The solenoid has failed on my Polaris mounted Warn winch. I've only used this winch once, and am a little unhappy with the failure. The dealer mounted the solenoid behind the battery, which is
inside the left rear wheel, and the solenoid is subjected to all the water and mud thrown up by that wheel. Is this a recommended location, or is the solenoid supposed to be mounted in a dry area?
The solenoid is activated by the ignition switch, so it is "on" all the time the ignition is "on". I'm tempted to put in an "on/off" switch in series, so the solenoid would only be activated by that switch.
I also would like to know if there is another, more reliable (cheaper would be nice, too) solenoid that would work. Anyone tried substituting? I'd welcome your ideas. TIA

 

I just saw a brand new magnium yesterday with a dealer installed Warn 2000# winch with a on off switch installed on it. Also his solenoid was mounted under his seat. I would take it back to the dealer and have them get you another one and also have them move it to another place. Myself I didnt install thes solenoid on my quad, cause i think there are times that i will use it and i dont nessasarly need the key on. But I dont recamend that for anyone to do it like i did.

 

oh no! problems with a warn winch again. glad i got a atv superwinch.

 

I'll bet if you contacted Warn they would replace it. It had to be faulty to start with. I have my solenoid mounted in the rear storage box where it stays dry and clean, but my Father-in-law's is mounted right on the winch mount itself, exposed to all sorts of mud, water, dust, ect... His machine is a 97 Big Bear and he's had zero problems.

 

It was definitely defective to begin with. My solenoid gets submerged all the time and hasn't gone out yet. But then again, I expect it to at any time because those solenoids aren't made to be submerged like that. You can pick up a better solenoid at a high performance auto parts place. Or might even be able to get a marine type from a boating store.

 

i mounted my soly as high as possible and coated the connections with liquid electrical tape. i'm thinking about installing a splash guard to protect it as much as possible without totally enclosing it.

texascat

 

I had the dealer put an on/off toggle switch on the side of the top headlght by the 12 volt receptacle. I only turn it on when I need too. This would be easy to install one if you need too.