I've got a 2001 model Honda 450ES Foreman, been a great atv, but yesterday I had an issue. Went to move the rear end of the atv and just picked it up and shifted it (to avoid having to move cars that were in the way). Now, when I crank it, it won't shift into gear using the electronic shift mode, so I have to use the emergency manual shift tool to get it to go. The tranny seems fine, in that it'll shift gears manually, so did I tear something up, or is there a way to fix this myself??? Have moved the thing several times in the past like that with no problems. HELP!!!!

 

none

 

No, can't even locate my owner's manual, have moved twice since getting it. Any directions you can give me or online help I can go to?

 

Scratch that last post, my lovely wife found it for me. Also, it's a 2000 model TRX450ESY, if that matters. Looking at the owner's manual briefly, something caught my attention. I see there's a main fuse that is for the electric shift motor. It sparks a memory that immediately after I moved the 4 wheeler, I had to jump start it, and I thought I heard a popping sound from right beside the battery, but dismissed it. If that fuse were burned out, might that cause my issues?

 

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Okay, so all the fuses are working. Did note that when I push the gear shift button, the secondary spindle (where the manual gear change tool is attached, I think that's what its called) will kinda move a little but not change gears. Don't know what that indicates. Also, the battery is flat, from all my tinkering, so it's being charged overnight. What further advice can you give me?

 

old models were not able to use the es system without a strong battery, if the battery is shot, then it might be the issue

 

I'll charge it overnight, then see what happens. Thanks for your input, and if you will check back, I'll let you know what happens! Any other issues I should watch for on this model? It's been great until now....

 

I have a 98 Foreman ES and I can tell you that if the battery starts to get low, you'll notice problems in your shifting right away. Mine usually will have more trouble downshifting, like from 2 to 1 to N.

 

Now that you mention that, I have noticed over the last several weeks that I sometimes have to "ask" twice to get the gear shift I want. Maybe that'll be it. Will let ya'll know either way.