ok, so if i o decide to go manual on the shifter, how difficult would it be?

 

Did you try doing it with a set of jumper cables hooked up to the battery? That will tell you if it is a bad battery or not. Warranty? That is why I bought the extended warranty. I would hate to have to spend the money to fix my ES! Hope you figure it out. I don't believe converting it to manual shift is an option. The way the ES and S models shift is different. You may be screwed in that respect.

 

I would not trust any dealership personnel that offered that information based on the symptoms you described here. I haven't seen ANY problems with Rancher computers that I can remember. That your clock was flashing indicates your display lost power somehow. Make sure battery is good and fully charged and connections are good. The next question would be...Can you go through the gears with the manual shifter by rocking it back and forth?No, it's under the FRONT fender on ranchers, stick to posting your lame opinions, clearly you don't know the facts.

 

Just reread this thread and my post. SDK is right. The manual shifter that comes with ES models is only intended to be a "get you out of the woods" kind of thing. I don't know anyone who is using it on a permanent basis. Trx250Time, sorry I flamed you man. Your wrong about the location of the ECM, but my post made me sound like a dick.

 

Ok, the shifter works fine when in manual mode. Not even the first problem there, dont even have to rock it. as far as the fuse block....anyone know if the black 3 pronged fuse would be for the es feature? If so, how do you tell if its blown?
Thanks so much for the input so far! As for all the other fuses, they all seem to be operable.

dzzy, is the computer actually one of the plugs?

 

The computer, or ECM in Hondaspeak, is a black box with MANY terminals, underneath the front fender. I wouldn't even mess with that except as a last resort. Check your owner's manual for the fuse locations. Usually you can visually inspect fuses, but a more definite way would be to check continuity on them with a meter. I'm not sure without reference what three pronged thing you're talking about. The best clue to your problem that I can discern from your post is the flashing clock. Did you verify your battery and terminals? Can you set your clock now? Try it, turn the key off and see if it stays set. If you don't have proper power to the display it won't shift. Do you hear a noise from the shift motor when you try to shift? I think starting in about 02, they included self-diagnostics, if your Rancher is older than that, trying to pull a trouble code out of it is not an option. Keep in mind that any time you use the manual shifter, the ESP will sense an error, and you will have to turn the key off to reset it. Try undoing the locking couplers on the electrical connectors, unplug them, check for corrosion or moisture, and reconnect, including the ones underneath the front fender.

 

Also, check the actual shift buttons to see if one of them might be stuck in the shift position (pressed down). I worked on a Rancher the other day (the first time I get a probelm with a Rancher ES system) and noticed right away that the downshift button wasn't coming back quite as far as the upshift button. Took out my trusty Fluke multi-meter and confirmed that the button was stuck on, which wasn't letting the machine shift. Just another possibility.

 

OK, I've gone to my local honda shop....I know, I know bad move, but I talked to a mechanic and he agreed to look at it for no charge. He said if it is a small problem, he would fix it for nothing. The three pronged plug I referred to earlier is a relay for the starter, so now thats out of the way. Hopefully when I take it to my friend at the dealership next week, he will find it to be a minute problem instead of a large one.

Something else I've decided on is trading this quad or selling it and getting a sport quad. I like the honda, but I saw a Kawasaki 400. I love this bike!!! The honda riders I've talked to say that they love their bikes, but the reverse gear would be nice. Anyone got any suggestions? I also like the arctic cat sport quads. Have never rode one or even talked to anyone with one, but I love their look. I did bring up the raptor to a friend and he said it is an awesome bike, but its too light for the monster motor. Any suggestions would be nice, keep in mind that I'm 6'02, so I'd look silly on a small bike.

 

I have a 2001 Rancher ESP also. Yesterday it did the same thing. The clock is flashing and the shifting buttons will not work. Did you find out what was wrong with yours? If so could you pass it along to me? I'll probably spend sometimne troubleshooting it today. But if someone could point me in the right direction it would probably make it easier. Thanks!