[Oxmoses]

Hey I realize it has been a while since my last post, but I have been out enjoying my ATV haha..

Anyway, i was coming off a mountain a couple of days ago on my 2002 Honda Foreman Rubicon 500 and out of nowhere it seemed to be stuck in maybe 2nd or 3rd gear. As it was in auto mode I really dont know. About midway down on a nice flat I put it in D1 to see if that made a difference, it did not. I then tried the esp or whatever it says to use the up and down arrows to change gears manually and again nothing. With nothing seeming to change, I put it in reverse to turn and finish the climb down, but when I hit the fuel in reverse, it just started jumping like a huge stutter. The more gas I gave to move the more it stuttered. I made it off the hill and parked it for a couple days.. I went out earlier today to see if the problem persisted and it does. I don't know anything about atvs or anything of the sort, but I did check the air filter, the oil and the fuses and all that seemed fine.. Does anyone have any ideas that could help out? Thanks everyone

 

[wheelsquad]

First off I would buy or download a service manual and then see if it is throwing any diagnostic codes. There are other things to recommend checking, but not until you do that first and report back.

 

[Oxmoses]

Sorry it took me a bit to get back to this. The display on my atv hasn't worked from the day I bought it.. I had read a lot about reading codes, but have been unable to do so. So as far as I can find from googling my issues and asking a few friends who ride, they seem to think it something called a shift angle sensor, which I think is right under the seat. Sorry again for my lack of knowledge. I bought this atv last year and it is the first I have ever owned and I am not mechanically inclined at all haha.. Thanks

 

[wheelsquad]

Sorry it took me a bit to get back to this. The display on my atv hasn't worked from the day I bought it.. I had read a lot about reading codes, but have been unable to do so. So as far as I can find from googling my issues and asking a few friends who ride, they seem to think it something called a shift angle sensor, which I think is right under the seat. Sorry again for my lack of knowledge. I bought this atv last year and it is the first I have ever owned and I am not mechanically inclined at all haha.. Thanks

Well without a display to retrieve codes this could get very interesting. I think what may have gone on is you are in limp mode, and just throwing new parts at it can get expensive very quick. If I were you I would start by disconnecting every single electrical sensor you can, clean with contact cleaner, apply some Dielectric grease and then reassemble. Do each electrical connector on an individual basis. If that still doesn't change anything then you may want to replace the shift angle sensor like you mentioned. Keep in mind though that after replacing items you typically have to go through a reinitialization process, which may need a working display.

 

[dr. feelgood]

Hopefully it's not your Hondamatic going bad!

Rob

 

[wheelsquad]

Hopefully it's not your Hondamatic going bad!

Rob

Very well could be in that generation Rubicon. Easy way to see if the plastic carrier in the bearing that takes out the Hondamatic has started coming apart is to remove and cut apart the oil filter.

 

[Oxmoses]

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts.. I still haven't gotten it running.. I just am not mechanically inclined and being disabled puts a damper on working on it myself. There isn't a local dealer, plus the cost is more than I would be able to afford anyway. Would it be best to start thinking of selling it, or would I even be able to make any money from that? I am sure someone who has knowledge of these things could probably fix it and have a nice ride.. What are your guys thoughts? Thanks

 

[misterclean59]

If the Hondamatic transmission has failed many here on this site recommend selling it because it is a big job.........expensive. First determine if it is a major malfunction or not. Nobody that knows these wheelers would give much if any money for it in this condition.

 

[wheelsquad]

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts.. I still haven't gotten it running.. I just am not mechanically inclined and being disabled puts a damper on working on it myself. There isn't a local dealer, plus the cost is more than I would be able to afford anyway. Would it be best to start thinking of selling it, or would I even be able to make any money from that? I am sure someone who has knowledge of these things could probably fix it and have a nice ride.. What are your guys thoughts? Thanks

Where are you located? (regionally)

 

[Oxmoses]

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts.. I still haven't gotten it running.. I just am not mechanically inclined and being disabled puts a damper on working on it myself. There isn't a local dealer, plus the cost is more than I would be able to afford anyway. Would it be best to start thinking of selling it, or would I even be able to make any money from that? I am sure someone who has knowledge of these things could probably fix it and have a nice ride.. What are your guys thoughts? Thanks

Where are you located? (regionally)

Eastern KY

 

[Oxmoses]

So I contacted the people I bought my atv from, they said this happened to them once a few years back and they replaced the shift sensor. So I am going to order one and give it a go, but I am not totally sure how to make sure I get the right one. After some googling I found this one https://www.partspak.com/productcart/pc/Honda-38800-HP0-A11-Sensor-Assembly-Angle-New-38800-HR3-A21-4568p756264.htm I just need to make sure it's the right one. Anyone's thoughts? My real issue here is making sure I get the right one for my make and model.

 

[retro]

Wrong part... That is an angle sensor for a TE/FE electric shift bike. The angle sensor for an 02 Rubi is number 8 on this parts fiche:

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/atv/2002/trx500fa-a-fourtrax-foreman-rubicon/crankcase

Note that an angle sensor is not called a shift sensor.

 

[Oxmoses]

It is an electric shift.. Again forgive my ignorance, I barely know anything about these things hehe, but it has D1, D2 and esp or something like that where you can use the up/down arrows and shift it yourself. This is my first ever ATV and I am no mechanic haha..

Scratch all that, after checking it out I see what you are saying.. When I looked it up and compared it to what is on the ATV that is it..

The above pic is from my atv, this was the part I was told about, that is exactly what you are talking about isn't it?

 

[retro]

It could be... I don't work on Hondamatics though, so I have no idea where the angle sensor mounts on the motor. I was going by the parts fiche for your year/model Rubi only. I have no idea whether an angle sensor replacement might solve your issue neither. Wish you good luck!

 

[Oxmoses]

This is the part I need, Just took it off.. Would this be the shift sensor and if so, how do I make sure I buy the right one?

 

[retro]

That looks like an angle sensor to me. I have no idea where you got it though, so look in the service manual and make sure it is the angle sensor. Then buy the part for your year/model.

 

[Oxmoses]

Replaced the shift sensor and the stutter that is use to have in reverse is gone, but it is still stuck in gear when I try to go forward. D1 D2 and ES all 3 are not working.. I got one issue fixed now maybe I can figure out how to get it to change hears haha.. Any thoughts are welcome

 

[rodp]

I would concentrate on getting the display working first myself, but that's purely a personal thing. It may help with diagnosing other problems.