[RobCli]

I have an 09 Foreman 500 FPE (power steering and electric shift). It stopped shifting and gave the 5 blink on the gear position indicator error code. I followed the service manual trouble shooting guide to verify the shift motor is functioning (will shift by jumping 12VDC to the motor), the handlebar controls also have continuity to the ECU plug as required and function correctly. The final step in the manual said to replace the ECU. I ordered a new ECU from Amazon (supposedly genuine Honda part) and plugged it in, the gear position indicator no longer blinks an error code, but the machine still will not shift with the handlebar controls. It will fire up and run perfectly and can still be manually shifted, but it is like the switch buttons are not being recognized by the ECU. I tried to force the ECU to read out any error codes with the "hold both buttons and release..." procedure detailed in the service manual, but it did not seem to do anything, like I said, it's like the buttons are not being recognized by the ECU.

Anyone else have an issue like this? Or any other tips to try? Is there an initialization required for a new ECU?

Thanks for reading and mega thanks if anyone can assist.

 

[RobCli]

Well, I figured out why the new ECU was not working correctly. The Amazon description said it was compatible with the 500 FPE, but by looking up the part number on the ECU they sent, it is only for manual shift machines. Good thing it is so easy to return Amazon prime purchases. The ECU for this particular machine is not available anymore, so I will try the shift bypass kit. Hopefully that will allow this machine to be used without having to use the emergency shift lever.

 

[weekender]

Good luck with the bypass kit and please let me know how it works. I ordered a shift assist motor from Amazon that they said would fit my FE but it was wrong, Sending it back via prime.

 

[weekender]

My 07 FE had the 5 blinks and I fixed it by removing, disassembling the shift assist motor, thorough cleaning and replacing. You could see where I had water intrusion in the motor. I ordered the stuff to waterproof it.

 

[RobCli]

My 07 FE had the 5 blinks and I fixed it by removing, disassembling the shift assist motor, thorough cleaning and replacing. You could see where I had water intrusion in the motor. I ordered the stuff to waterproof it.

interesting. I'll have to give that a try. Did your shift assist motor work if you manually gave it 12VDC before you cleaned it?

 

[weekender]

I did not try the motor with 12v's added. I had read a thread that told hold how to waterproof the motor but I had to order the junk to do it. I decided to go ahead and clean it to see if that worked, then waterproof when I got the stuff. It worked like a charm. THANKS to "retro" for this thread:
How to properly prep your Honda ES shift system - Electronics - ATV Honda