[jeremyalanray]

I have a 2004 rancher that seems sluggish recently. When driving the machine, it seems at times like the break is stuck on or that someone is holding the machine back. The machine will barely go forward. It is in automatic mode when doing this. If you stop the machine completely, it seems to go away. If I switch to ESP mode and shift the machine I have no problems.

Does anyone know what I should look for?

 

[Helmut]

Welcome to the forums. Have you seen the gear shift indicator flashing? If so, you need to retrieve the trouble codes. I don't know much about the Hondamatic transmission, but I can post the trouble code retrieval procedure if you need it. Let me know.

 

[triton981]

Mine is also an 04 Rancher At and is doing the exact same thing. Would love to find a cure for this....Please post if you find a cure.


Thanks

I have a 2004 rancher that seems sluggish recently. When driving the machine, it seems at times like the break is stuck on or that someone is holding the machine back. The machine will barely go forward. It is in automatic mode when doing this. If you stop the machine completely, it seems to go away. If I switch to ESP mode and shift the machine I have no problems.

Does anyone know what I should look for?

 

[jeremyalanray]

Mine is still doing this when there is weight on the machine. When I switch out of auto mode, it seems to be better. I am very worried about plowing this winter.

How do you pull a code on the machine. I don't see anything on the display.

Thanks
JR

 

[Helmut]

Mine is still doing this when there is weight on the machine. When I switch out of auto mode, it seems to be better. I am very worried about plowing this winter.

How do you pull a code on the machine. I don't see anything on the display.

Thanks
JR

 

[pintowin]

has anybody figured out what the problem is cuz mine dose the same thing but i cant get my quad to show me the blinks and dose anybodies quad rev up when u hold it open like it down shifted

 

[Helmut]

has anybody figured out what the problem is cuz mine dose the same thing but i cant get my quad to show me the blinks and dose anybodies quad rev up when u hold it open like it down shifted

If it's not blinking any trouble codes, it might be the Hondamatic tranny unit, itself. I think there's a bolt on the tranny somewhere that you can take out to check the oil pressure, but I'm not sure where it's located. I don't know much about the Hondamatic units. On the ES models, if it doesn't blink trouble codes when you have a shifting problem, it's usually a bad gear position switch, but I don't know if the autos are the same way or not since it's a completely different setup.

 

[Natemerrell]

I have same one and same prob. I think it's just a poor bike I wish I wouldv got a manual shift on floor.

 

[Ruggybuggy]

I have same one and same prob. I think it's just a poor bike I wish I wouldv got a manual shift on floor.

I couldn't disagree more. Beat the poop out of mine and runs perfect. If you got the manual shift and something went wrong would you wish for the auto? Everything mechanical is going to require fixing at sometime in it's life.

 

[jkhuntin]

May sound like a dumb question but, have you guys changed the oil recently? And if you did what kind of oil did you use? The motor and tranny use the same oil and if you use automotive oil it will cause the trans. to slip. Honda GN4 5w-30 is all I use in my rinny with the hondamatic tranny.

 

[Ruggybuggy]

Couldn't agree more about the oil you're running. Also is the oil pressure correct? Is the oil level up? I would change the oil and filter then try it again and if it still acts up check the oil pressure. Do this only after verifying that there is no codes present.

 

[Helmut]

Yeah, low oil pressure can cause transmission problems on ATVs with the Hondamatic tranny, because the Hondamatic tranny is a hydraulic tranny that runs off oil pressure.

 

[firedog]

Just found this forum and joined because it is up to date. I have a 06 and 07 Rancher at. I have the same problem you are having. My 06 started a year ago Thanksgiving and the honda shop told me my hondamatic unit was out. Repair bill for them to do it was $2900. Not wanting to put that much money in it I bought a manual and replace it myself. Not a small undertaking, I now have it rebuilt however I still have not got all the sensor talking to each other. My 07 is starting to act up now, kinda the same problem. If anyone has any ideas or finds out any new information on the cause please post. I contacted Honda USA and filed a complain with them, however they were no help. If anyone knows a dealer maybe we can pick their brain. I also signed up to recieve e-mails from members should you want to contact me, maybe we can brain storm. I love the atv when it is running correctly. We trail ride all over the US. I live in Texas however have riden in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri. Would love to ride trails (no major mudding) in your area sometime. Thanks for any help and I'll keep you posted what I discover.

 

[shadetree]

the only thing i know about the honda auto's...is they are junk..i've read wayyyy to many complaints about members having tranny trouble with thier bikes..me..i'm all about manual shifting..they are easy to work on..and alottttt cheaper to rebuild/fix..the one thing i do know about the honda auto's..is..if the tranny is in fact bad in them..you may as well go out and buy another one...because what it's gonna cost you to have yours fixed...you can purchase a manual shift..don't beleive me ?? buy a honda auto..and see over time..lol..manual baby..all the way...oh..in case all you honda auto owners haven't seen yet..or found out yet..the auto tranny in these bikes..can not..i repeat..CAN NOT BE SERVICED AS A SINGAL PART..they have to be changed out as a whole unit..this is where your money is gonna go...good luck to all the auto onwers..i will never own one. p.s. this is too say..not all auto's are a defect bike.

 

[riccnick]

Guys, there is an ECM recall on the rancher AT 400 that will fix this issue. Had my 04 done and it ran great. Cant find the recall, it ended in 07, but they were reimbursing people who replaced ECM, Hondamatic, Centrifical Clutch, and related components. I'm sure there is probably a TSB somewhere on it still. Mine was fine before the recall, then they did the recall and it gave my machine the exact problems you are describing. the trans does not "backshift" (downshift) when slowing down, and then is stuck in "high gear". After the second try it was working perfect all the way up until I sold it. Don't know how its doing now, but the guy didn't try to return it, so I guess its fine. Hope this helps.

 

[pintowin]

that is awesome to hear riccnick know i can hopefully get mine repaired quick question what is a TSB

 

[Helmut]

that is awesome to hear riccnick know i can hopefully get mine repaired quick question what is a TSB

Technical service bulletin.

 

[the-mike]

nut

helmuts right theres a nut with a stud coming out to adjust the auto tranning its on the right hand side

 

[riccnick]

helmuts right theres a nut with a stud coming out to adjust the auto tranning its on the right hand side

Isn't that the centrifical clutch adjustment? I wouldn't play with that, it is a very sensitive adjustment. You can burn up the clutch in about two seconds if its not adjusted correctly.

I'll see if I can find the recall I mentioned earlier, I know I have it somewhere. Even though the machine is gone, I kept everything on file.

 

[riccnick]

2005-02-02
"Selected TRX400FS and FG models qualify for prduct improvement campaign. The ECM is replaced if vehicle qualifies. Contact our service department with serial number to verify qualification."

At this link
2004 TRX400FA/FG ECM Update