I purchased a used 1998 Foreman 450 ES that I have had for eight years and I have replaced the battery for the third time ... Someone told me that they thought there was a recall on this year model relating to some "power drain" from the digital display but i have not been able to confirm this . In addition, when the battery last died and I had to pull start it the hour meter on the display went wild and shows an unrealistic number of hours... any suggestions on what action I need to take to check out the system and make the battery last longer?

 

With the power key off, put a meter on all the connections going to the DD. If you get a reading, you've got a power drain. If that's the case, you can either replace the display console, or disconnect it if it's not important to you. If you disconnect it, I would strongly advise installing a set of analog gauges in its place.

 

Here is the test for the current draw .. A number of years ago Honda was fixing these under warranty , but not anymore .. A TRX450S was in in June for this fix and the parts are still available .. Here is the test and a picture of the kit I installed ... Today is Labour Day in Canada so I can't check part numbers (my HondaCom account is limited today) ..Check with a US Honda dealer and they can help you (I'm guessing your in the US) .. DON'T use my part numbers because the Canadian models use different display and it's possible the part numbers are different .. I did check an online Honda parts outlet and both the 450S & 450ES did use the same display on some models/years # 37200-hn0-a02 , so it is possible you need the same part I installed but check with your dealer ..



================================================== ================================================== ============
================================================== ================================================== ============

 

Thanks HondaMechanic! ... I just completed the current leak test and it proves to be a problem. I am in the US and it may be difficult for me to check on the appropriate part today (Labor Day), but if you have the opportunity to do a quick check on the part numbre it would be greatly appreciated. Also, your photo showing installation...front left??? Is this a specific connection to the digital display or where?

 

Yes it just goes inline at the display coupler which is on the left front just above the front left spring/shock , a very easy install ... I have limited access with HondaCom today because it is Labour Day here to , but I know our display is different (ours is metric in kilometers and yours is in miles) but the kit to cut power draw maybe the same but that would have to be checked with a US dealer because Honda Canada doesn't supply that info..