TenPoint Crossbow Problems: Causes & Fixes

Most TenPoint crossbow problems come back to four things: the string caught on the DFI (Dry-Fire Inhibitor) because the safety was on SAFE during cocking, an ACUslide crank that was never backwound, a string, cables and cocking cords left to dry out, and non-factory strings or nocks. Fix those and most of the complaints you read about TenPoint go away. The rest, such as a trigger that behaves oddly or cocking cords that no longer retract, are reasons to stop shooting and call TenPoint, not reasons to take the crossbow apart.

Many TenPoint owners chose the brand for its built-in crank, because a rope is hard on a shoulder or back. That makes the crank, the trigger box and the DFI the parts that confuse people most, often in the field at last light. This guide is organized by symptom so you can find yours on the first screen, then gives TenPoint's own fix, written out rather than left as a video link, and the point where the job belongs to TenPoint or a service-center dealer.

Everything below comes from TenPoint's published FAQs, its de-cocking page and its ACUdraw Silent instruction manual. Your model's manual always wins if it differs. For the routine care that prevents most of these faults, our guide on how to maintain a crossbow sets out a season-long schedule, and if you are still choosing a model, our best TenPoint crossbows ranking compares the current range.

TenPoint Crossbow Problems: Symptom Table

Find your symptom, try the fix, and stop at the right-hand column if it says TenPoint. Each row is drawn from TenPoint's own support pages and manuals.

Why Your TenPoint Crossbow Won't Fire

When a TenPoint won't release, the crossbow is usually doing what it was built to do. Its trigger system includes a DFI, a catch that grabs the string if it moves forward without the trigger releasing it properly. It exists to stop a dry fire, and the same catch is what traps the string when cocking goes wrong.

The string is on the DFI, not the latch

TenPoint's FAQ explains the most common case: you cock, load an arrow, pull the trigger and nothing happens. The string is resting on the DFI rather than in the string latch. The usual cause is cocking with the safety switch already on SAFE (the white marking) instead of FIRE (red). The fix depends on how you cock the crossbow, and TenPoint gives a separate remedy for each method.

If your crossbow isn't a TenPoint, our guide on why a crossbow won't fire covers other brands' trigger designs. Ravin owners have a separate guide to Ravin crossbow problems.

Freeing the string on an ACUslide

TenPoint's FAQ for a string shot into the DFI on an ACUslide crossbow gives these steps:

1. Remove the arrow and point the crossbow down in a safe direction.
2. Turn the crank clockwise two to three turns.
3. Press the trigger lock-latch.
4. Turn the crank counterclockwise to lower the trigger box down the barrel. Don't keep pressing the lock-latch while you do.
5. Once the strap is slack, push down firmly on the charging handle until the safety moves from F to S with a click.

If the safety doesn't click to S, the string is probably still on the DFI. Once it clicks, complete your normal cocking routine, including the three-turn backwind, before you load an arrow.

Freeing it with an ACUdraw or by hand

For ACUdraw and rope-cocked models, TenPoint points owners to model-specific videos on its FAQ page, so follow the one for your crossbow. The ACUdraw Silent manual sets the rule that prevents the problem: move the safety to FIRE before you cock, then recock. Before you take the string claw off, confirm the string is held by the latch and not the DFI.

Check the serving afterwards

A string that slammed into the DFI can damage the center serving. TenPoint says that if you see broken strands, the string and cables should be replaced before you shoot again. Our crossbow safety rules page covers safe-direction habits for moments like this.

ACUslide Problems

ACUslide is TenPoint's built-in crank system for cocking and de-cocking. The TenPoint Venom X is one ACUslide example, and TenPoint's product page lists its ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system. TenPoint's cocking-device maintenance FAQ says ACUslide systems need no maintenance steps, so most ACUslide problems are about technique.

