1998 kodiak 400 4x4
I bought this atv and the previous owner pulled the battery for another atv he has. I bought and I stalled a new battery, the atv fired right up. I tried out the winch and it seemed to be weak but worked. Later my son hopped on it and rode around the yard and the the switch and wiring from the switch started to smoke and melt the insulation from the hot wires. I disconnected the winch from the battery, and all was well rode the atv several times. Yesterday I was trying to see if the switch was the only damage or if the winch itself was fired. The wires heated up again and I immediately disconnected it again. But now the bike wont fire, it started and ran for about 3 seconds and now wont fire at all. I have completely disconnected the winch and removed all wiring to the relay, winch, and removed the switch from the bike. Any ideas where to look to fix this?

 

The main fuse may have blown. On newer Yamahas it is on the starter solenoid, not sure about older models like yours. check any Yamaha wires that were next to the winch ones, as it could have melted the insulation on them, and they could then short out.