Why does my Honda Pioneer not go into gear?
David Ramirez
Published Apr 16, 2026
Why does my Honda Pioneer not go into gear?
Yesterday, when my grandson was using it, he found he could not get it into gear. When trying to shift from neutral to any gear (H, L or R), it would only grind and never go into gear.
How often does the Honda Pioneer shift gears?
Between 600 and 1000 miles it jumped out of 5th gear a couple times a week. Now it doesn’t want to up shift about once a week but I just keep trying and speed up or down and in a few seconds it shifts. Honda techs adjusted the clutch at 750 miles and that did nothing. Clutch adjustment or angle sensor possibly.
What causes a transmission hole on a Honda Pioneer 700?
Motor oil being used as transmission fluid is the culprit. ETA: the only real issue with a 700 transmission is if you run it in reverse more than forward, after 500 or so hours it will knock a perfect hole in the back of the cases. It is very rare. 1 in about 4000 units. I have 2016, but have had no issues.
Why does my Honda Pioneer 700 shift funny?
If your answer is a non Jaso MA rated oil, longer than 600 miles, or yes…. Change your oil and filter and cross your fingers. All auto hondas shift funny until warm. Motor oil being used as transmission fluid is the culprit.
Yesterday, when my grandson was using it, he found he could not get it into gear. When trying to shift from neutral to any gear (H, L or R), it would only grind and never go into gear.
Between 600 and 1000 miles it jumped out of 5th gear a couple times a week. Now it doesn’t want to up shift about once a week but I just keep trying and speed up or down and in a few seconds it shifts. Honda techs adjusted the clutch at 750 miles and that did nothing. Clutch adjustment or angle sensor possibly.
Motor oil being used as transmission fluid is the culprit. ETA: the only real issue with a 700 transmission is if you run it in reverse more than forward, after 500 or so hours it will knock a perfect hole in the back of the cases. It is very rare. 1 in about 4000 units. I have 2016, but have had no issues.
If your answer is a non Jaso MA rated oil, longer than 600 miles, or yes…. Change your oil and filter and cross your fingers. All auto hondas shift funny until warm. Motor oil being used as transmission fluid is the culprit.