Have a problem with my 2004 Honda Rancher ES, 350. I ride it daily working in the yard and hunting. Have been having occasional problems for several months, but recently it has been getting much worse. I can be in any gear and for no reason it fails to shift ( up or down) and the indicator starts flashing. I can normally clear it by switching it off and restarting it, A couple of times I have had to manually shift to get clear it. Battery is good.

Anyone have any good ideas as to the cause of the problem and suggestions for a fix. Thanks

 

Angle sensor is the most common problem with these atvs

 

Fiche Parts

 

Item number 22 in photo is angle sensor in front engine case cover,,Can order from these guys great people.

 

Although the angle sensor is the most common cause of trouble, on an 04 the shift motor could be getting worn. Before buying a new sensor check how many times the gear indicator blinks quickly before pausing. It is three times for an angle sensor, I can’t remember off hand what the other codes are.

 

It blinks twice. How / where can I find out what this means?

 

According to the workshop manual, fault code 2 is the shifting buttons on the handlebars, or the wiring to them. That is an odd one, I have never had that code as faulty switches do not usually show up as a code. Why, - because if the button does not contact when you press it, the ECU doesn’t know you have tried. I think some codes are complex i.e. two long blinks, pause, four short blinks, long pause then repeating again. So be sure it is definitely code 2 before ordering a new switch.

 

I had codes #2 and #6 the other day an was an bad angle sensors..Just have to check out everything..

 

Thanks for your replies,. I think I will get an angle sensor and try it. Will post back in a couple of days if it doesn't help. From what I have read this is a easy install on the 2004 model, not like some others that require a preload sequence???

 

My problem has gotten worse, it will now only shift from N to Rev and back. Has stopped flashing error codes.
Got a new angle sensor and replaced the old one. No change, will still only go in reverse and does not flash codes.