Can Am Winch Install Instructions
Can-Am is a renowned UTV and SxS brand prized for its rugged design and state-of-the-art technology. However, many new Can Am owners lack the experience needed for upgrading or installing additional parts on their vehicles. That’s why, in this article, we want to give you a detailed how-to guide on the Can Am winch install instructions.
By dividing the process into a few simple steps, you’ll be able to install the Can Am winch like a pro. Furthermore, we’ll highlight some of the most important safety precautions you should be mindful of to prevent potential injuries or damage to your vehicle. Continue reading to discover all there is to know about the Can Am Defender winch install instructions and best practices!
Can Am Winch Install Instructions
Many Can-Am owners turn to installing winches on their vehicles to improve their performance, whether they get stuck on rough trails or simply need some heavy-lifting help around the farm. Winches are used to haul or tow using steel or synthetic cable, making them an essential accessory to have on hand. While the best way to install these parts is by visiting your local Can-Am UTV dealership, you can also do it yourself with the requisite skill and patience.
To get a detailed overview of the installation process, here’s a step-by-step how to guide you can follow:
- Preparations and safety precautions
- Installing the winch
- Wiring
- Installing the remote connector and switch
- Finishing steps
1. Preparations and safety precautions
The first step in any vehicle upgrade is familiarizing yourself with the necessary preparations and safety precautions. To successfully install the Can Am winch, you first need to prepare your workspace and ensure you have all the necessary tools. Some of the main equipment you should purchase beforehand is the following:
- Can-Am winch kit
- Wrenches
- Socket set
- Pliers
- Torque wrench
Once you’ve gathered the needed materials, make sure you’ve disconnected the vehicle’s battery, starting with the black wire. This is an essential safety precaution whenever you’re preparing to do any type of electrical work on your Can-Am UTV because it prevents electrical hazards during installation. You should also double-check if your vehicle is parked on a flat surface so it remains stable during the process.
After you’ve ensured the battery is disconnected and the vehicle is properly parked, you can open and remove the front service cover. This will give you easy access to the junction box, where you need to take off the cover and front fenders by removing the screws and plastic rivets. Always ensure you detach these components carefully so you don’t damage any clips or fasteners.
2. Installing the winch
Once you have your workstation ready, the next step is to install the winch. You start by taking the main power wire, where you’ll notice one is blue and one is yellow. Pair these wires to the studs with the same colors and apply grease to the connections to seal them properly.
Before you insert the winch on the left side of the vehicle, pull the cable of the winch, so you have 12 inches sticking out. Near the front bumper plate, you’ll notice there’s a designated place where the winch is placed, allowing you to insert the cable through the front bumper plate. However, you should always ensure the clutch control button enters first so it fits as it’s supposed to.
There is also an existing hole and guide rollers that indicate where the cable goes. You can easily install the cable guide by latching it to the vehicle and attaching the hook assembly to the cable loop. Remember to always tighten any nuts and screws when installing this part so it remains sturdy.
3. Wiring
Once you’ve installed the main parts of the Can Am winch, you can begin wiring the solenoid. Since there’s a pre-installed electric harness, you’ll first need to move it from the winch to the solenoid. Then, you’ll need to install two locking ties along the frame and main harness, which will later be used to secure the harness.
The next step is to get the winch cable through the radiator deflector and route the electric harness upward. Once that’s done, remember to secure it with the two pre-installed locking ties and look out for a hexagonal flanged screw that’s supposed to set it in place.
To properly connect the winch wires to the solenoid, you’ll need to use two elastic stop nuts. Once again, connect the blue and yellow taped wires to the solenoid’s designated blue and yellow studs. After you’ve connected the wires, you’ll need to add the assembled solenoid to the plastic support plate. Remember to connect the three-angled terminals to the solenoid and tighten the wiring connection nuts. Lastly, grease the connections to keep them in place and install the finished installation under the hood.
4. Installing the remote connector and switch
Even after you’ve installed the Can Am winch itself, you still need to add the remote connector and switch. First, you’ll need to locate the remote connector’s installation position. Then, you need to place the provided template on the multi-use support and secure the connector by drilling the required holes.
After you’ve ensured the part is sturdy, you’ll need to connect the switch's electric harness to the solenoid. Once again, you’ll need to secure it with locking ties and grease the three connectors behind the assembled solenoid.
As for the switch, you need to connect the bullet connectors to the electric harness and secure them with locking ties. Since the switch is meant to be installed on the upper console, you should locate the designated pre-marked opening. Once you’ve removed the plastic cover and added this part, remember to pass the harness through the hole and once again secure it with locking ties.
Lastly, you need to connect the switch to the harness connector and snap it into the upper console.
5. Finishing steps
The last step in the installation process is to reassemble the removed parts and conduct a final inspection. Remember to reconnect the battery by connecting the positive battery cable to the positive battery post and then doing the same for the negative one. You should also ensure all the wire terminals are covered with their protective caps so they don’t incur any damage. And there you go, you have a fully functioning Can Am winch!
Conclusion
After you’ve had the opportunity to take in this detailed overview of the Can Am winch install instructions, remember that you should contact a designated Can Am provider if you don’t have prior experience performing mechanical work at this level. If you’ve decided to install the winch yourself, then always prepare your workstation beforehand and be mindful of the aforementioned safety precautions. Lastly, if you ever need help related to your Can-Am vehicle, contact our team at Wickham Tractor Co., and we’ll be happy to help!