Warn ZEON Platinum - Dead Battery Solution

[@samwalker3441]

Wouldn't it be cool if Warn actually provided something that didn't have to be modified for their top of the line pricing? The Platinum is junk out of the box because of the fact that the controller becomes a single point of failure that cannot be bypassed. Great work, Warn.

[@humbertoalvarez5854]

Just a clear Thank you for your simple Hack, Mr. CL Biro. I bought my Warn ZEON Platinum shortly after seeing your KZbin video. I did make a small improvement to your rubber band holder system to keep both the magnet and the switch together. I took a piece of 1 1/2 " PVC and heated it & molded it square. Then cut a square section to fit the magnet into it. The remote has been in my truck for about 9 months after it's first full charge. I have checked it every 3 to 4 weeks and it was still charged. I just took it out today and noticed it was dead. I must admit after the 9 month I had not checked it at all till today. GREAT THINKING OUT OF THE BOX!!!

[@DamienDavidO]

a year later, installed a new warn winch with a fully charged controller,l. 2 weeks later and boom controller dead. gotta go your way because warn has yet to fix this issue which is mind blowing. thank you for the tip

[@bobvenezio4907]

I've had the same problem with two new remotes. After watching your video I did the same. Works great! I use a magnet out of a small hard drive and it sticks to the front of the remote without falling off.. Thank you!

[@colinalexander841]

Amazing video. This solution rocks! I just completed my modification and it all works as expected. Now I just need to wait a couple of months to test to make sure there is no battery drain. I used the glue gun to attach the magnet to a velcro strap that wraps around the handle.

[@colinalexander841]

Long term review: After more than a year, the battery is still fully charged.

[@aspeler22]

Just bought a Warn and am so glad for your work, sharing, and bought the magnetic connectors so hope to do mine as well. Really appreciate it. Maybe Warn ought to pay you for the fix since they weren't willing to address it. At least you were willing to figure out a work around. :) Thanks greatly! - Al

[@gomezstx]

just got my warn platinum may 2023. And yep after two weeks remote discharged to no power. Will implement your solution now

[@ronbarry8542]

I was definitely suffering from this issue. Noticed it almost immediately. Your solution is straight up genius! Thank you for sharing. I ♥ nerds!

[@garygomer7940]

Warn should pay you for this “fix.” Well done, thanks for sharing.

[@ronbarry8542]

Or they should fix the parasitic draw.

[@JahazielCruzPLUS]

I hope WARN is listening and fixes this problem

[@galactictomato1434]

😂

[@adventurespirit]

Thanks! Got replacement battery and killed that one too so this will be the way to go. I'm going to 3D print a holster with magnet embedded like and earlier responder suggested.

[@jfloydsea]

Awesome video! The remote powers on when any button is pressed, and there’s likely some parasitic draw when “off”. It’s been my biggest complaint about Warns “flagship” winch.

[@parmab1]

Worked perfectly! Thank you very much for taking the time to solve and fix this for us all!

[@humphreyalvarez7197]

LIKE Mr Houthamp I just ordered my Warn Winch with wireless remote, this is great thinking outside the Box!!!

[@mqramr]

I had the same problem of dropping charge so left the controller on permanent charge via USB in my car. I think the constant power cycling every time I ran my car has permanently screwed the battery. So then a couple of days ago when I needed it to recover a friend’s stuck car, I was very ‘unprepared’ for the dead controller that wouldn’t turn on even plugged into the USB. My own fault for not doing the homework. I look forward to trying your solution though I always wondered why they wouldn’t have a version available that runs in ubiquitous and replaceable AA batteries or similar. Thanks for a great video.

[@unsavorymot]

Genius! Thank you for the video. I'm going to try this on mine. Very frustrated that the remote is always dead.

[@synctronic2976]

Spending thousands of dollars for Warn's most premium winch and having to resort to this. Why hasn't Warn address this issue? I've searched the internet to see if Warn has fixed this major problem and found nothing. I find it funny that above the screen of the remote, it says "Go Prepared". Yet that's the furthest thing from the truth, all you've got is a dead remote and expensive anchor.

[@jameslaw9475]

This was very well done. You mention in your video that you would be open to doing this for others for a price. Is that offer still on the table? I have the same problem and none of the savvy or tools you have. I would pay generously!

[@Print744]

Scrolled thru the description and comments, can’t find details on that read switch. Would you post a link or details on where I can get it? Thanks.

[@R00RAL]

Brilliant, I like the way you think. Thank you for sharing. I’m getting my Zeon Platinum 12k pound fitted in about 5 weeks. This will be an upgrade to it.

[@kd5pff]

I can help people with the fix if they are unable to do it. I made the mod to mine a long time ago and it has been working great.

