Let us know what the problem is.

 

Hi All,

Thanks for your suggestions, but I have not had any luck in correcting the problem. I have tried "greasing" the connecters after taking it all apart, but that has not worked. I have noticed that the display blinks three times, if this is some type of error code. But I don't have access to a manual that would tell me. Any more suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!!

 

3 blinks is a angle sensor code, but this could mean a wiring issue, dirty connection anything, it just doesn't mean the angle sensor is bad

 

So.... What does this really mean?? Do I need to take out the angle sensor and check its wiring? And where is this angle sensor? If looking at the ATV from the front and underneath, is it underneath the metal protectors that are just above the main frame......the very first thing in front of the actual engine?? (I know this is a lousy description, but.......) Thanks!!

 

Yes it's mounted on the lower front part of the engine, underneath the metal cover. There's a coupler directly at the angle sensor, it's locking, press the tab, release the coupler and look for water or corrosion. Follow the wires up right front frame and make sure they're not pulled out. Sometimes water can actually get in the angle sensor itself, which may have wrecked it. The two bolts that hold the metal cover are all you need to remove to replace it.

 

Thanks DZZY! I took of thecover, and unsnapped the coupler. It did not fix the problem (after checking for water and corrosion, however), it did seem to help a little as I could go longer before the problem started up again. On occasion, I could just turn the atv off and back on, and the shifter would work. Other times I had to get out the foot shifter. So...the problem is still there. Maybe i need to try to replace the sensor? If so, does it just "unplug" or is there more to it. As an aside, on two different occasions, the gear light flasehed 9 times, instead of the usual three. Does any one know what 9 blinks mean? TIA!!

 

3,8,9 all refer to angle sensor fault, kind of dumb to have 3 different errors point to the same problem, they must mean something different then each other, but my book shows its a angle fault for all of them

 

By the way, anytime you use the manual shifter, it will leave an error code in the diagnostic memory. It stores the two most recent failures. Yes, try an angle sensor.

 

Tim, I just started having the same problem on my 04 rancher 350. It has been difficult to locate good info on the problem, so please share your solution here. In my searching I did find a great breakdown of all the pieces and parts on the Rancher. It is at www.servicehonda.com . They have diagrammed parts listings for a list of Hondas for download. It has helped me understand and find the location of parts on the machine. They also seem to have some good prices. There's their plug for posting the parts listings.
Mine is still under warranty, but i want to make sure that I am not the reason for the problem. I know that I can replace the angle sensor myself, but it would be nice to know that it is the problem. I was hoping that it was some mud at the connection. Anyhow, the sensor is located under the box shaped metal cover at the front of the engine. Right under the little motor.
James

 

Here is a list of error codes, compliments of Lighthouse on this forum:

1 Blink ECU ( writing and recording circuit )
2 Blinks ES shift switch system ( up and down )
3 Blinks Angel sensor
4 Blinks Gear positiom switch system
5 Blinks ECU motor drive circuit
6 Blinks ECU fail safe relay circuit
7 Blinks ECU voltage converter circuit
8 Blinks Angle sensor system
9 Blinks Angle sensor system
10 Blinks ignition pulse generator system
11 Blinks speed sensor system ( vehicle speed )
12 Blinks gear positiom switch system