How to Troubleshoot My New Wireless Remote Kit for Bulldog Winch 3400 and 4400 Trailer Winches

Updated 08/26/2025 | Published 08/16/2025

Question:

I plugged it all in and it doesn’t work. Works fine with the wired controller but does nothing with the remote. Does it need to be paired to the reciever? If so how is this done ?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Hello Mike,

Let's get your wireless remote working on the Wireless Remote Kit for Bulldog Winch 3400 and 4400 Trailer Winches - Plug-and-Play # BDW20212.

- Check the receiver connection: make sure it is seated properly and that the sleeve is nice and snug

- Confirm power to receiver: Ensure the winch has battery power and its switch (if equipped) is ON.

- Inspect the remote battery: Open the remote, confirm the battery is seated correctly.

- Look for remote LED response: When you press IN or OUT, the remote’s LED should flash. No Light, dead battery.

- Re-sync attempt (rarely needed, but can help): Unplug the receiver. Hold IN and OUT on the remote. While holding, plug the receiver back in. Release buttons, then test.

- Test at close range: Stand near the receiver (a few feet away) to rule out interference.

If this does not work, then you have a faulty unit. Please let me know if you get things working.

What kind of trailer do you have this on? What model winch do you have?

expert reply by: Kate F

Mike

8/21/2025

Kate I have the winch on a Mission gooseneck trailer for my race car. The winch is the Bulldog 4400# model number 15019r2 and SN T451618010039 The controller never flashes the red led light it is only steady on when pushing the in or out function. Similarity if I hold down both at the same time the led is only ever steady. I followed your instructions for pairing the remote by holding both the in and out functions down at the same time with the base unplugged from the winch and then plugging the receiver back in while still holding the function buttons. This did not result in operation of the remote. One other significant piece of info is that this is the second remote controller I have tried with each one not working. It seems unlikely that two wireless systems would both be faulty. This has been very frustrating but thank you for any further ideas.

Kate F.

8/22/2025

@Mike Thanks for getting that information to me Mike. That is all the troubleshooting that I know to do to get the unit working. I am going to reach out to the manufacturer, I will let you know what information they are able to supply me with. Yes, that would be extremely frustrating, especially being the second remote!

Mike

8/22/2025

@KateF thank you for checking with them, hopefully there is a simple answer

Kate F.

8/25/2025

@Mike Couple of questions for you Mike: Is the red light coming on when they turn the wireless remote on? The 20212 is usually shipped with the battery separate and loose in the clamshell. Was the battery in the clam or lost during handling? Also, where did you buy it from? I do not see an order with us, I am still going to help you figure out the issue of course, just need to know if a batch of faulty units went were shipped somewhere.