I dont think the problem with mine is the switch, because it shifts up and down fine........except reverse.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

Mine would also shift up and down through forward gears fine - but no reverse. Try grounding the wire to the reverse shift switch. If it now shifts OK, then the problem is in the switch - replace it.

2000 Rancher350ES 4X4

 

Sorry - should make it clear that the 'reverse shift switch' is what Honda calls the switch at the bottom rear of the engine that robo181 has talked about. (It's not the switch on the handlebar)

 

oh.

 

You were right Robo181. It was the plug, I was messin with the wrong one. It works fine now. I have added a link to some pictures of the plug for anyone else. Its right where you said, under the middle, bottom of engine.
Thanx Robo

Pictures

 

GLAD YOU FOUND THE PROBLEM. I WAS PRETTY SURE THAT WAS THE PROBLEM BECAUSE YOUR SYMPTOMS WERE EXACTLY LIKE MINE. A FRIEND OF MINE IS A HONDA MECHANIC AT FUN MOTORS IN LONGVIEW AND HE TOLD ME ABOUT THE REVERSE SENSOR ON THE BACK OF THE MOTOR. HE SAID THIS PROBLEM DOESN'T OCCUR OFTEN. GOOD ADVICE IS LESS THAN 56.00 PER HOUR. WHAT A GUY. HA

 

Interesting this thread is here... I lost reverse last year and diagnosed it( you could probably find it by searching). The reverse lockout[dummy] system on the honda can be overridden. If I ever have the case apart I'll likely remove the offending system and ground the reverse shift switch, when that's done the ES should shift stright past nuetral and into reverse no button or sensor/wire issues.