I am told by dealer that the switch in the rear of the motor is only for identifing when the machine is in reverse, not to shift it into reverse. Connection at sensor seems to be secure and not loose with good contact.

Your dealer told you wrong. The reverse shift switch detects whether or not the reverse lockout has been disengaged by pushing in the red button and pulling the lever. If it doesn't detect that you've pushed the red button and pulled the lever to actuate the reverse lockout lever, then it won't let the shift motor shift the transmission into the reverse gear. The gear position switch detects what gear the quad is in, not the reverse shift switch.

Your reverse shift switch is bad or there's a broken wire/bad connection at the connector where it plugs into the reverse switch.

 

And welcome to the forums.

 

Thanks for the response. Ordered switch and will install when it arrives and then report results then. Cheap fix if it works.

 

If it's not the switch, it's probably a bad connection at the connector or a broken wire near the connector.

 

Just installed switch and changed oil, it appears to be working. Now I just have to plan another trip to test it in the real world. Thanks for your help.

 

You're welcome, hope that takes care of the problem!!

 

Do you have a diagram or pic of where this sensor is on the engine? I believe I have the same problem and want to check that connection, but I can't seem to find it.

 

do you have a diagram or pic of where this sensor is on the engine? I believe I have the same problem and want to check that connection but can't seem to find it.

Welcome to the forums. I put a white circle around the reverse shift switch in the picture below. As you can see, it's located just to the left of the reverse lockout lever.

 

I need to replace the reverse switch in my 05-06 Honda rancher 350.....can I just buy the sensor and the oil ring or do I need the sensor assembly as well?

 

Rapture: Did you ever resolve your issue with your switch? Mine is acting up again and probably will purchase another new sensor. This will be my third one but I'm not convinced it was always the sensor. Last summer I was having issues and finally played with the cable tension on the handlebar and it improved greatly. But, returned from a day trip on the trail with some mud and water and went to use it again two months later, and no reverse at all. I tried while the machine is running and while the key is in the on position.

 

I have same issues found this vid, is this what I think I need?

 

Not sure what you have? But..the reverse switch won't stop it from going into reverse. The only thing the button does is it tells the display/dash when you are in reverse as well as the c.d.i./ecu/ecm when you are in reverse. Your problem will be tied to the reverse lever?

Reverse cable not pulling the reverse lever far enough to allow the shift drum to turn? Or the lever is broken inside the rear case? No, it's also possible the switch inside the rear case has broken off some and is stopping the lever inside the case from allowing the shift drum to turn. But the switch itself shouldn't stop you from going into reverse from normal use.

 

2002 350 Fourtrax, ES, intermittent though, works with manual lever, I will try the spray trick this weekend if not, I assume by that vid, the switch with the wire? thanks, I have taken this to the dealer before with same issue, he just wiggled the handlebar pod one time, and changed the pin another time, I am the only one in our group with Honda ES reverse issues, real pain whebn really need lol, (always in the bush)

 

well the contact spray worked for a bit, then no reverse again, I would assume time to replace, is there a part number from Honda which I will order, 2002 350 Rancher 2x4 thanks