Somebody please help,
I have a 2007 honda rancher 420 ES, with 68 miles. I got it out of the garage the other day to ride it andit would not shift. It really wanted to, when I push the up shift bottun it will up shift and show 1 and then fall back into nuetral. If I push the button fast I can get it to stay in first but then have the same problem with second. I have the Honda tech manual and have checked the codes it has given me but I am doubting that it is an electrical problem.
side note I had a problem with the reverse at one point when it was under warranty they said I had water in the reverse connector. Theyput dielectric grease in it. I can put it into reverse and take it out wih out any problem.

 

Sorry, but you are just another one of many examples why the ES system should be absolutely avoided!!!

Honda needs to redesign this flawed system or take it off the market, and make good on it for all of those who are having trouble!

 

Have you adjusted the clutch ..

 

Like Honda mechanic said, check the clutch.
Honda had a heads up on these units for checking the shift switch connector for moisture and nipping the wires casing aloowing moisture to drain before reaching the connector.
Also moisture can get into the ecm connection causing this problem. Since I am not a huge fan of dielectric grease, I sprayed the connections with ignition sealer, completely after demoisturizing connections
Sounds like they most likely done what Honda suggests, since there was already a shift issue.
Let me tell you though, I had these units come back in with shift issues after what Honda said to do, was done. Switch replacement cured their shift issues. You may need a switch.


----- Gimpster -----

 

I adjusted the clutch I had to turn it a couple of turns out. Now once and a while I can get it to go into first but still having the same problems. I will look for some ignition sealer to spray the connections. I am having trouble believing that it is a problem with moisture because it has been in the garage for months. Also the shift motor is trying to shift.
When I got it into first I thought that maybe it just needed to get rotating and some lubrication so I went to try to ride it. when shifting to second it would go into nuetral. I am guessing it is something stupid.
Thanks for the help ecspecially yours recon ranger it was the best(not).

 

Older models especially 450ES models will do that and it's usually a lazy shift control motor , but yours with less that 100 miles shouldn't need to be cleaned ... If your dealer contacts Honda that will fix that under good will warranty ...

 

I use to have the foreman and it worked perfectly except forwhen the battery went dead. That is why I bought the rancher it is pretty much identical to the 2000 foreman.
I have to get the recall done on the front axles so I will call and ask about it tomorrow. thanks again

 

So I called the dealer today and got an appointment for the end of the week. I asked for the warranty info and he told me that it expired on the 19th of last month. Do I have to do anything special to get them to cover the repair under the "good will warranty"? Other than ask if Honda wil cover it? Complain to someone special? I can change the motor, I will not pay for someone to fix it.
Thanks again

 

All the dealer has to do is phone Honda and have the warranty work ok'd .. We do it a lot it's only a couple of weeks out of warranty..

 

There is an 800 number in your owners manual to call also. COmplain softly and you will probably make foreward progress in getting it covered also.

----- Gimpster -----