Jammed Factory Winch Rope

[BillB]

Hey Guys, first post from a very happy Fieldmaster Owner (2 weeks). Went to attach Factory 55 Flatlink E today to the INEOS factory winch rope, in anticipation of finally taking “BEEFYBLU” off-road here in snowy Canada. Seems it’s in a jam. See pics. Tested the winch at the dealership when picking it up two weeks ago. All fine. It seems as if the rope may have gotten pushed/sucked into the jam with highway driving. Any thoughts/suggestions on a DIY fix? Thanks!

 

[BillB]

*Trialmaster. (first post much? lol)

 

[TheDocAUS]

My winch rope was zip tied to the number plate holder and it never got stuck like yours.

EDIT: the thickness of the winch rope can change, so grab on each side of the pinched portion and move both hands inwards and outwards altering the thickness of the rope, see if that allows you to wiggle the winch rope out.

 

[tangocharlie80]

Have you tried gently prying the gap to open it up and release the winch rope? The front bumper cover has some flex in it.

 

[Tazzieman]

Try the pry. If it found its way in there must be some flex.

 

[BillB]

Have you tried gently prying the gap to open it up and release the winch rope? The front bumper cover has some flex in it.

Thanks, no I haven’t tried to pry it. I’ll give it a go.

 

[BillB]

Try the pry. If it found its way in there must be some flex.

Thanks. Is/was hesitant to do that, but will give it a try. Will report back with results when I get the opportunity.

 

[BillB]

My winch rope was zip tied to the number plate holder and it never got stuck like yours.

EDIT: the thickness of the winch rope can change, so grab on each side of the pinched portion and move both hands inwards and outwards altering the thickness of the rope, see if that allows you to wiggle the winch rope out.

Thanks, I’ll try this first, it’s warmer here today. If this fails I’ll pry.

 

[BillB]

SOLVED!
The pry method worked. Working the rope alone wasn’t enough. Thank you all for your help!!!!

Covered yellow end of pry bar with a dish cloth to avoid any potential for scratches. Not as shown in photo. Pried just hard enough and pulled the rope out with the rope loop.

Pics for closure. Thanks again guys!

 

[Walter]

Another GTA owner. Congrats!

 

[BillB]

Another GTA owner. Congrats!

Kinda - first one in Kingston.

 

[Walter]

Kinda - first one in Kingston.

Haha, well… not too far away!
I'm an hour away from the dealership and 2.5 hrs from you.

 

[DusHunter]

Solved with Factor 55 Flat Link:

 

[DustCloud]

The level of the rope will exceed the guides on the winch drum unless the pull is near 90 degrees, and then sudden tension changes at that point can result in loops of rope actually crossing those drum guides, slicing and tangling the rope, with a replacement the only option Ask me how I know....