I have a 2005 Rancher 400AT. Well its my girlfriends. I have never worked on this type of machine only sport quads. Here is the problems.... Her Brother changed the oil before going hunting and overfilled it. He started having shifting problems. I have just drained about 3/4 of a quart out of it. The esp code blinks 12 times. I have read that this is a shift position sensor. Am I correct?? How can i test to see which one? Any other possible problems?

 

Code #12 is an ECM code .. Oil level would have no effect on it ..
Here are the tests for code #12 .. Myself I would first check the shift control motor ..
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Well i haven't been able to work on it yet. Partially cause i cant find my multimeter. So this is the first 4 wheeler i have worked i have only had sport quads. Could you tell me where the controll motor is located. Any chance you might be able to email me the shop manual so i could download it?? Thanks for the help!!! any idea on the cost of the control motor and an ecm??

 

There is not much in the shop manual that helps with code #12 .. Honda doesn't have shift motor dis-assembly info or supply shift motor parts .. Taking the shift motor apart and cleaning the commutator bars/checking brushes and re-assembly is easier with another set of hands .. If your not comfortable taking the small motor apart yourself I get an auto electric shop to check the shift motor ..
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component location

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shift control motor .. you don't have to remove the front fenders ..
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Tested motor...no continuity. Removed and took it apart found a bad spring so i replaced it and bench tested the motor. works fine. Installed it and still same problem

 

after 6 hours of testing, removing repairing. I have just about gave up on this. What would be the reason for not being able to intialize it...cause i tried that and it wont let me!!!!!

 

Where did you get the spring for the shift motor ..

 

I found one that had about the same tesion and about the same length. when i bench tested it off the battery it worked great.