I have a 2004 rancher with the hondamatic transmission, and every so often, while in AUTO, the transmission won't shift.. I will accelerate but it's like the transmission is stuck. When I let off the throttle and slow down to almost stopped, it makes some sort of electronic sound (maybe a solenoid or something), and then most of the time it will shift just fine after that, but sometimes I have to repeat the slowing down and waiting for that sound process a couple times.

Any idea on whats going on?

 

Does it work OK in ESP? In theory when the fault comes on it should throw a flashing fault code instead of the D on the display. 03 to 04 models did have a faulty ECU, but this should have been changed under warranty back in 04. This fault just about killed the model, as nobody trusted the electronics after that, but in fact it is, in my opinion, a far better transmission than the 420's Auto, which is a manual gearbox with electronically controlled automatic override.

 

Thanks merryman!

It works just fine in ESP. I have never noticed a flashing light on the display, but I will pay more attention. I bought the machine used, and I believe I am the 3rd owner, so I have no idea if the ECU was changed under warranty or not.

If the ECU is the problem, it will have a fault code?

If not, any other ideas?

 

You call local dealer with the vin number an they should be able to tell you if warranty was proformed or not that should help for your next step

 

I have never noticed a flashing light on the display

It isn't a light, a black line comes up where D for drive should be and this line flashes Morse code, which corresponds to a list of faults. I don't know what the faulty ecus did, as it was just before I started mending Quads for a living, but my boss had changed some on new bikes he had sold.

 

I have a 2004 Farmer 400 AT that drives fine on level ground, yet assuming you attempt to go up weighty grades the transmission begins to get out and you can't go on up the slope. There is somewhat of a drudgery out when this occurs. After beginning the machine, following 15-20 seconds, the 4x4 lights streaks multiple times over and again. I have depleted the oil and it was spotless. Subsequent stages?





Tutuapp 9Apps Showbox

 

4 x 4 light flashing indicates a fault in the electronics controlling it. Again, the ratio of long flashes to short ones constitutes the Morse for the fault code. Most common is a speed sensor going wrong, if the speedo display isn't showing the correct speed, the gearbox speed sensor will have failed. However, check the code first.

A refusal to go up hills would indicate clutch failure. The 400auto has a similar centrifugal clutch to almost all other Honda quads, this may have worn out.

 

I called my local dealer and gave them the VIN and they said that the ECU on that machine was already replaced, so I know that's not the problem.

I have never noticed the black line on the display, but I also can't say I've ever really looked for it.. Would it show up as soon as I start the machine, do I have the turn the key on and off a couple times like on my Ranger, or would the line show up only when its having the issue (while trying to accelerate).

Thank you!

 

Sometimes the fault code is flashing as soon as you switch on but if the bike works OK at first it will probably come on once the fault occurs. As I wrote above, display shows a flashing line where usually it would show either D for drive, or the gear it is in when in ESP mode.