The trigger box won't travel down the rail

If the trigger box won't slide forward along the rail to pick up the string, TenPoint's ACUslide FAQ gives two methods. Turn the crank counterclockwise, or press the gear stop button and turn the crank one to two turns. Don't force the charging handle. If neither works, our guide on a crossbow not cocking lists the general causes to rule out before calling TenPoint.

Why you must backwind three turns

After the string latches, TenPoint tells ACUslide owners to backwind the crank three full turns. Its cocking FAQ explains why: backwinding lets the pin rest on the trigger lock-latch the way it was designed to. If you skip it, TenPoint says you can get inconsistent arrow flight, and the arrow can slide forward past the arrow retention brush that is meant to hold it in place.

The Auto-Brake when de-cocking

TenPoint's de-cocking page says the ACUslide and ACUslide MAXX have an Auto-Brake: if you take your hand off the crank while de-cocking, the handle stops in place. It is a safety backstop, not a reason to rush. Keep both hands on the crank until the string is fully forward.

ACUdraw Problems

ACUdraw is TenPoint's crank cocking device built into the stock, using cords and a string claw rather than a sliding trigger box.

Our TenPoint ACUdraw review covers the device on its own, and our guide on how to cock a crossbow compares rope, crank and built-in systems if you are weighing a change.

Over-cranking

The ACUdraw Silent manual says to stop cranking as soon as you hear and see the safety move from FIRE to SAFE and the latch engage. The manual also states that the ACUdraw has no anti-over-cranking slip clutch, so nothing stops you from cranking past that point. Over-cranking strains the claw and cords and can make the handle hard to release. TenPoint's FAQ on over-cranking shows the signs in a video rather than in writing, so watch it for your model if you suspect it.

Never crank without the pawl engaged

TenPoint's FAQ is blunt: never use an ACUdraw without the pawl lever engaged, because the crank handle can spin out of control. If a weak grip is the reason you bought a crank, this is the one rule to make a habit. The cocking effort estimator shows how much a crank reduces the pull compared with a rope.

Cords won't retract

If the cocking cords no longer wind back into the stock, TenPoint's FAQ says the power spring is broken. That is a repair for a dealer or TenPoint, not a home job. Note that TenPoint's warranty page excludes draw cords and power springs from the five-year cocking device warranty.

Cord care

TenPoint's maintenance FAQ asks owners to inspect the cocking device before each use and to condition the cords with its premium lubricant or string wax, reapplying when they feel dry to the touch. It also suggests occasional lube on the internal parts and a little oil on the bearings and the drive shaft where the handle attaches. The gears are self-lubricating.

String and Cable Wear

TenPoint treats the string and cables as wear parts, and most early fraying comes from too little lubrication.

TenPoint's wax and lube routine

Keep the string and cords conditioned, and lube the flight rail whenever it looks or feels dry. TenPoint's rail FAQ says high-performance crossbows will likely need rail lubricant every 15 to 20 shots. For the trigger, TenPoint says to apply lube through the string slot and the safety window. After a wet hunt, blow the trigger dry, spray it with WD-40, then add a little lube.

When to replace

TenPoint's FAQ says to change the string and cables every two years, and always both together. Replace them sooner if you see broken strands in the serving or the string. Our guide to crossbow string and cable damage shows what serving separation looks like and how to judge it.

Aftermarket strings void the warranty

TenPoint's FAQ says custom or aftermarket string and cables void the warranty. Buy factory replacements and have a dealer fit them if your model needs a press.

Don't leave it cocked more than 24 hours

TenPoint says not to leave a crossbow cocked for more than 24 hours, because it stretches the string and cables. If you climb down at dark, de-cock it rather than storing it cocked overnight.

De-Cocking a TenPoint Safely

Many TenPoints have a built-in de-cocking system, and TenPoint's de-cocking page describes two. The ACUslide and ACUslide MAXX use the crank with the Auto-Brake described above. The ACUdraw De-Cock lets the string down with the crank and is designed to stop in place if you let go. The TenPoint Titan X is one model whose product page lists the ACUdraw De-Cock system. Follow your manual for the exact sequence.

