My ESP 04 rancher all of a sudden is having ESP problems, where the machine will "stick" on one gear, and the gear light will flash. It happens in about all of the gears, including nuteral. I have tried the rocking it back and forth bit, but that does not work. I have read thrugh many of the posts already posted, but as a newbie, was unfamiliar when it said check connections. I can narrow the problem down to begining after going through some deep/thick mud last weekend. So, i am guessing mud, water or ???? is causing the problem, but I don't know where to begin. The mud and water was all underneath the machine, so it was not like I was going through deep water. Any help Greatly appreciated!!!!! TIA.

 

I'm guessing you may be getting moister in one of your ESP connections, esp. if this is happening only when you go through water. To remedy it get some dielectric grease from the local auto parts and screeze some into each connector to waterproof them real good.

 

Take apart the ESP switch on the handlebar and do like "pat89" said and clean and coat the connections to waterproof them. My buddy had the same problem and since he coated the connections, he has not had a problem.

Good Luck!

 

My bike had the same problem, and i got a recall notice saying about replacing the ECM and Clutch. After being repaired (replaced, they said Honda developed a new and improved version) at no charge. you might want to check with your dealer about the recall on the rancher.

QuickHonda

 

All good suggestions. There's probably error codes left in the self diagnostics to narrow down the problem to a specific circuit or component. If you want to go that route, best to get a shop manual.

 

Theres a recall[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img] what kind??? What for

 

There was an issue with poor low speed shifting. Honda replaces the ECM (electronic shift brain). The centrifugal clutches are to be inspected too, with a go\no go test (they're not replaced unless they flunk the test). There's a VIN range of included models. It's possible it isn't included. That campaign has been around awhile too, it's possible the dealer did it pre-delivery. Easy enough to tell, just bring the VIN to a Honda dealer and service records can be brought up on their Interactive Network. There's a somewhat new issue with Initialization also, the synch procedure for the shift program. Probably best to see a dealer about it.

 

doesn't that recall only apply to the AT model of the rancher, i was under the impression they still made the rancher 350 es, maybe the recall does effect this model, but i was told it was something with it not shifting down into first correctly unless you came to a complete stop with the Automatic

 

Some effected units experienced the centrifical clutch to " hang up " momentairily because of an inacurately programed ECM. More noticed when riding below 5 MPH
The 350 Rancher is not affected by this service bulletin.

----- Gimpster -----

 

cool