Why Honda Foreman 500 Gear Indicator Flashes- How to Fix

Are you having trouble with your Honda Foreman 500 gear indicator flashing? If so, you’re not alone. A gear indicator is a device that displays the current gear selection of a vehicle’s transmission. This small but essential component provides drivers with real-time information about the gear they are in. Unfortunately, many Honda Foreman 500 owners have reported this issue, which can be confusing and frustrating.

The gear indicator on the Honda Foreman 500 flashes due to problems, including issues with the transmission fluid pressure sensor, wiring problems, faulty angle sensor or throttle position sensor, low transmission fluid, faulty shift solenoid, clogged transmission fluid, or even a broken alternator.

In this article, I’ll discuss why the gear indicator blinks on your Honda Foreman 500 and how to fix it. Read on to find out the cause and solution to this common problem!

Most Common Reasons and Fixes of Honda Foremen 500 Gear Indicator Flashing Problem:

Now let’s head to the most common root causes and fixes corresponding to the gear indicator blinking:

1. Malfunctioned Fluid Pressure Sensor:

One of the most common reasons why the gear indicator light is blinking on the Honda Foreman 500 is a malfunctioned fluid pressure sensor.

The fluid pressure sensor helps to regulate the pressure in the clutch system. This pressure is essential for the vehicle’s shifting system to function correctly.

When the sensor malfunctions, it can cause the gear indicator light to blink. This malfunction usually causes the vehicle to start improperly, and the engine light is usually on too.

You will also experience unsmooth shifting of gears. These symptoms indicate that the fluid pressure sensor is not working correctly.

How to Fix:

The fluid pressure sensor is placed underneath the battery of the vehicle. To replace it, follow the steps below:

You can replace the fluid pressure sensor by following the steps:

In this way, you can solve the issue of a faulty fluid pressure sensor that leads to the flashing of the gear indicator on your Honda Foreman 500.

2. Wiring Problems:

One of the primary reasons the gear indicator light blinks on the Honda Foreman 500 is wiring problems. Yes, the fluid pressure sensor needs electric power to function correctly. However, any disturbance in the wiring can lead to the improper functioning of the sensor.

This is why it is essential to check the vehicle’s electrical wiring when the indicator light flashes on the Honda Foreman 500. That’s because any issue with the sensor’s voltage can be why the indicator light is blinking.

How to Fix:

To diagnose and fix the wiring issue, follow the steps below:

• STEP 1: Remove the sensor and clean the plug
  
• STEP 2: Check for any damage on nearby wires and replace them if necessary
  
• STEP 3: Reconnect the plug and sensor, ensuring a tight and secure connection
  
• STEP 4: Check the transmission fluid pressure sensor ‘B’ and replace it if necessary.

This sensor detects the gear shift and sends a signal to the gear indicator. If the sensor is damaged, it can cause the gear indicator to blink intermittently. 

3. Faulty Angle Sensor and Throttle Position Sensor:

In most cases, when the gear indicator on your Honda Foreman 500 starts blinking, it’s due to either a faulty angle sensor or throttle position sensor. 

Diagnosis:

To determine which of these is causing the problem, you need to know how many times the indicator is blinking.

• If the indicator blinks 3 times, the most likely cause is a faulty angle sensor.
  
• If it blinks 13 times, the problem is probably due to a defective throttle position sensor.

Let me also provide you with the troubleshooting table to easily check which part goes wrong, corresponding to the number of gear indicator blinks.

How to Fix:

Let me now compile the steps that you can follow to diagnose and fix this problem:

• STEP 1: The first step is to check the angle sensor. If it is faulty, it can cause the gear indicator to blink. You can test the angle sensor by checking the resistance in the wires. If the resistance is too high or too low, the angle sensor is likely faulty and should be replaced.
  
• STEP 2: The second step is to check the throttle position sensor. If the throttle position sensor is faulty, it can also cause the gear indicator to blink. To test the throttle position sensor, you need to check the voltage. If the voltage is too high or too low, the throttle position sensor is faulty and should be replaced.
  