[@SubhoSatpathy]

Hi Alex @kd5pff, I recently installed a Zeon 10-S Platinum winch a month ago, and sure enough the remote lost power within a week after I recharged it for the first time. I'd be eager to have you help me with this retrofit if you are still willing to take this on. Kindly provide your contact coordinates and we can discuss details.

[@SubhoSatpathy]

BUMP !

[@OdedGil]

You are a Genius 😅 I've been using it for the last few weeks and it is working great

[@finfish260]

I just cancelled my order for a 12-S Platinum and went with the wired cable model. Even though I'm an electrical engineer, there's no way I'm doing that to a brand new $3K item. Warn has known about this issue for years and should have fixed it by now. My sales guy at 4WD told me he has never had a problem with his so I was wondering if Warn had implemented a fix. I tried to find out why they felt a need to keep something alive in there but it doesn't make any sense since it only stays alive for 2 weeks. I think it's a design error. If I had the schematics, I would have tried to figured out how to fix it without your cool fix. I'm not knocking you because it is a good work around. I'm still waiting to hear back from Warn.

[@arceecola4934]

3K !?! 😱

[@finfish260]

@@arceecola4934 I understand. I included the cost to install and tax. I decided to have it installed by my dealer and add it to my extended warranty. I didn't want to start tearing into a new 392 before I have had a chance to hit the dirt!

[@richardhawkins1628]

They "keep it alive" (consuming minimal power) to keep the screen off. Kinda like a smart TV, of is not really off, just the display is off. The power "buttons" are not hard, on/off aka make/break switches that physically open a power circuit such as this awsome hack does. Should have been, yes... I assume cost, size and durability all contributed to the decision. Also assume they expect most to keep it pluggged in to a USB port in the center console (for those that have newer stuff - not this guy). As for the wonding if Warn made a fix, Nope. Orderend mine Aug 6 2021. Arrived Jan 10th and was MFG 12/28 if I recall. Remote is dead in like a week being "off" in the glove box and in AZ, its not freezing out :(

[@Logan-de3xx]

Now why in the world would they not do this from the factory? 🤦🏼‍♂️ Are you still willing to do this for others? I’ve been debating on the Zeon 10-s VS the platinum but I’ve just seen a bunch of negative reviews on the platinum. How do you feel about it today? Thank you!!!

[@jbird55044]

I will say it is certainly a nice winch if you can get past the remote control issue. Unfortunately, I moved out of the country so I can no longer assist in fixing them. Good luck with your upcoming purchase!

[@Logan-de3xx]

@@jbird55044I really appreciate your response, if you moved to Canada let me know 😊 I also don’t expect anything cheap and appreciate your time in doing this mod if you ever did. Cheers brother !

[@cbrown782]

Great solution! Thanks. I just ordered my set of magnets and will be giving this a go over the weekend.

[@CallsignVega]

Looks like the electrical engineers at Warn don't know about phantom drain losses... pretty crazy.

[@claudeperrault4164]

Interesting video. Thank you. Personally, I leave the usb cable connected to the unit and I plug it in whenever I use my Jeep! 👍

[@jfloydsea]

First time I had to use my winch I wasn’t expecting to. Slid off the side of my steep dirt driveway letting some other car pass. You can’t always know when you’ll need it, and this way you don’t have to worry about having that USB cable.

[@edwinthomas618]

This was brilliant. You should have patent this

[@singlesidedfangz]

How's it going? Did you measure the charging current that's passing through the switch by any chance? The switch is rated for .3A (not to exceed .5A). I'd suspect if there's going to be a problem that may be where, a switch failure. Max charging for that battery is approx 450mA, of course depending on what their charging circuit can do.

[@jbird55044]

Great catch - since I had more than one switch available, I beat up on it pretty hard. With a very depleted battery, I charged it using a high rate 5volt adapter (for an iPad). I pugged in and out a few times trying to create a surge. And fully charged it at least once from dead. Can't seem to sear the switch, so it's getting my personal vote of 'works'. Since it's winter, I pulled out just recently and had a FULL charge on it, I gave it a booster just for the heck of it, put the battery back on, and tucked it away. Felt good to see the thing wake up (which it NEVER has in the past before the modification).

[@singlesidedfangz]

@@jbird55044 The worst part of this (which I know you've been through) is time to find which switch to use. Your solution is not invasive in the least, good idea. If there is an issue I'll worry about it later. I'll probably make a 3d Printed holder to enclose the magnet and mount in my arm rest safe. I also have USB switched power there so can keep it plugged in if I want as well. Anyway, thanks for the work!

[@singlesidedfangz]

@@jbird55044 FYI measured current during charge at .416A, so it's right on the edge.

[@singlesidedfangz]

@@jbird55044 One last think I can share is it does not appear to support trickle charging, so this isn't a setup you'd want to stay on charge.

[@arsenalexotics2484]

Absolutely fantastic!! You are high IQ! Thank you for sharing this!

