I am installing a winch on my Honda and I would like to know if anyone has installed a switch to turn off the winch when it is not needed. My Warn winch is activated when the ignition key is turned on. I would like to know if anyone has put a switch in between the ignition wire and the solenoid. I have read on other post where the winch has tweaked racks and frames when the winch was accidentally activated and I would like to avoid this from happening. Any input would be appreciated.

 

Chadwick, I'm not being disrespectful; further, I acknowledge it's your quad and you can rig it any way you want to. If an extra switch gives you comfort, put it in.

However, the idea of a switch between the ignition switch and the solenoid appears awfully redundant to me.

The purpose of the ignition-activated solenoid is identical to the in-line switch you propose.

What good would an additional switch do in series with the solenoid control line? The winch control switch isn't going to turn itself on. And, even if the control switch had a mind of its own (visions of Peter Sellers in the title role of the movie, Dr. Strangelove, come to mind), it's not going to have power if the ignition switch is off. And, why would the ignition switch ever be on unless the quad were attended?

"Accidentally activating" a winch, the possibility you mention, ain't likely. Turning on your winch remains far from subtle; if you have a rotary switch, you must apply considerable torque to activate the switch; when you release the switch, powerful springs restore the switch to the "off" position automatically, even shunting the winch motor terminals. An accidental activation scenario is hard to imagine.

If you're putting in this additional switch, why not hot-wire it, bypassing the ignition switch? Then, you can turn on the switch and operate the winch whether the igniton is on or not. (I'm not serious, just searching for the point of the additional switch.)

If infants have access to the quad, and you're afraid they will manipulate the winch control switch and ignition, practice some key discipline--remove the keys from the quad as you would from your car parked at a shopping center in Compton, CA. If they can turn on both the ignition and the winch control switch, they can probably turn on your additional switch as well.

Perhaps I'm missing something, but I cannot see any merit or purpose in an additional switch in the solenoid voltage control line circuit.

Tree Farmer

 

Tree Farmer, I have been browsing the ATV Forums for a while now. This was my first posting and I was wandering if you would respond as I have noticed your replies to various other postings. Although I agree in a extra switch as being redundant my riding partners have lots of little kids who go with us and are always messing with things they shouldnt. I wish the rotary switch came with a "safety" shutoff feature on it. If there were adults only I would not worry about this but if you have been around small inquisitve children I think you would understand my concern. Anyway thanks for your reponse.

 

Chadwick, I understand you want the extra switch to "child-proof" your quad. With such active, inquisitive and experiment-prone children around, removing the ignition key might be a good idea when your quad is unattended, thus disabling your winch and all electrical equipment (starter, ignition, lights, etc.). If the extra switch still appears a better alternative, making the additional switch itself child-proof appears a challenge.

If you fear the children may both turn on the ignition and activate the winch control switch, their ingenuity may extend to turning on your auxiliary switch as well.

Oh, yes: I suggest you check your fuel tank petcock after the children have descended upon your quad--they may have shut it off or prematurely switched you to "Reserve."

Tree Farmer

 

Mount the solenoid as close to the battery as possible & install your on-off switch. No sense having 6 feet of 8 gauge wire & a soleniod constantly energized for the {hopefully} rare occasion when you will need your winch.I found a waterproof pushbutton switch that is very small & fits anywhere.

I agree curious onlookers may have a tendency to twist a rotary switch; I've once had a branch push mine while going thru some brush.

I also recommend cutting the cables to length, & soldering on the lugs.The Warn kit lengths are very generous. Wire loom doesn't hurt either.Better safe than sorry.

 

Another option is to wire winch soleniod to head light in stead of ignition or just leave winch in freewheel.

 

I have considered hiding a switch to disable my winch also. My concern is when the dealer installed my Superwinch 2000, they wired it hot all the time. The winch works regardless of the ignition position. I am afraid some will use my own winch to load MY Rancher into the nack of THEIR pickup truck!

I also have a 6 year old nephew who loves to play with things. So child proofing is a added bonus.