[DaddyMan425]

I'm new to the forum, but just viewed an old thread from Polaris_Nut about installing a winch. It was a very informative video, but did not address a question I have.

I recently purchased a gently used 2012 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO. It's in great shape with less than 600 miles on it! Going through everything, I found the handlebar winch switch operated backwards (Out was In/In was Out). I disassembled the switch thinking I could switch the wires to correct it. That can't be done because the circuits are all potted (sealed). While in the switch I noticed everything was pretty cracked up and decided to just replace the switch. I purchased the OEM switch from my Polaris dealer and installed it. Unfortunately, the winch still operates backwards. The only connections I haven't checked are the ones on the contact block. All the others are hooked up correctly. If the contact block connections are connected wrong (black on red/ red on black or yellow on blue/blue on yellow), that's an easy fix. If not, has anyone else experienced this issue, and what did you do to correct it?

 

[FPD218]

Welcome to the forum

 

[FPD218]

I'm new to the forum, but just viewed an old thread from Polaris_Nut about installing a winch. It was a very informative video, but did not address a question I have.

I recently purchased a gently used 2012 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO. It's in great shape with less than 600 miles on it! Going through everything, I found the handlebar winch switch operated backwards (Out was In/In was Out). I disassembled the switch thinking I could switch the wires to correct it. That can't be done because the circuits are all potted (sealed). While in the switch I noticed everything was pretty cracked up and decided to just replace the switch. I purchased the OEM switch from my Polaris dealer and installed it. Unfortunately, the winch still operates backwards. The only connections I haven't checked are the ones on the contact block. All the others are hooked up correctly. If the contact block connections are connected wrong (black on red/ red on black or yellow on blue/blue on yellow), that's an easy fix. If not, has anyone else experienced this issue, and what did you do to correct it?

You are on the right path switch the wires around at the contactor block.

 

[Nooobie]

You are on the right path switch the wires around at the contactor block.

And if that is too inconvenient just swap the wires on the winch itself.

 

[DaddyMan425]

You are on the right path switch the wires around at the contactor block.

Thanks, do you know, does the contactor block have a connection to the frame for grounding? If so, switching the black and red may not be possible without removing it.

 

[Nooobie]

Thanks, do you know, does the contactor block have a connection to the frame for grounding? If so, switching the black and red may not be possible without removing it.

Only the contactor hold-in coils are grounded. The winch motor is above ground (not grounded to frame). Just swap the wires on the winch.

 

[DaddyMan425]

 

[Mike_B]

Chances are the wiring is correct. You just need to re-spool the cable.

Hook cable to a tree, back up and let cable out.

Put machine in neutral, hit the IN button and re-spool the cable.

Now,, in= in and out=out.

Will give you a chance to inspect the winch cable too.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

 

[Nooobie]

Chances are the wiring is correct. You just need to re-spool the cable.

Hook cable to a tree, back up and let cable out.

Put machine in neutral, hit the IN button and re-spool the cable.

Now,, in= in and out=out.

Will give you a chance to inspect the winch cable too.

Close inspection is required when all the cable is spooled out to assure that the cable is installed in the correct direction on the drum. You may not be able to re-spool the cable as suggested. That has been my experience with winches.

 

[DaddyMan425]

Chances are the wiring is correct. You just need to re-spool the cable.

Hook cable to a tree, back up and let cable out.

Put machine in neutral, hit the IN button and re-spool the cable.

Now,, in= in and out=out.

Will give you a chance to inspect the winch cable too.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Now that makes sense! Thanks Mike!

 

[FPD218]

Here is the proper orientation on how the rope needs to be secured to the spool.

The rope needs to enter the winch on the bottom of the drum.

 

[DaddyMan425]

Here is the proper orientation on how the rope needs to be secured to the spool.

The rope needs to enter the winch on the bottom of the drum.


View attachment 166335

Thanks!

 

[Nooobie]

Here is the proper orientation on how the rope needs to be secured to the spool.

The rope needs to enter the winch on the bottom of the drum.

This depends on the winch. Some are top, some are bottom. Usually the winch brake only operates in one direction, so it is very important from a safety standpoint that the rope or cable is spooled correctly.