I just purchased a new Rubicon and the tranmission isn't right. When I accelerate in D1 it is most noticeable It slips like a clutch that is being featured and then it catches up like when you let a clutch out. I know this isn't right because this is my second Rubicon. My local dealer is great at selling these but not so great when there is a problem.
Have any of you experieced this? Did they have to replace the tranmission or is there an easier fix?
Thanks

 

I believe an oil pressure check is the first thing that shhould be done

 

RaptorJay,
What does the oil pressure test tell them?

 

The correct operation of the tranny is highly dependant on correct oil weight and pressure, there are check valves and such...that transmision was built to tolerance specs in microns(not thousandths, or hundredths of an inch). Awsome invention, but does have a few bugs every once in a while...
The machine has a self diagnostic function and a memory to allow it to "remember" any problems
its nothing that can be fixed at home...take it in to a reputable Honda...isn't it under warranty?

 

There are more than likely two areas to check.

The first is oil pressure. This is checked at two different ports on the engine. While the oil pressure doesnt come from the Hondamatic, it can affect its performance. The Hondamatic is basically an oil pump with a worm gear. That worm gear moves a swash plate to simulate gears. There is VERY little to break on the Hondamatic.

The most likely cause of your problem is the clutch. On the front of the engine is the drive clutch. If the clutches are worn or the subtransmission is in the wrong range it will slip.

 

These are good posts by raptorjay and texmud. If there's something wrong with it and it's under warranty, bring it into a dealer. Let us know how you turn out.

 

I took it to the dealer yesterday. They rode it and they agreed that it is surging and doesn't feel right. They said to ride it until the oil change light comes on and then change the oil. They are hoping that an oil change will fix the problem. What do you think of this recommendation?

 

With that being their recommendation, and maybe it will take care of it, BEING THAT THERE IS A WARRANTY ISSUE INVOLVED, MAKE SURE YOU USE HONDA BRAND OIL AND A NEW HONDA BRAND OIL FILTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EVERYTHING THEY TELL YOU TO DO GET IT IN WRITING ON THE INVOICE WHEN YOU TAKE IT IN!!!!!.

If there are future problems a paper trail will help.

It did sound like a clutch problem to me. But I am not an ATV mechanic and have only riden our Rubicon, for 3000 trouble free miles.

I am sure they will do everything they can to take care of your ATVs problem.

Doesn't they first oil change light come on around 100 miles? Or is it set on hours?

Who around here has a good Honda Service Dept.? I don't know anybody who owns a Honda has ever needed to take it in to be worked on.

We bought ours in Tooele but have never had a reason to take either one in for service. Our friends that own Polaris say Steadmans has a good service dept and they have been happy with what service they have had done there.

 

Sounds fishy to me. Your machine is supposed to work right from day 1, and shouldn't be dependent on the first oil change. If they agree something is wrong with your machine it should be fixed. Either they aren't sure there is anything wrong, or they are putting you off.

 

As I mentioned in my first post - my local dealer is good at selling them but not at servicing them. I know this because this is my 3rd Rubicon. I had the very first one in Utah and it had a serious problem. I actually had Honda Corporate come out and visit with me at the dealership about it. They determined that the best thing for me to do was to trade it in for a new one. I had the new one for 2 years and decided to update from a Red one to a Yellow one.
So, I have really had 2 bad Rubicon problems out of 3 machines. I have owned several other Honda's and none have even been back to the shop for repairs.
This is frustrating because when you accelerate hard in D1 it is just like slipping a clutch. I would like to talk to someone else who has experienced something like thing. As I understand it - you have to competely change out the tranmission. It is jut one unit. Is this correct?