WARN VR EVO Winch Remote Recall

[TeCKis300]

I just got notified for a recall effecting WARN VR EVO winches. Evidently the remote can corrode with moisture which causes unintended operation of the winch. Could be pretty serious in a recovery situation. No remedy yet but something to watch out for if you have this model.

"December 23, 2022 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 22E101000
Corrosion on Remote Control Circuit Board
A winch that operates unintentionally increases the risk of injury.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22E101000

Manufacturer WARN INDUSTRIES, INC.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT

Potential Number of Units Affected 121,187

Summary

Warn Industries, Inc. (WARN) is recalling the Wireless/Handheld Remote sold with certain VR EVO 8, VR EVO 8-S, VR EVO 10, VR EVO 10-S, VR EVO 12, VR EVO 12-S winches, and Remote Service Part. Please see the recall report for a list of all affected winch part numbers. Water may enter the handheld remote control for the winch and cause circuit board corrosion, which can allow the winch to operate unintentionally.

Remedy

As an interim action, WARN will provide owners with instructions to inspect the remote for corrosion and disable the wireless function by removing the battery pack from the remote. If corrosion or water intrusion is found when removing the battery pack, Owners should stop using the remote and contact WARN customer service for a replacement remote free of charge. Once parts are available, WARN will make a replacement water resistant Remote available to affected customers, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact WARN customer service at 1-800-543-9276.

 

[turbo8]

That would suck if it randomly started releasing the line, while driving down the highway and getting wrapped around the driveshaft.

 

[Idaho Savage]

Sketchy. I have one in my 40. Thanks for posting and time to finally find one that's period correct!

 

[CharlieS]

Has anyone received or located the instructions for removing the remote battery? I tried to call Warn just now, but they are only open weekdays. I also tried googling with no success.

 

[TeCKis300]

Has anyone received or located the instructions for removing the remote battery? I tried to call Warn just now, but they are only open weekdays. I also tried googling with no success.

Remove the screws like you would taking it apart.

 

[daneo]

Some deep thoughts as we're all checking our remotes and awaiting the water-resistant design: Probably worth stuffing some foam into the voids in the case, or at least getting a floaty foam keychain to put on the transmitter to keep it from sinking into deep muddy waters during a hectic recovery.

Amazon product ASIN B01J2PD6PY

 

[CharlieS]

But this would prevent any if that foolishness.

 

[CharlieS]

Some deep thoughts as we're all checking our remotes and awaiting the water-resistant design: Probably worth stuffing some foam into the voids in the case, or at least getting a floaty foam keychain to put on the transmitter to keep it from sinking into deep muddy waters during a hectic recovery.

Amazon product ASIN B01J2PD6PY

Even better, leave the battery out and only use the cord. Remote controlled winches have caused injuries.

 

[CharlieS]

Remove the screws like you would taking it apart.

Thank you. That worked perfectly.

 

[TeCKis300]

Thank you. That worked perfectly.

It confused me too when I first got it with dead batteries. Wasn't obvious it even uses batteries.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

Thanks for the heads up on the recall...