2006 Arctic CAT ATV backfires and loses power when using winch

[rbcronk54]

I went out to do some snow plowing this morning with my Arctic Cat 400cc ATV. Runs fine but when I would go to pull the electric winch in to raise the plow, it would die. If I throttle up to increase power while pulling the winch in, it loses power and backfires. Runs fine as long as I don't touch the winch.

The battery was not strong enough to start it this morning so I had to pull start it.

Any ideas on what the issue is?

Thanks in advance all.

[Trikemaster]

The battery has to be FULLY charged to operate the quads computer.
If the battery is slightly low the dash lights start acting eratic+.
Battery tender keeps the battery charged year round...

[rbcronk54]

Thanks Trikemaster, I will charge up the battery and see how it goes. Appreciate your help

[Trikemaster]

not a problem.

[rbcronk54]

Trikemaster.....charged the battery and winch works great. I guess I thought it would run okay as long as the engine was running, but not the case. Thanks again for your help.

[Trikemaster]

Awsome....Yeah, those batteries have to be fully charged.....Damn computers

[jessieherrera]

Hello,
An ignition system has to have I believe at least 7-8 volts to operate properly. The amperage draw on a winch is very high. A good quality and LARGE battery should solve the problem. If you have the room you may also want to consider a parallel two battery hookup. This will offer you twice the amperage at 12 volts. The charging capabilities should not suffer.
Good luck.