My 04 Rancher has a lot of miles on it. I bought it used and it was in pretty rough shape. We've got it back in great shape except the speed. While driving, it shifts through all of the gears fine (both in auto or manual), but it acts as if it is in "low range". Some 4 wheelers have a low and high range. The speed tops out at around 21 mpg. I have another Rancher of the same exact year and model. It tops out around 53 mpg. Any ideas?
Again, it DOES shift through all of the gears, has good clean oil and runs great. Please help.

 

As far as I know Honda only used one axle ratio for the 400 so could either the rev limiter be set too low (faulty CDI) or the throttle set not to open fully, either by a stop in the control box or a lot of free play in the cable? Check it isn't overcharging (14.5v max) as I think this can affect the rev limiter circuit. The transmission is hydraulically driven and hydrostatic drives can slow down if the hydraulic pump or motor gets worn, don't know if this is possible on the Hondamatic system. Worn hydrostatic drives usually get worse as the oil warms up and gets thinner.

 

merryman,
Thanks for the reply. My Rancher IS revving up all the way. I don't know much about how the hondamatic transmission works and I can't find a parts breakdown of it. If they made a rebuild kit fit the hondamatic, thats where I would start. It acts as if the hondamatic has worn and therefor has lost output speed.

 

I have exactly the same problem with 2004 trx400fa - did you ever resolve the issue noted above?

 

Hi there, did you ever resolve this issue as I have exactly the same issue with my 2004 TRX400FA?

 

One further thought to add to my first reply, the 400 does still have the centrifugal clutch, the same as the 350. So, if this is slipping, you would get it revving away and not going very fast, particularly up hill.