[alx454]

hi my 06 rancher 400at runs great but the 4x4 flashes. i have to turn it off and start it again for the flashing to stop and only this way my 4x4 works again. as soon as i go faster than 10 mph or so, 4x4 flashes and disengages. other than that runs great, shifts great.

any thoughts? thanks in advance

 

[retro]

Many times there is nothing wrong... just needs clean, undamaged connector plugs and wiring harnesses.

You can count the flashes on the display to learn the trouble code, then diagnose the issue by following the troubleshooting flow chart in section 23 of the service manual.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[alx454]

flashes 2 times, but i did replace a speed sensor on the front diff. still 2 flashes and faulty 4x4

 

[retro]

Why did you replace the front VSS?

Troubleshoot it first. Begin by scrutinizing the wiring and plugs, because 9 times out of 10 they've been mudded. You need a matched set of tires on the bike then test:

 

[alx454]

I did everything in the manual that you posted. When I did switch the plugs with the gray and black, the 4 x 4 started blinking 3 times this time instead of two. the manual suggests that this is a front vehicle speed sensor issue and it needs to be replaced. I did replace the rear vehicle speed sensor a few days ago because I thought that was the faulty one. Does this sound right? The front vehicle speed sensor needs to be replaced now?

 

[retro]

According to the manual the front VSS needs replaced if you performed all of the previous tests. You said earlier that you already replaced that one though... I'm confused. Maybe you meant to say you replaced the rear VSS..? Anyway, sounds like you found the problem if the wiring and plugs are all clean and good! Let us know how it goes if you can..?

 

[alx454]

yes, I meant to say that I replaced the rear VSS already but that did not solve the problem. I will order a front VSS tonight and as soon as it comes in I'll let you know how it goes. thank you

 

[alx454]

What's interesting is that I did swap the two vehicle speed sensors locations (front vss went to the rear and rear vss to the front) and the 4x4 worked even at high speeds but the speedometer did not show the miles per hour. The cluster just showed 0 mph the whole ride even though 4x4 was engaged and I did go faster than 10 miles per hour. just an observation. I did order the speed sensor and it should probably come sometime this week.

 

[retro]

That makes sense... sounds like you won this round.

 

[wheelsquad]

Sounds like you have a perfectly good vss from the rear sensor sitting in the garbage. Put that one back in, along with your first new one, and when your 2nd new one comes you have a spare.

 

[retro]

Front and Rear VSS have different part numbers and function differently... they won't interchange.

 

[wheelsquad]

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/atv/2004/trx400fa-a-fourtrax-rancher-at/front-final-gear


I would have thought the same thing, but Guy said he swapped them. So I looked it up before I posted that. Sure enough, item 4 & 5 are both sensors, and same part number. Item 4 acts as the "rear" since it is always turning, and 5 is the front.

Edit: retro is correct. One digit in part numbers are different.

 

[alx454]

after reading about swapping the sensors decided to go out and give it a try. Took the quad on a test ride , speedometer worked great, 4x4 worked at high speeds. So my quad has two rear VSS sensors working great on the front. Quad functions normally. That is strange that the part numbers do not match but the sensors work like they should very strange. Thank you guys for all the help and support. I guess I'll have a spare VSS sensor lying around. thanks again

 

[wheelsquad]

after reading about swapping the sensors decided to go out and give it a try. Took the quad on a test ride , speedometer worked great, 4x4 worked at high speeds. So my quad has two rear VSS sensors working great on the front. Quad functions normally. That is strange that the part numbers do not match but the sensors work like they should very strange. Thank you guys for all the help and support. I guess I'll have a spare VSS sensor lying around. thanks again

Very interesting. Is there a difference in the harness/wire length? Any other visible differences?

 

[alx454]

The only difference that I saw was that the plugs we're different colors. One was gray the other one was black that's all I saw.