[@USautoservice]

Nice! Just ordered my platinum and was thinking for a way to keep the battery full. This works great. Cut the "music" (read screaming) on the back ground next time. Very annoying. Lol

[@zublacus]

METAL HORNS! I loved it.

[@neamtialin]

This winch doesn't have the option to be operated with a wired remote? I need a good quality winch but I will be used sporadically, what warn would be the best for an swb patrol, available in Europe?

[@nzbio]

Great video but the music in the background man talk about distracting - nice clean work though

[@KidRichmond]

Everyone watching this video should take five minutes to email Warn and let them know what a crock of shit it is that we have $2k+ winches with remotes that die within a week.

[@Spunky-iq8jm]

My remote died after a few days. Warn sent me a new replacement, but it took a month to arrive. I wonder if my defective remote can be repaired?

[@marklacombe2671]

I'll be saving this video. Definitely a solid idea.

[@caryrichardson338]

You sir are my hero! This is amazing!

[@tyfreeman6307]

great video and idea. I may try and utilized a small bit tool and drill holes through those inner walls instead of cut through the top of the inner walls. The wires will feed directly through the walls. Thanks!

[@finfish260]

LOL that is what I was thinking of doing as I was watching the video. I want the Platinum version because it is a better winch but the remote problem is a non started for me. I definitely think it's a design error. I'm thinking it may be related to the auxiliary switch circuitry. Unless you have a new vehicle, off should mean OFF!

[@brianwilkins3752]

I drilled tiny holes and that keeps the wires in place.

[@JGr3asy]

Dude! THANK YOU for this!

[@caryrichardson338]

@clbiro what strap did you use for that?

[@davtreloar9236]

Have you got any of those switches left you want to get rid of? Cheers

[@russellmcconahay7297]

You are a stud. Great work!!!!!

[@arsenalexotics2484]

How can I connect with you to have you retro fit mine? Please.

[@m.c.9284]

I'm very interested in getting this done by you. Thus drives me crazy. I have the zeon 12s. Same remote. How do we get this done??

[@TheJbird5]

I think I have another one of those read switches in my junk drawer. If you send it out, I'm sure we can work out a deal. PM me M.C. : [e-mail]

[@sdp8895]

​@@TheJbird5 are you still offering this service?

[@brianwilkins3752]

What kind of strap is that around the magnet. Not the rubber band. 😂

[@danielvinson8099]

Love this idea

[@dangerousfandango5943]

So everyones is having problems eith the remote? Battery is dead after 2 weeks ?

[@richardhawkins1628]

Yes, everyone that does not keep it plugged in, charging when not in use. They "keep it alive" (consuming minimal power) to keep the screen off. Kinda like a smart TV, of is not really off, just the display is off (and other buttons are disabled). The power "buttons" are not hard, on/off aka make/break switches that physically open a power circuit such as this awsome hack does.

[@mikeadams2339]

Thanks for the info!

[@tokslut]

Nice one!

[@shahabsandhu4034]

Genius!! thanks :)

[@shahabsandhu4034]

Says 'Go Prepared' yet it's dead every single time I use it. Also it's hard to even prepare because of the legacy micro-USB port

[@corey.morreale]

nicely done

[@davidkennedy3050]

All that work to keep the waterproofing?? Ha Ha! Warn did an equally bad job on that. They did not seal around the screen and the inside of mine was water drenched in a very light rain. It is still drying out a week later.

[@r3volut1on]

I guess I don't get what the big deal is? It charges like a phone and also works while charging. Put it on the charger in your truck and leave it lol. You drive your truck everyday...check the controller and stick it on the charger THAT IS RIGHT THERE. If you know you are going wheeling, plug it in and by the time you get to where you are going it will be charged, I've never had to use my winch so much that my remote died while I was out. Maybe I should blame Makita when my lith ion batteries die after 2 weeks of not using my drill. 🤣🤣

[@BlueCollarBachelor]

I wonder why these companies just don't use something simple like GoPro batteries.

[@drobiethy9761]

Slick

[@alvinnaicker8992]

nice idea and video but demonic music bud..couldnt watch to the end..sorry really annoying

[@TheJbird5]

Yes, after recording the session and pasting it all together, I realized the same thing. . . . dang that is demonic music. LOL

[@ChasingDreamsLivingLife]

I’ve got an easy fix…. Plug it into a charger! Hey!! No cost! Freeeeeeee

[@DarrenBoxhall]

Lol, Jesus. Just put a USB port in the glovebox or centre console and have it plugged in constantly. So when you drive it charges it. This is ridiculous

[@RMC2021]

Dumb question - can you just leave it plugged in to the USB 24/7 or will that hurt the battery? Not being a smart ass here at all, I think this fix is ingenious but if I leave it plugged in all the time, I won't have to bother worrying about it at all.

[@pranays]

Or you could plug it into the car charger.