The general consensus concludes that the bank angle sensor is most likely the problem. I get an error code on the #1 gear light of 8 blinks. The neutral light comes on and it will shift into reverse but no forward gears or indicator lights by pushing the buttons. I can shift it with the manual shift bar. Can anyone describe what the bank angle sensor does and why they call it that ? I was under the impression it had something to do with rider safety and the angle of the machine so how is that tied into the shifting function ? And what is the simple way to get at the BAS to replace it ? I don't mind buying the part but would like to know how it works and what it does ....

Frederick

 

Not sure why it would be called a bank angle sensor myself. There is an angle sensor that "senses" the movement of the shift motor to tell the ECU what gear the transmission is in. If this sensor goes bad, it will throw a code from the ECU to the display.

A code of 8 blinks indicates there is a problem with the angle sensor system.

 

I agree with you, I don't know where the term " bank " comes from but have seen it several times. " shift " sensor sounds more accurate. I'm 80% convinced this part is causing the shifting problems simply because Honda themselves has admitted the part was defective from their Mexico supplier and they have changed their supplier to Japan. It almost looks like tipping the machine up on it's back-rack will be the easiest way to get at the sensor for replacement but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask how others have accomplished the task. It's pretty tight in there and I haven't figured out how these plastic rivets that hold the panels on come out without breaking them.

Frederick

 

The angle sensor sits on the front of the motor down low. There is a metal cage that sits over the top of it. The best way to get at them is to take the front fender splash guards off. This is the balck lower part of the front fender and then take the inner splash guard off of one side. This gives plenty of room to get at the front of the motor. If memory serves me correctly there are two 10mm bolt holding the cage on. One bolt is on the top the other is on the left side. The and angle sensor is just below the cage and has two allen head bolts. One on top and one on bottom. I don't remember the size of the allen head. Check your wiring that goes to the plug and make sure the wires are connected properly. I would apply some dyelectric (sp?) grease to the connectors.

The black rivets come out by using a flat screwdriver and poping the inner section up (the inner section doesn't come all the way out) and then pulling the outer section. You can take a pair of pliers and squeeze the under-side of the rivet as you pull them out. Most off-road stores carry these. If they break just replace them.

 

Following the advise, I got the shift sensor out. I removed the left front wheel and inner splash shield and it was pretty easy to get at. I proceeded to test the sensor according to the service manual and the resistance readings up/down are not smooth which should indicate a problem. I will order a new one from honda parts online because they seem to be the cheapest ( $44.00 ). Would this bad sensor also cause the 1,2,3,4,5 lamps not to light ? The neutral & reverse lamps work.

 

Is it critical that the battery voltage be at least 12.5 volts in order for the electric shift to work correctly ?

FJB

 

yes Very important!!

 

OK, thank's. I am having shifting problems and have already changed the angle sensor but it didn't help. I should have suspected the battery but it always showed 12.2 VDC which I figured was good, even though it wouldn't turn the starter sometimes. ( DUH ) .... They tested my old battery and said it was shot. The 12.2 VDC was what they called " a surface charge ". Got a new battery now and putting a 2 amp. finish charge on it. I will test in the morning and hope this cures the shifting problem ( fingers crossed ) . I will report back ...

 

Well, with the new battery installed, she is shifting like a dream again. I was thinking that I wasted my money on the new shift angle sensor but it had occasional shifting problems when I know the battery was good so I am convinced they were both at fault in the end. I would suggest that anyone having shifting problems with the ES, that they first make sure the battery is in top condition before exploring other possibilities. These things ARE very sensitive to proper voltage as I was advised ...Thanks to all for the help ...

FJB

 

Great glad you got going!!! Make sure you double check your charing system.....Yes all electical now days got to have aleast 12.5 dcv to even start troubleshooting.....RIDE SAFE...