Warn Multi-mount winch...

JAH · 12-13-2004, 01:54 PM

Has anyone installed the electrical supply for the Warn Multi-mount winch system? I'm not going to bother with the front but supplying the rear receiver hitch should be possible. On the other hand, it will be problematical and I would appreciate the accumulated "wisdom of those who have gone before."

I see three problems right off. 1) Where do I mount the solenoid? There's not a lot of room under that hood. There may be enough room right next to the battery, on the wheelwell side, but I don't know for certain. Where have people put the solenoid? 2) What is the best way to pass the solenoid control switch wires through into the passenger compartment from the engine compartment? Least damage pathway? Easiest pathway? 3) I'd like to use one of the unused "blank" switches/switch openings. Anyone know how to "pop" one of those "blanks" out? There's not a lot of room to see what you're doing.

Bayou Titan · 12-13-2004, 04:57 PM

Here is a link with pictures that shows a winch install.
some updates...

bestatchess · 12-13-2004, 05:32 PM

2) What is the best way to pass the solenoid control switch wires through into the passenger compartment from the engine compartment? Least damage pathway? Easiest pathway?

Probably fish the wires through the hood latch release cable grommet in the driver's side firewall with a coat hanger. Another possibility is the 1/2 inch rubber plug through the firewall just above the hood latch release cable grommet which you can see with a flashlight under the hood just behind the brake booster (although maybe you should save that in reserve for a stereo amplifier power cable). You can run the wires from the battery region under the cowl in split loom secured under the cowl by a combination of zip ties and industrial strength VELCRO.

3) I'd like to use one of the unused "blank" switches/switch openings. Anyone know how to "pop" one of those "blanks" out? There's not a lot of room to see what you're doing.

If you are talking about the blank on the lower left driver's side, just take the lower plastic dash panel off to gain access by removing the obvious screws. I was able to get the central dash switch blank out by pulling off the central dash cover (covering the radio), although it is pretty close quarters.

You can either cut a hole in one of the existing blanks to mount an aftermarket switch directly through the blank, or else buy a factory switch to fit the opening.

JAH · 12-14-2004, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayou Titan

Here is a link with pictures that shows a winch install.
some updates...

Ahhh... thanks for the link!

Those on/off switches he found are perfect. Where in the world did he find them?

JAH · 12-14-2004, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bestatchess

Probably fish the wires through the hood latch release cable grommet in the driver's side firewall with a coat hanger.

You can either cut a hole in one of the existing blanks to mount an aftermarket switch directly through the blank, or else buy a factory switch to fit the opening.

Thanks. I'll take a "run" at the hood release grommet.

Regarding the "blank" switch: "cutting a hole" and "lucky" will need to go hand-in-hand

... just in case things get ugly, are there part numbers, Nissan or aftermarket, for replacement switches that will fit those openings?

I guess there aren't any solenoid placement ideas... I'll investigate the area next to the battery.

bestatchess · 12-14-2004, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAH

Thanks. I'll take a "run" at the hood release grommet.

Regarding the "blank" switch: "cutting a hole" and "lucky" will need to go hand-in-hand

... just in case things get ugly, are there part numbers, Nissan or aftermarket, for replacement switches that will fit those openings?

I guess there aren't any solenoid placement ideas... I'll investigate the area next to the battery.

Depending on the size and shape of your winch switch, you might have good luck with a drill and/or dremel tool to cut the blank. I used a drill and an exacto knife on one of mine with good results.

You should be able to order a factory switch to fit the blank from your dealer, although I think they cost as much as a nice vintage bottle of bordeaux. I think I saw one post where somebody mounted a fog light switch for a Frontier and/or Pathfinder in place of one of the blanks, so you might find that post if you search.