Common Honda Rancher 420 Blink Codes: Causes and Solutions

Common Honda Rancher blink codes include codes 23, 44, and 22. These codes are related to different sensor malfunctions, either due to overheating or exposure to water and dirt. The sensors include the oxygen sensor, shift position sensor, and EOT sensor.

Other codes include codes 24 and 5, which indicate a problem with the electric motor on the transmission. Most of these problems are solved by replacing the failing part, following the user manual.

The codes aren’t self-explanatory unless the driver has the knowledge or uses a scan tool. Read on to learn how to read and interpret the blink codes on your Honda 420 Rancher.

Common Honda Rancher 420 Blink Codes

Like most Honda ATVs, the Rancher has various blink codes to help you pinpoint the problem. You can use the user manual to check the code numbers and learn the steps to fix them. Meanwhile, the following are common error codes and their causes.

Error CodeCause
Code 23Oxygens sensor problems
Code 22Angle/shift position sensor issues
Code 44EOT sensor malfunction
Code 24Shift Control Motor problems
Code 5ECU motor driver circuit problems

What Are Blink Codes in Honda Rancher 420? – Understanding Blink Code

The blink codes help drivers and mechanics understand a problem without using a scan tool. So the blinking pattern can be from the check engine light or the gear indicator. Also, the maintenance indicator on the digital part of the control panels blinks to signify problems.

To understand the code, you must observe the blinking patterns and how long they take. You might need a pen and paper to note the number of blinks and their sequence. Nevertheless, most codes include long blinks followed by short ones.

The long blinks can take around 1.3 seconds, while the short ones are 0.5 seconds. Thus, the long blinks count as ten, while the short blinks are one. For instance, code 23 involves two long blinks, ten each, on the check engine indicator and then three short ones.

What Causes Honda Rancher Blink Codes?

Blink codes signify different problems on your Honda rancher 420. The codes from the check engine indicator most times represent problems with the sensor and its part. The gear indicator, on the other hand, shows faults with the transmission.

Below are some common blink codes and their causes

1. Code 23 (Check Engine Indicator)

Code 23 is associated with the oxygen sensor being faulty or exposed to corrosion. The problem is common in ATVs that spend the most time in the garage, where they’re rarely warmed up. The fuel quality is also associated with this error code, as poor fuel can damage the oxygen sensor.

Possible Solution

You can replace or clean the faulty oxygen sensor, though cleaning is highly ill-advised. In repair shops, a new oxygen sensor (our pick: 36531-HR3-A21 O2 Oxygen Sensor) costs between $30 and $50. The sensor is beside the left rear wheel, and it’s easy to install.

2. Code 44 (Check Engine Indicator)

Code 44 indicates a problem with the electronic oil temperature (EOT) sensor. The sensor warns the driver when the engine is overheating, and mostly the cooling fan turns on immediately. If the sensor is faulty, the code will be displayed until it’s fixed

Possible Solution

Solving the problem involves replacing the EOT sensor with a new one. The sensor is located at the crankcase cover and should be replaced along with the sealing washer. Also, the EOT sensor on the Honda rancher 420 should be torqued at 13 lb.-ft.

3. Code 22 (Gear Indicator)

A gear indicator having two long blinks and two short ones means a faulty angle sensor, also called a shift position sensor. The problem is related to the gear sensor’s fault or a malfunction. People who experienced this problem also reported difficulty shifting from neutral or from one gear to the next.

Possible Solution

Solutions include unplugging the connector, cleaning it, and plugging it back on. However, this does not always work, and you might need to replace the Angle sensor with a new one. This sensor is at the engine on the left side of the reverse switch.

4. Code 24 (Gear Indicator)

Code 24 in the gear indicator is often related to shifting control motor problems. The shift motor initiates the gear after receiving a signal from your ATV’s computer. If the shift control motor wears over time, it fails, resulting in the error code.

Possible Solution

Fixing the problem involves replacing the electric shift control motor with a new one. You can do the replacement or hire a mechanic for a rate between $75 and $150 per hour.

5. Code 5 (Gear Indicator)

The gear indicator blinking five times shows an ECU Motor drive circuit problem. This motor controls air, fuel, and ignition in the engine of your ATV. Mostly the wiring connectors may be dirty, or the pins get damaged.

Possible Solution

Sometimes, the solution is simple, involving cleaning or replacing the connectors. The problem can also be related to an open wire in the circuit, which a mechanic should be able to spot.

How To Clear Codes After Fixing the Problems Honda Rancher 420?

After fixing the problems, the error code will usually keep on until it’s manually solved. Following are some ways to reset and clear the problem codes.

1. Hold Shift Switches

This reset works for transmission-related problems, especially on the electric shift part. To work on this reset, follow the steps below. 

  • Step 1. Turn the ignition on
  • Step 2. Push and hold the shift up and down switches simultaneously for three to five seconds. The blinking should stop, and then there should be one confirmation blink
  • Step 3. Turn the engine off

2. Trip Meter Reset

The reset works to clear maintenance indicator flashing and other information on the digital part of the instrumental panel. Do reset it following the steps below. 

  • Step 1. Start with the engine off
  • Step 2. Press and hold the trip meter button (mode button) on the instrument panel
  • Step 3. Turn the key on. The displayed items will flash for some time and then stop
  • Step 4. Switch the key back to off
  • Step 5. Switch the key back on to check if the flashing maintenance indicator goes off

3. Jumper Wire

The jumper wire method clears the check engine light, especially code 23. Look at the steps here.  

  • Step 1. Pull the front cover off the service port
  • Step 2. Just by the radiator, there is a connector with four different colored wires. Insert a wire in the top to pin holes to create a jumper
  • Step 3. Turn the key on for about five seconds
  • Step 4. Turn the key off and remove the jumper from the connector
  • Step 5. Put the jumper back on the connector
  • Step 6. Turn the key on. The orange engine light will blink for some time
  • Step 7. Turn off the key and remove the jumper

The following video may help you to reset the blink/service light.

Bottom Line

Honda has made it easy to learn the actual problem with your ATV using the blinking codes. After learning the code, you can refer to the user manual for solutions. The article has covered five common blinking codes and their solutions.

Clearing the codes after repair can be problematic, especially if you have no reset tool. Luckily, various ways covered in the article should get rid of the code without issues. However, if the code doesn’t clear, take your ATV to a repair shop to get it cleared.

Mark Williams

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