Warn 8000M winch only spools in when truck is running?

Tried to use my winch this weekend to remove some bushes at my house and it wouldn't spool in without the truck's engine running.
I would spool out fine but not in. As soon as the engine was running it worked fine.
When the engine was off I could hear the solenoid click but the winch wouldn't spool in.
Has anyone else had this happen? Is this an indicator that my battery is on its way out?
It was a curious happening and I wanted to know if anyone else had a similar experience.

 

Check voltages at the winch motor. Likely a solenoid contact going bad or brushes on the motor. Two brushes for the "out" and two for the "in". Try tapping on the motor with a hammer gently with the solenoid pulled in and see if the motor starts. If so = brushes.

 

How's your battery?

 

The battery is several years old - I use the winch about 3-4x yr.
I tried the tapping of the winch while the spool in button was depressed (with the engine off) and nothing; turn on motor and it spooled in fine.
I'm leaning towards the fact my battery may be dying!
Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Get it load tested at oriellys

 

/\ Sounds easy enough, will do!

 

BTW - I am still running my OEM alternator 15 yrs old and 230K miles!

I probably just jinxed myself....