• STEP 3: Once you have determined that the angle sensor and the throttle position sensor cause the blinking gear indicator light, you must fix the issue.

The first suggestion would be to remove the connectors, clean them, and reconnect them with some dialectic grease. This is an easy fix and should be done regularly to ensure optimal performance from the angle sensor and throttle position sensor.

If that doesn’t work, try ohming out your TPS switch. This test will tell you whether or not the switch is good. If the switch is bad, you will need to replace it.

4. Low Level of Transmission Fluid:

Maintaining a minimum fluid level in the transmission chamber at all times is essential to ensure that it operates optimally in all conditions.

If the transmission fluid level falls below the minimum required level, the gear indicator light may start blinking in the instrument cluster. Topping up the gear oil chamber to the required level can often resolve this issue.

Several signs could indicate low transmission fluid levels in a Honda Foreman 500. These include:

• Visible leaks of fluid below the pilot
  
• Overheating of the transmission accompanied by warning indicators
  
• Noisy shifting of the transmission
  
• Higher RPM values during gear shifts
  
• The vehicle’s inability to move in the D or R position

How to Fix:

If you find that the transmission fluid level in your Honda Foreman 500 is low, it is essential to top it up to prevent any further issues. 

Here let me lay down a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• STEP 1: Park your vehicle on the leveled ground and switch off the engine.

• STEP 2: Find the fluid dipstick near the back of the engine and pull it out. The fluid should be yellow.

• STEP 3: Check the fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid must be topped up if the level is lower than mark B. To do this, you must add the right ATF (automatic transmission fluid) until it reaches between the two marks on the dipstick. Ensure you use the type of fluid recommended by the manufacturer to avoid any further issues.

• STEP 4: After topping up the fluid, start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes to ensure it has been distributed throughout the transmission system.

It is essential to check the transmission fluid level regularly to avoid any issues related to low fluid levels. An expert or mechanic can also help in this regard and can charge anywhere from $70-$120, excluding labor costs.

5. Failing Shift Solenoid:

One of the most common reasons the gear indicator blinks is if the shift solenoid fails.

The shift solenoid is located in the gearbox and is electrically operated by signals sent by the TCM (Transmission Control Module). The solenoid controls the fluid flow in the gearbox and helps shift the gears at the right time.

When the shift solenoid is not functioning correctly, your Foreman 500 will experience some shift delays, or the gears may not shift. In some cases, the gears may even shift at the wrong RPM.

One of the most common symptoms of a bad shift solenoid is the gear indicator blinking. This is because the shift solenoid sends the signal to the TCM to indicate the gear selection. The TCM won’t receive the signal if the solenoid fails, resulting in the gear indicator blinking.

How to Fix:

To fix this issue, the shift solenoid will need to be replaced. This can be done by a professional mechanic or yourself if you have the experience, tools, and knowledge.

Replacing the shift solenoid will allow the ATV to shift gears properly, and the blinking light should be eliminated.

Contacting a professional mechanic is best if you need clarification on what you’re doing. This will help ensure the problem is fixed correctly, and your ATV will run smoothly in no time.

6. Clogged Transmission Fluid:

If the transmission fluid is not changed timely, it becomes contaminated with dirt, dust, and other residues. This leads to a clogged transmission fluid, making the gear indicator light blink.

The most common symptom of clogged transmission fluid is a gear shift delay. This is because the gear is trying to move but cannot due to the lack of lubrication. If this is left unaddressed, the gear indicator light will continuously flash.

How to Fix:

You need to regularly change the transmission fluid to prevent your gear indicator from blinking. This means draining the old fluid and topping up the compartment with fresh fluid.

Changing the fluid after 25000-30000 miles is generally recommended.

When changing the transmission oil in your Honda Foreman 500, it is essential to use the correct type of oil to avoid any potential damage to the engine and transmission system. Using the wrong oil can lead to premature wear and tear, reduced performance, and even engine failure.

