Troubleshooting Electric Hoist

Important Note!

The importance of first physically checking every connection between the battery and the crane cannot be overstressed!

Poor connections or poor grounding account for a large percentage of hoist problems.  Time is often wasted chasing other probable causes only to eventually find a loose or corroded connection.  Measuring the voltage at rest is not sufficient.  Often a poor connection will allow enough amperage to operate a meter or test light, but not enough to operate the hoist, which requires very high amperage. Voltage must be measured while a load (application of Function) is applied.

If the problem is random and intermittent then it is almost assuredly a loose or bad connection.

Another common problem is low battery voltage.  Even if the battery is good when troubleshooting begins, running the winch can quickly drain a battery.  If it can be done safely, it is best to have the vehicle running.

Also check the control socket and plug for bent, corroded, or dirty pins.

Caution!

As the motor approaches stall, due to low voltage or excessive load, a very rapid heat build up occurs which will quickly damage the motor.  If the motor is not turning, do not operate the switch for more than a second.  Allow the motor to cool between attempts to make it run.

Hoist Operates in only one direction

If the hoist only operates in one direction swap the control wires on the contactor.  Activating the pendant switch in the working direction should now operate the hoist in the previous non-working direction.

Example: If hoist up is not working, after swapping the control wires activating the hoist down switch should cause the hoist to go up.

If it does then the hoist and contactor are working correctly and the problem is in the pendant crane socket or wiring.  If it does not then the problem is the contactor or brake.

If the motor tries to turn but stalls then the problem is most likely the brake.  Also, if the contactor makes a clicking noise then that is a good indication that it is working and, again, the problem is most likely the brake.

If the control wires were swapped in the previous step, return them to their original positions.  Swap the motor wires (labeled 1 and 2).  It is usually easiest to swap them at the motor.

Activating the pendant switch in the working direction should now operate the hoist in the previous non-working direction.

Example: If hoist up is not working, after swapping the motor wires activating the hoist down switch should cause the hoist to go up.

If it does, then one side of the contactor is not working and it needs to be replaced.

If it does not work, the problem is a brake malfunction.  Inspect the brake installation.  Correct any problems found. The brake cannot be repaired.  Replace if any damage is found.

Hoist does not run in either direction

If the hoist does not run in either direction then the problem is either lack of power to the control socket or pendant, lack of sufficient power to the motor, or hoist brake malfunction or motor failure.

If the contactor clicks when the switch is activated then the control socket is getting power.

If all connections have not been checked, do so now.  Also ensure that the battery still has sufficient power.  As a rule of thumb, if it has enough power to start the engine, then it is good.

Activate the winch toggle switch and check for voltage at motor contacts. If positive voltage is measured at both terminals, the problem may be the ground wire from the contactor. Check for tightness or corrosion on this wire.

Once sufficient power is ensured, if there is any indication that the motor is trying to turn but stalls the problem is the brake – have it replaced.

If there is no indication that the motor is trying to turn and the contactor has been tested, then replace the motor.

Testing the pendant and control wiring

If the problem is narrowed to the control wiring, it is most likely caused by a cut or disconnected wire.  A visual inspection of the wiring should be made and repairs made as necessary.

Refer to the schematic and pendant drawing for pin functions and locations.

If no visual defects are found and if a continuity tester is available, disconnect the pendant and check for continuity between the control socket pin and terminal at the contactor.

Alternately, a piece of wire or metal object may be used to short between the control socket power pin and the socket hoist pin(s).  If the hoist operates then the problem is in the pendant.

If not, check for power at the control socket power pin.  If there is no power, trace the wiring back, checking each connection until the problem is found.  Correct as necessary.