Just picked up a 98 450ES and I have no owners or service manual yet.Was wondering if you could pull history codes from it?Only had it out once so far and it quit shifting after approx. 20 min.Didn't notice anything flashing on the dash,but the gear indicator did light up all the segments like when you first start it and stayed that way until I cycled the key.We stopped for about 20 min. and then rode back home a different way and it worked fine.Would like to do some checks before I go to far again.
Go easy on me(this subject has probably been beat to death)I'm new to this machine and to riding atv's.Thanks.


Chris

 

Sorry, Honda quads before 2002 do not store or bring up codes.
You have to diagnose then the old school way

PS
Welcome to the forum

----- Gimpster -----

 

Could start by checking all the connections for water... I had an issue with mine after only 12 hours on the trail(brand new). turned out to be water in the main wiring harness to the ES shift from pressure washing it after riding.

 

Thanks
I haven't had a chance to duplicate the problem.Maybe next time I'll have more info(or at least notice something else)or maybe there won't be a next time hopefully.Thanks for the welcome Gimpster.

P.S.I will definitely check some connections before I go to far.Not a bike mech.,but a long time licensed auto tech so I'm sure with a little direction I'll get it sorted.Manual sure would be nice about now.

 

The older 450's can be a pain to diagnose. Most likely a gear position switch or a shift control motor on that one. Like suggested a connection maybe. Really did not see many shift angle sensor failures on those older ones. I think that is back when the contracted company to manufacture them was still building them to Honda's spec.
If you hit any snags, there is a lot of knowledge on here from very top shelf techs, so chime in.

----- Gimpster -----

 

I'm thinking maybe water also as I pressure washed it a couple of days before.I'll give the connectors a going over and then see if it happens again.Thanks for the info.

Chris

 

when u start to check all ur connections once u get them open skake them out and put dielectric grease in all connections and also ur sparkplug boot a wet plug boot and the bike wont run i live and ride in south louisiana we believe in dielectric grease if its not ***** deep its not deep enough!!!!!!