No need to pull the control box off. Just pry the old switch out with a flathead screwdriver and wiggle the wires and connectors out through the hole. Took me 60 seconds to replace it. Ordered the replacement switch from Smittybilt. It has a rubber boot around the toggle, so hopefully it will be sealed better than the original.
Awesome..same issue, minor different fix. I used diolythic electrical grease on all the connectors and works perfectly. Might not be just switch could just be corrision, as was my case. Good luck friends and thank you video guy
Almost went and bought a new winch till I saw this. Will be doing this in the next couple weeks. I have the same Smittybilt.. Thanks for tackling this.
I know this video is 5 years old, but just got my hands on used smittybuilt x2o winch and had similar problems. Your video was incredibly helpful, got the new remote wired up & same as you no wireless. Replaced the battery (they do not last long), still no wireless. Ran your test jumping the 2 red connections, wireless worked just like you showed, so ordered new illuminated switch. Now wireless works - thank you! But still 1 problem, the switch illuminates whether on or off? I checked your wiring in the video and it appears you are connecting the new switch ground with the wireless module ground, which is what I did. I also tried connecting the switch ground with the non-wireless ground, switch still illuminates whether on or off, using either ground connection. I guess the new switch could be bad, but reaching out if you are still online and time permits, to confirm the switch ground wire connection you used?
I just took the switch out with a flat head as was previously mentioned and then took the switch apart and clean it it was very corroded. I will order a new one with the Rubber seal around it but that was the way to get going right away
I just got my Smittybilt X20 12k winch in October 2021. Wireless already doesn't work after installing a fresh remote battery. Works with cable. Not without. Haven't even had it 6 months and it already doesn't work. Kinda bs in my opinion.
Thanks for the Video by the way I also have the smittybilt winch X20 and I had the same problem.....good idea with the lighted switch by the way much easier to tell if you have it on or off lol.
I have the 12000 lbs winch, and the wireless has been garbage from day one. Should of got a Warn. I have to hold the remote at just the right height, and no more than 10-15 feet from vehicle or it doesn’t work. And if I’m inside the Jeep, I have to hold it up by the top left corner of windshield. Been like that since new. Maybe I should try replacing the battery to see if it was just old even in a new winch.
Of course, make sure to loosen (run out) your winch cable before trying to rewind the cable. The winch can only pull the cable so tightly before stalling. Afterwards, squirt some contact cleaner/lube (DeoxIT D5) into the switches (enough to reach the electrical contacts). Will fix 90% of the problems.
Mine has the same issue, replaced the switch but wired the ground to the negative going to the battery in the large post. Didn't fix it. Then replaced the battery in the remote (has a battery access cover) and issue solved
Great job of troubleshooting and not panicking or getting frustrated. 👍. Good work, you got it fixed and better than it was. 🏆🌟 I helped a friend with similar problem. Got a. SPST switch at local boat dealer that was waterproof. Subscribed.
Unfortunately not I bought a none waterproof one, and it has stopped working after only 4 months I will be replacing it again soon, I can get it to work by turning it on and off
My question is does it matter if the battery's are charged with it just plugged in or does it need juice in the battery even tho its plugged into the winch is self?
I have the x2o 10000 pound Wireless. I messaged smittybilt and they told me to pull the control box off the top of the winch and run some tests by connecting red wires together. I've yet to do it. Mine simply does not work in Wireless mode at all. Not even a bump. It's worked maybe twice since I have owned it for three or four months.
Let me ask you this. I really don't want to remove this control box as it is a pain in the butt to get to those little bolts and lock nuts just to know that it's a switch that I'm going to have to order anyway. Reckon it's worth the $5 gamble for me to just order the part and do this all at once?
I have a x20 gen 3 that stopped working after 6 months. The controller and wireless receiver does not work after a few iterations of light use. The replacement parts are on backorder for the foreseeable future. I will no longer buy anything from Smittybilt.
Scott Kinderdine I did not know there was a model without a switch. I wish u lived in my area, I could fix it on video. Please subscribe and I will try and locate a local smittybilt without a switch
Reviews Tips How To I got a better idea let's run some wires from inside the winch case to the inside of the cab And put the switch there its a crappy design flaw on smittybuilts end. The only other option is to use a waterproof switch but what's to keep somebody from turning it on with it being on the outside like that
@@jaymanxxxx they put the switch to turn the wireless off because people had some wireless interference while driving that caused the winch to run out.
No need to pull the control box off. Just pry the old switch out with a flathead screwdriver and wiggle the wires and connectors out through the hole. Took me 60 seconds to replace it. Ordered the replacement switch from Smittybilt. It has a rubber boot around the toggle, so hopefully it will be sealed better than the original.
Chris Anderson nice I will try that this week! My switch failed again
Awesome..same issue, minor different fix. I used diolythic electrical grease on all the connectors and works perfectly. Might not be just switch could just be corrision, as was my case. Good luck friends and thank you video guy
Almost went and bought a new winch till I saw this. Will be doing this in the next couple weeks. I have the same Smittybilt.. Thanks for tackling this.
I know this video is 5 years old, but just got my hands on used smittybuilt x2o winch and had similar problems. Your video was incredibly helpful, got the new remote wired up & same as you no wireless. Replaced the battery (they do not last long), still no wireless. Ran your test jumping the 2 red connections, wireless worked just like you showed, so ordered new illuminated switch. Now wireless works - thank you! But still 1 problem, the switch illuminates whether on or off? I checked your wiring in the video and it appears you are connecting the new switch ground with the wireless module ground, which is what I did. I also tried connecting the switch ground with the non-wireless ground, switch still illuminates whether on or off, using either ground connection. I guess the new switch could be bad, but reaching out if you are still online and time permits, to confirm the switch ground wire connection you used?
