof. From a much better vantage point when recovering another vehicle than I'd have fun the cab or anywhere you could reach with a wired controller. That's the 100x more versatility I was referring to. As a side note, public discussion forums are just that, and even if its YOUR thread good luck telling people they can't offer counter points. Even better luck telling them to leave because they disagree with you. I'm glad you like your in cab controls. As an electrician I appreciate the quality of your install. Still not worth my time or effort for me.
 

sarguy1941

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Great write up. Yes there are many ways to do this. Personally I have done this on my last 3 jeeps. One jeep that was theo nly way to control the winch. On our SXS for the farm it came factory like that on the dash. So its not anything new. Personally I like using my switch in the jeep while driving out of an issue vs dropping the controller or it getting tangled somewhere. On my Jeeps that are mostly road vehicels I never botherd and have my controller under the seat.
 

WashingtonWetWheeler

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The benefit of in cab controls is time and not having to worry about where your controller is. It's in the same place every time and ready to go soon as you are ready to use it. That and who doesn't like turning their rig into as much of a replication of the space shuttle/heavy equipment as possible....am I right?

To add, this wiring took me less than 2 hours. It's not difficult if you are 12 volt familiar and not a goof.
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