The Honda Rancher 420 is a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts because it’s tough and reliable.

But some people are having trouble with the electric shift. It can get stuck in gear, not shift properly, or have problems with the shift motor and switches.

This can ruin your ride, but don’t worry, the solution might be simple. It could just need a clean or a new battery.

Let’s take a closer look at these problems and find easy fixes to get you back on the trails in no time.

Honda Rancher 420 Electric Shift Problems

1. Stuck in Gear

Some Honda Rancher 420 owners have a problem where their ATV gets stuck in one gear and won’t shift, even when they try to use the electric shift.

This happens because the gearbox might need fixing or the transmission fluid isn’t flowing correctly. The fluid needs to be at the right level and in good condition to help change gears.

It’s important to check how the gear selector is working. If it’s not smooth, there might be a problem with the shifter cable. A worn-out cable can’t move the gears properly, so the ATV won’t shift like it should.

Adjusting the clutch is also important. If it’s not set up right, the gears won’t change. Taking care of the clutch and gearbox regularly can help avoid big problems later on.

2. Inability to Shift

If you have a Honda Rancher 420, you might’ve trouble shifting gears at times. This could be because of a problem with the electric shift system or the inside parts of the transmission. You might notice a delay when you try to shift gears, or you might hear a grinding noise when you do.

When this happens, it’s important to check the electric shift system for any electrical problems or connection issues. You should also make sure that the gear position sensor, which tells the ATV what gear it’s in, is working properly.

If everything looks good with the electric system, you might need to adjust the clutch. If the clutch isn’t adjusted correctly, it can make it hard to shift gears.

Making sure the clutch is just right will help the gears engage and disengage smoothly, and it will keep the transmission working well for a long time.

3. Faulty Shift Motor

If your Rancher 420 is having trouble shifting, it’s important to check the shift motor for problems.

The motor mightn’t be working properly because the factory grease has hardened and is causing the gears to stick. You can tell if the motor is gummed up if it’s slow to respond or doesn’t shift at all.

If you notice these signs, you may need to take apart the motor to clean it. Make sure to take pictures as you go so you can put it back together correctly.

Look for built-up grease inside the motor. It’s also important to check the motor’s electrical connections to make sure they’re working properly.

After cleaning the motor, it’s important to use the right kind of grease. All-temperature, white lithium grease is a good choice because it works well in different conditions and keeps the gears running smoothly.

It’s a good idea to clean and lubricate the shift motor regularly to prevent future issues. This maintenance is just as important as taking care of other parts of your Rancher 420.

4. Faulty Angle Sensor

If your Honda Rancher 420 starts shifting strangely or doesn’t shift at all, it might be because of a bad angle sensor. You’ll need to replace it to make sure the transmission works right. Look out for signs like sudden gear shifts, trouble shifting, or error codes on the dashboard.

To find out if the angle sensor is the problem, use a special tool to check the ATV’s computer. If the tool shows a code for the angle sensor, you’ll have to get a new one.

It’s important to know how much it will cost to replace the sensor so you can plan for it. The sensor itself usually isn’t too expensive, but the total cost can depend on if you choose the original parts or ones from another company.

Other companies’ parts can be cheaper, but make sure they’ll work well with your ATV before you buy them.

After you put in the new angle sensor, you have to calibrate it to make sure it talks right to the transmission’s control unit. If it’s not calibrated correctly, it can cause more shifting problems.

5. Malfunctioning Battery

If your Honda Rancher 420 is having trouble shifting, it could be because of a bad battery. The battery helps power the electronic shift system, so if it’s not working properly, the shifting can be affected.

It’s important to take care of the battery, not just by charging it, but also by making sure it’s working well. Checking the voltage regularly can help catch any problems early.

If the battery’s voltage gets too low, the shift system won’t work right. It’s also important to check the connections to make sure they’re not corroded or loose, which can also cause problems with shifting.

Testing the battery when it’s being used can also show if it’s not working properly. Even if the battery seems okay when it’s not being used, it mightn’t be able to handle the shifting process.

It’s important to take a close look at the battery and its connections to prevent and fix shifting issues with your Rancher.

6. Shift Switches Not Working

Sometimes, the buttons for changing gears on the Honda Rancher 420 may not work. This could be due to a problem with the shift control system.

To fix this, check the buttons for any dirt or damage. It’s also important to make sure the gearbox is well-maintained, as problems there can affect the electronic shifting.

If needed, replace any worn-out parts with strong ones made for tough conditions.

Wrapping Up

So, the problem with your Honda Rancher 420’s electric shift is probably because something is stuck or broken inside, like a gear or the shift motor.

It could also be because of electrical problems, like a weak battery or buttons that don’t work.

To fix it, you’ll need to carefully clean or replace the parts that are causing the issue.

Once you do that, your ATV will work smoothly again, just like it’s supposed to!