If your model has no de-cock system, shoot a practice arrow with a field point into a discharge target or a safe backstop. Never dry-fire it. Our guide on how to de-cock a crossbow covers every method step by step.

Problems That Need TenPoint's Service Department

Some faults aren't home repairs. Stop and contact TenPoint or an authorized service center dealer if you see:

• a trigger that creeps, releases on SAFE, won't reset or feels wrong in any way (TenPoint's FAQ says to stop using it and call);
• cocking cords that won't retract (a broken power spring);
• a cracked limb or a damaged cam;
• any damage after a dry fire.

TenPoint's Customer Experience Team is on 330-628-9245, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. The dealer locator on its website lists authorized service center dealers.

Is there a TenPoint recall?

In May 2015 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a TenPoint and Wicked Ridge recall of about 127,000 crossbows. The affected models were the TenPoint Shadow Ultra-Lite, Turbo XLT II, Titan Extreme, Maverick HP, GT Flex and Phantom CLS-S, plus the Wicked Ridge Raider CLS, Invader HP and Warrior HL. The hazard was that the crossbow could fire if the trigger was pulled after the safety had been re-engaged. TenPoint received 19 reports and no injuries, and the remedy was a free repair. If you own an older model on that list, check its status with TenPoint or the CPSC.

TenPoint Warranty: What Is and Isn't Covered

TenPoint's warranty page describes a Limited Lifetime Operational Warranty for the original owner, with limbs, scope and cocking devices covered for five years. Coverage only takes effect if you activate it within 30 days of purchase, online or by phone, so register the crossbow when you buy it.

The exclusions catch people out. TenPoint says the string and cables are not covered, and the cocking device warranty excludes draw cords and power springs. The warranty is also voided by:

• custom or aftermarket string and cables;
• moon or capture nocks, which TenPoint says not to use in any TenPoint, Horton or Wicked Ridge crossbow;
• any nock other than the one your model requires.

TenPoint says its standard, unlit arrows come with Alpha-Nocks glued in, and that an Alpha-Nock can be used in any TenPoint, Wicked Ridge or Horton crossbow without voiding the warranty. If you are buying spare arrows, our guide on how to choose crossbow bolts explains how each nock type works and why it matters.

Common Mistakes TenPoint Owners Make

These habits are behind most of the problems in this guide:

• Cocking with the safety on SAFE, which leaves the string on the DFI.
• Skipping the three-turn backwind on an ACUslide.
• Cranking an ACUdraw without the pawl lever engaged.
• Over-cranking past the FIRE-to-SAFE click.
• Leaving the crossbow cocked overnight or longer than 24 hours.
• Shooting with a dry rail or dry cords.
• Fitting aftermarket strings or the wrong nocks, then finding the warranty is void.

TenPoint Pre-Shot Checklist

Run through this before each session:

1. Inspect the string, cables and cords for fuzz or broken strands.
2. Check the limbs and cams for cracks or damage.
3. Lube the rail if it is dry.
4. Confirm every arrow uses the nock your model requires.
5. Set the safety to FIRE before you cock.
6. Confirm the string sits in the latch, not on the DFI, and the safety moved to SAFE.
7. Backwind three turns (ACUslide) or check the pawl is engaged (ACUdraw).
8. Have a discharge target ready if your model has no de-cock system.

Bottom Line

Most TenPoint crossbow problems are preventable. Put the safety on FIRE before you cock, backwind an ACUslide three turns, keep the pawl engaged and stop at the click on an ACUdraw, keep the rail and cords lubed, change the string and cables every two years as a set, and use only factory strings and the required nocks. Treat any odd trigger behavior or a dry fire as a reason to stop and call TenPoint.

For model-specific notes, the TenPoint TX Ultra 26.5 review is a good starting point among current models. If you are weighing a different brand altogether, our Ravin vs TenPoint comparison sets the two side by side.