What's the difference in the 88-93 and the 94-98 CDI boxes? Working on a 96 TRX300/FW that has a defective CDI, we tried one off a 1994 and the 96 started and run fine so I ordered a CDI off Ebay stating it was for 94-98 models but the plug configuration was opposite, the 4 pin plug was on the left and the 2 pin was on the right, the harness plugged in but it would not start. Did the pre 94 models have the same plugs but reversed? Just curious if the one I recieved was for the earlier model years

 

There are either three or four different CDI boxes for 300 Fortrax models. One difference is the pale green neutral lead works the opposite way round on early models. We once got a 300 in part exchange which wouldn't rev, and found it had the wrong CDI, fitted the right one and it ran OK. The last models, with a fan, had it wired through the CDI. This CDI is no longer available, but Honda send out a work around kit, so yet another CDI can be used. They colour coded most of the CDIs and plugs, red plugs to red sockets, green plugs to green sockets, aftermarket CDIs don't have coloured sockets or HM3. HM4, etc, stamped on them to indicate which model they fit.

 

Thanks, Wonder if the plug variation on the aftermarket two socket CDI boxes is what identifies them? All the aftermarkets I've seen have white sockets but the 4 pin / 2 pin sockets are reversed between years like the oem, both will connect to the harness. I do know the one I received the sockets were opposite than the oem I took off and would not work, so I ordered another where the sockets matched my oem. Hope this question makes sense, it's a bit confusing dealing with aftermarket parts...