Motorcycles, Snowmobiles, Go-Carts, ATV's and Golf Carts - shorted the electrical system on ATV

I was adding a wench to my yamaha kodiak 400 and put the ground on the negative terminal. When I Went to start the atv, it shorted the system. Did I blow a fuse or totally dork up my whole electrical system? HELP!!!

I had both the Big Bear and lastly the Kodiak,I loved the Kodiak,what more could I need,lol.
I had winches on both which I installed myself,but I remember barely doing it.
I think I was supposed to hook it up so it only worked with the key turned on,but I ended up hooking it up directly to the battery,If I remember correctly,lol.(Not good with directions,lol):wall:
I don't know for sure 'cause it's been ahwile now,but I would imagine it's a fuse.I may be able to find it if I had the bike in my barn,but I can't remember where it is.
I "THINK" that's the trouble.Pretty sure actually.Don't fret just yet,lol.
I'm sure there's alot more guys on this forum that will probably diagnose it right fast,so you'll probably get more replies than mine.
It is safer to have it hooked up to work only with the key on,especially around here there's kids,and they love to pick at stuff,lol.
I have a Yamaha Moto 4,1986 or 87,but have no winch yet.
My bike won't charge the battery,but I'm happy with it.Maybe post the battery problem later.
Anyway,good luck,don't worry,Steve

Thanks Steve, now at least I can sleep! :-)

I am in Alaska, so I need this thing up and running quick before the snow drops. I got real lucky last night since the temp only dropped to 38 and lots of rain. If it was a bit colder, I would have a nice ATV in the garage with a plow and me out in the snow shoveling!!!

Thanks folks,
Kenny G

I went back and double checked the fuses and you were correct. I didn't see the small fracture in the wire but the Ohm reader fount it. I replaced it with a new fuse and it works great! Thanks for all the assist and opinions. I may have never went back to really check the fuses and would have gone down an ugly trail!

Regards,
Kennny G

So was it hooked up correctly? How do you hook it up so it only operates or draws power when the key is turned on?

That's good Kenny.They're great machines with a plow.I used to love when it snowed.I'ld do other peoples driveways just for fun,lol.I made a plow from an old hot water boiler.The inside "barrel",,with my welder.It worked,lol,was alot of fun.
We won't be getting snow here yet .I live in Newfoundland,and we sometimes get some snow before Christmas,but mostly after we get our snow in my area.
Anyway,have fun!!!
And good luck with everything.Talk to you later maybe,Steve.

So was it hooked up correctly? How do you hook it up so it only operates or draws power when the key is turned on?

SmittyTurk,
The switch I have has a forward and reverse button. If neither is engaged, it doesn't draw any power. Even if you have a toggle, you should be ok. If you are really worried about it, I would put a dead switch inline. Hope that helps.

Steve,
Thanks and hope to chat with y'all again!

Kenny G

I realized I didn't answer Turk's question. Yes it was connected correctly. I seems to have been a loose connection that caused an arch and the subsequent short. I just checked the atv this morning after sitting for a couple of days and it cranked right up.

Steve,
In Anchorage, we get snow by Oct 31 every year. Of course I have a standing TDY on those days so my wife has to take the ATV for a spin this year. I'm hoping for snow before I leave so I can give her some On the Job Training! :)

Take care,
Kenny G