Kb9NVH says, about the Warn 2000 circuit interrupter solenoid, "I didn't see the point really."

Kb9VNH, you are quite correct; a solenoid prevents winch use unless the ignition key is turned on. Also, without a solenoid on this model of winch, a "live" heavy-gauge hot wire extends from the battery to the control switch at all times. A short-circuit, occurring for example, should insulation abrade from this conductor and the wire contact the frame, could start a fire or otherwise damage the quad and the battery.

The solenoid provides voltage to the winch control swtich hot wire only when the ignition key is turned on; therefore, if any short-circuit develops, the quad is attended and can be fixed before catastrophic damage.

A poster on the old Forum told how he had his winch mounted in the rear of his quad; shortly thereafter, the quad burned up while sitting on a trailer in a garage. He was puzzled as to how this fire started.

I asked him whether the shop mechanics installed a solenoid; he never replied; I imagine he was pursuing an insurance claim (I have NO information supporting this conjecture) and the answer might not have been helpful.

In the case of the Warn 2000 and similar winches, the solenoid is a safety device, as the flight attendants say, "In the unlikely event . . ." Whether one uses the solenoid or conects the control switch directly to the battery remains an individual choice; I described one purpose for the solenoid beyond preventing winch use unless the ignition key is activated.

Tree Farmer

 

Tree Farmer is absolutely correct. That said, I’ve run four different winches on four different machines for years, all without the solenoid. I consider the solenoid to be a weak link in a system that is necessary as a fail-safe. So, aware of the possible (but “unlikely”) repercussions, I chose to eliminate it. Careful routing of wires should be all that’s necessary to prevent damage to the insulation. An automotive type circuit breaker could be added in-line for protection if one desires.

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FloodRunner, on the Wisconsin River

 

Thanks for all the help. I hooked everything up this morning and if even works (and looks almost professional, a first for me). I did mount the solenoid to the crossmember under the front cover, but drilled two holes in the front of it. This allowed both bolts to be used as well as dropping it down a little to give a little more clearance. I mounted the control to the front fender as that seemed to be the best position, even if I did have to drill a few holes into my fenders.

Thanks again for all the help.

Steve Toth

 

It may sound strange, but I was afraid of getting the solenoid wet, also. What I ended up doing is coating the whole solenoid with clear silicone. It worked out great, not only is it totally waterproof, but I can blast it with a hose and mud comes right off. It hasn't caused any problems at all.

 

Hello just got through mounting my warn 2T winch on my Artic Cat 500cc auto I mounted the solenoid on the outside of the battery box stays dry there and doesn't get dirty up under the seat really never thought about it but I guess the solenoid isn't really needed have the hot wire mounted to the + side of the battery is there really anything wrong with the solenoid staying on all the time I really wasn't sure what lead was hot when the key was on can anyone help me on this one on the artic cat...also mounted the control on the right side (sitting on the AC) on the last bar on the front rack this seems to be the best place as it doesn't interfere with hauling anything there...BiLL

Got Mud...My Artic Cat does

 

Hello just got through mounting my warn 2T winch on my Artic Cat 500cc auto I mounted the solenoid on the outside of the battery box stays dry there and doesn't get dirty up under the seat really never thought about it but I guess the solenoid isn't really needed have the hot wire mounted to the + side of the battery is there really anything wrong with the solenoid staying on all the time I really wasn't sure what lead was hot when the key was on can anyone help me on this one on the artic cat...also mounted the control on the right side (sitting on the AC) on the last bar on the front rack this seems to be the best place as it doesn't interfere with hauling anything there...BiLL

Got Mud...My Artic Cat does

 

There is a brake kit available for the Warn 2000 and the 2500. I believe it is shown in the catalog. The customer service 800# can give you the part # and any Warn dealer can order it. It can be installed by a person with minimal mechanical ability. Regading the 2500 difference from the 2000, they basically told me the wiring was beefed up, I guess to increase the current flow. In the catalog, they draw the same amperage at each load, except there is no entry for 2500 pounds under the 2000's performance.

 

"atving" says,

"have the hot wire mounted to the + side of the battery is there really anything wrong with the solenoid staying on all the time"

Yes. A solenoid hot-wired will drain your battery over time. Connecting the solenoid control wire to the hot side of your battery sends current through the electromagnetic coil in the solenoid, closing the relay contact points carrying voltage to your winch control switch.

Besides draining your battery by the continuous connection of the solenoid coil, you continually provide voltage to the winch control switch wire, defeating the purpose of the solenoid (the solenoid interrupts the winch control switch circuit, preventing winch use when the ignition key is "off" and preventing short-circuits from causing fire or other damage when the ATV is unattended).

Instead of hard-wiring the solenoid control wire to the positive battery terminal, you'd be better off throwing the solenoid away and connecting the winch control switch hot wire directly to the battery.

Tree Farmer

[This message has been edited by Tree Farmer (edited 11-06-1999).]

 

atving , the only problem I see with mounting the control switch on the right side is that it makes it difficult to operate the throttle and the winch at the same time . I haven't had a chance to use it yet but the main reason I got a winch is to operate a snowplow. While plowing snow I would like to be able to operate the winch and the throttle at the same time . Good luck .

 

TREE hate to disagree with you as you always seem well informed.But have had winches installed with and without solenoid.The one that I just sold had solenoid in it ,never had power drain.The solenoid has nothing to do with switch on or off, only stops voltage from burning up winch, if you have a short in circuit.most have self setting switch in them if it over heats it kicks out,when things cool down resets it's self.If you wire winch through switch, you have to turn key on first,If you by pass switch,you have power all the time.Just matter of which way makes you happy.I have installed mine everytime except new 99 came with winch,the dealer installed toggle switch on head light houseing.You had to turn on key then toggle switch.Didn't work any better or worse than my way.Just had to do more to use winch.Later COB