Hey guys! I have the same exact problem on my 2000 Rancher ES. I went by a shop in north Houston (non Honda) week before last that had another one already there with the same problem. I decided to give them time to figure out what the problem was before I took mine in. As of last week, they still didn’t know, so I stopped by the dealership where the rig was originally purchased (I purchased 2nd hand) last week and spoke with one of the guys in the shop. I have plans to take it in on Tuesday of next week. Sounds like you guys have the answer. I just hope the dealer will be nice enough to fix mine for free. I am glad you guys had this information posted.

 

I also have a 2001 Honda rancher es stuck in 5th gear will not come out of gear with the buttons or the shifter it slid into a creek and I put it in nuturel then slipped and hit the button and it went in gear and it will not come out so towed it home and it now sits

 

Kudos to Honda for honoring a recall that had expired. I've read so many bad things about things like this, mostly from other manufacturers. Funny thing is, Hondas are the most reliable so repairs are needed much less often. I believe they take a little more pride in building a quality machine than the rest and if they had a defect, they take more pride in fixing it too.