It is recommended to use JASO MA oil for the engine and transmission system in Honda Foreman 500. However, it is essential to refrain from using car oils as they are not designed to meet the specific needs of the engine and transmission system.

The preferred viscosity for the engine/trans oil is 10W-30. However, you can also use 0W-40 Synthetic oil for your Honda Foreman 500, which provides better performance and protection against wear and tear.

Synthetic oil offers better performance and extended oil change intervals. Regarding the front and rear differentials, it is recommended to use 75W-90 gear lube.

Synthetic 75W-90 gear lube is better for superior performance and longer-lasting protection. Synthetic gear lube offers better performance and protection against wear and tear and has a longer lifespan.

7. Broken Alternator:

When an alternator fails on a Honda Foreman 500, it can cause the gear indicator to start blinking.

This is because the alternator produces the electricity needed to power the vehicle’s electrical components, including the gear indicator.

Without the electricity from the alternator, the gear indicator won’t be able to operate correctly. The main cause of the broken alternator is usually a dead battery. When the battery dies, it can cause the alternator to overheat and eventually fail.

How to Fix:

There are a few ways to test the battery in your Honda Foreman 500 to see if it’s the cause of the blinking gear indicator. The most common is to use a multimeter to measure the battery’s voltage.

If the measured voltage is less than 12V, the battery is likely the cause of the blinking gear indicator.

If the battery is the cause of the broken alternator, you’ll need to replace it as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to check the alternator to ensure it’s still in good condition. A broken alternator can also cause the gear indicator to blink, so ensuring it’s functioning properly is essential.

Is It Safe to Drive with Gear Indicator Flashing on Honda Foreman 500?

It is unsafe to continue driving a Honda Foreman 500 when the gear indicator blinks. This warning signal indicates an issue with the transmission or the sensors, requiring immediate attention to avoid further damage and potential safety hazards.

Driving a vehicle with a malfunctioning transmission can lead to severe consequences such as loss of control, stalling, or complete transmission failure. Therefore, it is highly recommended to stop the vehicle as soon as possible when the gear indicator starts blinking and seek help from a qualified technician.

Ignoring the warning sign can result in costly repairs and potentially cause accidents, which can harm the driver, passengers, and other road users. Hence, it is always better to take preventive measures and check the transmission regularly to avoid unforeseen issues while driving.

Final Thought:

The Honda Foreman 500 is a great machine, but troubleshooting it can be tricky when the gear indicator starts blinking. However, with the proper knowledge and a little effort, you can get to the root of the issue and identify the correct solution.

It is essential always to check the inspection plates and look for the causes of the issue before attempting any repairs. By doing this, you can save time and money and get your Foreman back up and running as soon as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why does the gear indicator blink in a vehicle?

The blinking of the gear indicator states the presence of a problem in the transmission. The issue can be mechanical, such as difficulty in shifting the solenoid, and electrical issues, like transmission speed sensor.

How fast can Honda Foreman 500 travel on any terrain?

The Honda Foreman 500 weighs about 772 pounds and holds 28 hp. It has a 475c engine and can offer a top speed of 54 mph.

What is meant by PS in Honda Foreman 500?

PS means electronic power steering in Honda Foreman 500. It is an indicator that remains on until or unless the engine is not started after checking the initial lamp.

How can a person check the oil in Honda Foreman 500 vehicle?

First, you can check the oil by removing and cleaning the dipstick. After cleaning:

1. Set it back in the crankcase without threading
   
2. Remove the dipstick and recheck the oil level in the vehicle
   
3. If the level is low, top it again and reinstall the dipstick

In this way, you can check the oil level in your Foreman 500.

How can a person fix the fast-blinking turn signal?

You can fix the fast-blinking turn signal by following measures:

• Check and fix the wiring in case of any damage
  
• Clean the signal components and the surrounding areas
  
• Change the fuse of the signal if needed
  
• Replace or check the working of the battery
  
• Replace the old bulbs with the new ones

What is the worth of the Honda Foreman 500?

The average base price of the Honda Foreman 500 is $7000, with an average retail price of $6000.