I have a 2004 rancher 400at with the auto and esp transmission...it has about 1400 miles on it. I was just wondering if anyone could help with a problem I'm having in "auto" mode. When I start from a dead stop, it will seem to baug down and won't take off, like it's some kind of slip in the transmission or something. I'll throttle it up a bunch, then it'll catch and take off. It doesn't seem to do it in ESP mode, just auto. And it doesn't happen all the time, but seems to progressively becoming more common. Also seems to do it more as I turn from a start or start facing uphill. Any ideas would be appreciated. I've checked all fluids and all seem fine.

 

Replace the centrifical clutch drum, clutch shoes (weights) and springs.

The clutch drum has been hot and warped, also is grooved. It is causing the unit to bog and slip as you have described

When done, reinitialize the system. This involves removing the rear wheels and going through a proceedure to set the powertrain controller at 21 mph in ESP mode, 5th gear. The 400AT is the only auto tranny initialized this way.

----- Gimpster -----

 

i just bought a 04 400at and thought it may have the clutch problem but i got to looking and the rear foot brake lever was sticking down. took it off and cleaned and greased it up and now is good as new. now i have question, do you have your manual? what kind of oil should you use? how do you check oil hot or cold? how much oil does it hold? i dint get a manual from previous owner yet. thank you! joe

 

The 2004 TRX400FG/FA had an updated ECM that should have been installed.. Check your serial number and phone your dealer .. If your out of the serial range Honda will still warranty it... Or at least in Canada they will ..

 

Gimpster...to be honest...I don't even know where the clutch is on this or where to even begin. I could obviously buy the oem parts myself and save lots of money. I already checked some sites and see I could get the parts you suggested for around $150, but would I be jumping into something I shouldn't be. I'm guessing a dealer is gonna cost a grand or so. What's your suggestion?

 

Trust me you dont want to jump into a clutch. First you have to take your front end almost completly apart pull the radiator springs just to get to it then to get the clutch out requires some special tools that you have to buy or build. I just did mine and it sucked took about 4 days to do. A dealer is going to charge any where from 250 to 400 just to get to it then probably at least that much to put it back together if you have to have it done let them do it. The frustration is not worth it.

 

It takes approx. 2 1/2 hours to re-build a centrifugal clutch on a TRX400FG/FA ...

 

Is this a common problem?