I just took the switch out with a flat head as was previously mentioned and then took the switch apart and clean it it was very corroded. I will order a new one with the Rubber seal around it but that was the way to get going right away
Gave me a great idea to run the power switch to my dash.
Did you happen to look for water proof switches to swap out? With some silicone or something on the edges it could truly be water tight then.
I just got my Smittybilt X20 12k winch in October 2021. Wireless already doesn't work after installing a fresh remote battery. Works with cable. Not without. Haven't even had it 6 months and it already doesn't work. Kinda bs in my opinion.
Thanks for the Video by the way I also have the smittybilt winch X20 and I had the same problem.....good idea with the lighted switch by the way much easier to tell if you have it on or off lol.
Got the same problem with mine . Thanks so much for sharing. Also same dam screws in impossible access.
David Rosenkrantz awesome hope it helped. Please share !!
I have the 12000 lbs winch, and the wireless has been garbage from day one. Should of got a Warn. I have to hold the remote at just the right height, and no more than 10-15 feet from vehicle or it doesn’t work. And if I’m inside the Jeep, I have to hold it up by the top left corner of windshield. Been like that since new. Maybe I should try replacing the battery to see if it was just old even in a new winch.
Of course, make sure to loosen (run out) your winch cable before trying to rewind the cable. The winch can only pull the cable so tightly before stalling. Afterwards, squirt some contact cleaner/lube (DeoxIT D5) into the switches (enough to reach the electrical contacts). Will fix 90% of the problems.
Run that switch to the dash and to be safe add in a fuse and or relay. That's what I did
Gen Xiong that would be great
Thanks for sharing. I had the same problem
Mine has the same issue, replaced the switch but wired the ground to the negative going to the battery in the large post. Didn't fix it. Then replaced the battery in the remote (has a battery access cover) and issue solved
Great job of troubleshooting and not panicking or getting frustrated. 👍.
Good work, you got it fixed and better than it was. 🏆🌟
I helped a friend with similar problem. Got a. SPST switch at local boat dealer that was waterproof.
Subscribed.
awesome I will have to look into A nicer switch!
Nicely done. Is the replacement switch waterproof?
Unfortunately not I bought a none waterproof one, and it has stopped working after only 4 months
I will be replacing it again soon, I can get it to work by turning it on and off
Thanks for watching please subscribe!
What size Allen wrench did you use to get the bolts out of the back of the switch box.
What device did you use to know that the switch was not working? If I don't have it, is there another way to do a test without any device?
I just used a jumper wire or a new switch
I am assuming your winch is the first GEN of the X20?
mines a gen 2 X2O and mine has a rubber cover over that switch, its part of the ip98 waterproofing.
Thanks for this
plz share battery type and size
My question is does it matter if the battery's are charged with it just plugged in or does it need juice in the battery even tho its plugged into the winch is self?
CJ Segars it works with dead batteries or a bad switch
As long as you are plugged in
Mine brand new out of box and wireless dont work..Battery in controler is over 12 volts.
I have the x2o 10000 pound Wireless. I messaged smittybilt and they told me to pull the control box off the top of the winch and run some tests by connecting red wires together. I've yet to do it. Mine simply does not work in Wireless mode at all. Not even a bump. It's worked maybe twice since I have owned it for three or four months.
Clint mcfarland definitely could be a bad switch and battery, good luck!
Let me ask you this. I really don't want to remove this control box as it is a pain in the butt to get to those little bolts and lock nuts just to know that it's a switch that I'm going to have to order anyway. Reckon it's worth the $5 gamble for me to just order the part and do this all at once?
check battery first thing.
I put the wires together and it worked. Replacing the switch saved me a lot of time and money.
@@jeepcats a question the two red cables that go to the switch you connected them together to know if the switch was not working
I have a x20 gen 3 that stopped working after 6 months. The controller and wireless receiver does not work after a few iterations of light use. The replacement parts are on backorder for the foreseeable future. I will no longer buy anything from Smittybilt.
what side was the screws and nuts that held the cover with the power cables
Back of the electrical box there is two hex head bolts that must be loosened
yes I know 2 hex head bolts and nuts my questions was do you know what size the hex and nuts are?
Unfortunately I don’t know that. About 1/4 inch
If it was easier to remove I would pull it and get a size. But it is hard to get to on my truck
nice bro
I don't have that switch on mine... So now what?
Scott Kinderdine I did not know there was a model without a switch. I wish u lived in my area, I could fix it on video. Please subscribe and I will try and locate a local smittybilt without a switch
Subscribed and good luck... I took a second look on my winch & I can't find one. I also have the Gen 2 model.
Disregard.... Operator newbie error.
I've noticed these batteries do not last long.
Don't bother ordering off Amazon just go to your local auto parts and pick it up cheaper than you can get it at Amazon, I got mine at O'Reilly's.
Physical Starfighter
I agree, also I would do a waterproof switch
Whats that stupid switch for. bypass it solder and shrink tube and be done forever
It powers down the winch to keep the wireless control from running out or in when in you glove box.
Reviews Tips How To I got a better idea let's run some wires from inside the winch case to the inside of the cab And put the switch there its a crappy design flaw on smittybuilts end. The only other option is to use a waterproof switch but what's to keep somebody from turning it on with it being on the outside like that
I just think it's really stupid they put a switch on the outside like that
@delinquentdesign lets say your winch runs in uncontrolled how would you stop it?
@@jaymanxxxx they put the switch to turn the wireless off because people had some wireless interference while driving that caused the winch to run out.