[marine]

I am trying to install a Warn 2.5ci winch and the instructions only say to splice into a wire that is "on" when the key is switched on. Well, I wanted to know if any of you knew what wire yours is connected to and where I would locate this wire physically on the bike? The actual hardware install is not to bad, I belive the wireing is going to kick my butt LOL

HELP!? LOL

 

[blue_grizzly_04]

Marine,

When I installed mine I went under the rght fender where the 12 volt accessory plug is and I used that wire for my source. The accessory socket will not work unless the key is on. It was a nice easy set-up to do. I have a 12 volt tester(the one with the probe on one end and a bulb on the other) I simply unwrapped the two wires for the socket and turned the key on then pireced the wire coating on each wire until I found the hot wire. Then it wa just a matter of adding a quick splicer(blue plastic piece) and re-wrap the two wires and done. If you need more info feel free to PM me and I will do my best to help. Good luck.

Oh I also mounted the contactor box(solenoid) in my storage box under the seat. I had problems before with my Kodiak when I mounted it where the instructions suggested(on the frame). The exposure to water and mud ruined it in only 6 months time. So now I mount them all in the trunk space under the seat, its dry there and protected. Works out great and its out of the way of being messed up.

 

[94]

did it exactly the same way on mine, works great.

 

[marine]

Thanks guys, I should be receiving the mounting hardware this week and will be able to get the winch installed before this next weekend...(got ride planned)

 

[94]

remember when your running wires etc. that someday you may have to take the front fenders off, take a little time and look ahead so you don't have to cut wires or do some disassembly later.

 

[blue_grizzly_04]

Marine,

When I bought my Warn winch they don't give you very much wire length to work with. As I stated in my above post, my contactor box(solenoid) is mounted in my storage box under the seat which works out great being so close to the battery. Then I ran the two wires(yellow & blue) along the frame towards the front of the machine with zip ties. I didn't tighten the zip ties all the way down secure until I had the wires where I wanted them. If memory serves me correctly there was maybe 2" total extra length of wire left over after running them along the frame. Once I secured the two wires to the winch I took the backlash and ran it back into the storage box then tightened the zip ties down secure. It came out neat and profesional looking and works out great. Good luck.

 

[marine]

Thanks guys! my wife and I installed the winch last night and it took us about 2.5 hours total time. the only real iritating problem I was having is with the extra length of the yellow and blue wires. I ran them and had around 6-8" of extra cable!! Maybe they increased the length of the wires in the newer winches? I am thinking I will go and find those metal ends on the wires and cut the extra wire off and re-crimp the metal rings back on the wire and re-connect to selonoid. As it is now I just have them laying in the trunk under the seat (this is nasty and makes the trunk useless).

Just if anyone else is doing this, the switched power (if you use the 12V cig. adaptor) is the white wire.

I also found that when I was testing it late last night it was dark and I had my headlights on. When I turned on the winch the lights dimmed slightly...is this good?