How to Shift a 2WD to a 4WD on a Honda Rancher

A Honda Rancher is a large two- or four-wheel drive All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) with a locking differential. This differential allows you to change from rear-wheel drive to four-wheel drive with the push of a button. This function allows you to get more power when you need it, such as when driving over rough surfaces or in deep mud puddles. You must change the drive correctly, or you can cause serious damage to the transmission.

Instructions

1. Stop your Honda Rancher. Keep the engine running and place the transmission in neutral by pressing the gear shifter down five times, then lifting up on the shift until it is halfway between first and second gear.

2. Look at the control gauge and ensure that the green neutral light is on.

3. Push the yellow shifter on the right handlebar up to shift it to two-wheel drive or down to shift it to four-wheel drive. The engine will jerk notifying you that the transmission is in gear. Shift the transmission into first gear and ride.

Tips & Warnings

• Changing the drive while in motion will cause serious damage to the transmission and engine.

References

• "2004 Honda Rancher Owners Manual"; Honda; 2003
• "2001 Honda Rancher Owners Manual"; Honda; 2000