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Viper winch wiring and contactor identification
(this information applies to Viper
winches only) |
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When it comes to
installing ATV winches the area I get the most questions
about is wiring. Which wires go where? What kind of contactor do I
have? Which one is positive and which one is negative? Just to name a
few. I hope to take some of the mystery (and frustration) out of
installing a Viper ATV winch. If you have any questions or suggestions
send them to
kent@mettlers.biz
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Warning !!
You are dealing with high
current electricity!!
Safety is a must!
Always wear safety glasses. |
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Although 12 volts most likely won't kill you,12 volts at very high
amperage can blow the tip off your screw driver, vaporize your lead
battery post, and can even brand the name of your favorite wrench
(that you just happen to be holding) permanently into the palm of your
hand! It can blow molten metal into your eyes and across your shop,
which can easily melt through plastic gas cans and turn a
weekend project into a nightmare. Use caution, take your time and be
safe. Installing a winch isn't as tough as it might seem and is a
great DIY project. |
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| Some general info
about making connections: |
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Contactors: |
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| The last connection you
make will be the negative (black cable) from the contactor to the
battery. This will ensure there is no power to the winch system
until your ready for it. Double check all your connections. Make
sure connections are clean and tight. |
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Viper has used 3 styles of contactors.
All operate the same but have some differences between them. Below
is a description of each. |
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| Contactor connection color code: A&B style
Only |
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Contactor color code C
Style |
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Blue post connects to winch motor |
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Black post with punch mark goes to
Battery- (Negative) |
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Yellow post connects to winch
motor |
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Red
post with punch mark goes to battery + (positive) |
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Red post connects to battery + ( positive) |
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Black post with no punch mark
connects to winch motor. |
Black post connects to battery- (negative)
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Red
post with no punch mark connects to winch motor. |
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Contactor "A" |
Contactor "B" |
Contactor "C" |
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This is the 8 post contactor found in the Classic kits and
some of the smaller MAX kits. Only 4 posts are used the other
four are covered with small caps. This contactor is used
in several different kits. Note the colored posts. (see
chart above) |
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This is the
new style contactor and is found in the new MAX kits. Much
simpler design, only 4 posts to worry about. The cap is molded
with dividers to aid in keeping cables away from each other.
Color coding is the same as the old style. (see chart above)
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This little gem has caused some excitment. This contactor is
found in the MAX 3500lb-4500lb winch kits. As you can see
there are 4 posts. Two black posts and two red posts.
Great.......! Easy solution. Look closely at the tops of the
connection posts. The two posts that are
closest to the green and black wires will have a small punch
mark in the center of them. These posts get connected to the
battery and the other two posts get connected to the winch
motor. |
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Here is a
typical winch set up. The only connection that needs to be
made yet is the small red power supply wire that comes out of
the handlebar switch harness. This wire gets connected to a
switched 12 volt DC power supply on your ATV. Typically
connected to the main power at the key switch (consult the
wiring diagram for your ATV). As you can see there are 8
connections for the main cables, two at the winch, four at the
contactor, and two at the battery. The green and black wires
simply plug in to the contactor.
Click here for a full size image
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Copyright 2008 - Mettler's ATV & Small Engine Svc. - All Rights
Reserved
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