ATV
How-to

HOW TO INSTALL A WINCH ON YOUR CAN-AM ATV?

By Can-Am Off-Road

October 2022

No matter where you ride, a winch can get you unstuck, clear obstacles out of the way and even help someone else out of a sticky situation. This hauling and lifting device is a great tool for riders to have in their arsenal. Today, we’re showing you how to install a winch on your Can-Am ATV.

If you do not feel like you have the proper knowledge and skills to install it, you can always contact your authorized BRP dealer to do the job. (Some fees may apply.)

The following instructions are simplified to represent as many vehicles as possible. Always refer to the instruction sheet specific to your model for more in-depth instructions. Consult the operator guide for instructions on how to operate it.

GETTING STARTED

Step 1: Before you do anything else, disconnect your battery for safety reasons. Then pre-assemble your positive cables and circuit breaker.

Step 2: Using electrical tape, take the assembled piece and attach it with a negative battery cable at 1 ft. intervals starting after the circuit breaker, then combine the solenoid bracket and solenoid.

Prepare for the installation

Step 3: Remove the front bumper, lower the front skid plate, block the rear wheels and lift the front of your ride.

Check out the procedure in your vehicle’s operator’s guide to understand how to lift your vehicle, then take off the front wheels and the inner fenders for more room to work. To remove the gauge support, push in on both sides of its leading edge, lift and pull forward. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to remove the console and both side panels.

Start installing the parts

Step 4: Connect the blue electric cables wire with the blue dot on the winch and do the same for the yellow wire.

Step 5: Apply grease to the connections to seal them off, disengage the winch clutch and pull on the cable to get approximately 30 cm (12 in.) sticking out. Insert the winch from the right side of the vehicle, making sure the yellow clutch control button enters first.

Step 6: Secure the winch to the frame, tighten to specifications, and install the previously removed skid plate.

Step 7: Carry the winch cable through the front skid plate and temporarily remove one of the horizontal rollers so the cable can pass through.

Step 8: Install the winch cable guide, secure it and tighten the nuts. Finally, install the hook assembly and secure it to the cable.

Working with the solenoid

We’re going back to the solenoid we assembled earlier.

Step 9: Start by removing and discarding the upper shock retaining nut. Install the solenoid support.

Step 10: Secure the solenoid on the support using a new flanged elastic nut and a flanged hexagonal screw.

Step 11: Pair the wires and studs together: the blue wire with the blue stud and the yellow wire with the yellow stud.

Step 12: Tighten the wiring connection nuts, apply dielectric grease to the connections and slide protective caps over the terminals. Secure the power cable to the frame using locking ties.

Install the winch control

Step 13: Install the winch control switch on the left side of the handlebar and route its harness towards the accessory connector at the front of the vehicle. - Make sure to secure it with locking ties. Unclip the fuse box to pull it out, sending the winch control switch connector to the two-pin connector.

Connect the control switch

Step 14: Route the double-ended female wire towards the solenoid and plug it into the male connectors, applying some grease to the connections to create a proper seal.

Step 15: Route the power cable assembly from the solenoid towards the battery, using locking ties to secure the wires along the way. Finally, connect the positive and negative battery cables to the solenoid and tighten the nut. Give it another hit of grease, then cover the terminals with caps.

Finishing up

Step 16: Secure the cables to the frame with locking ties. Connect the positive battery cable over the vehicle’s positive cable to the positive battery post, then do the same for the negative cable. Cover the red terminal with its protective cap. Then install the removed parts and make sure to apply proper torque values to the attaching hardware. Use the handheld remote to ensure the winch is working properly.

There may be lots of steps to installing a winch on your Can-Am ATV, but this article will be right here to help you through the process. Trust us, it’ll be well worth the effort the next time you or a friend get stuck in the mud!