The Honda Pioneer is a versatile machine that can handle a wide range of jobs. That means it’s built to handle everything from transporting garden tools and hay bales to weekend hiking hikes. This would be at the further end of the trail riding range and a great way to put the Pioneer 700 to the test.
The Pioneer 700 is based on a robust steel chassis with independent suspension at all four corners, twin a-arms, and oil-filled shocks with coil springs that can be adjusted.
However, owners have reported some troubles with their HONDA PIONEER 700. Failure to start, power loss, tire issues, battery issues, and other challenges are common.
Let’s take a closer look at these difficulties.
Common Problems of the HONDA PIONEER 700:
1. Power Loss
A blown fuse, a gearbox that isn’t in neutral, loose battery connections, or a flooded engine are all possibilities for why the engine won’t start. It might be due to the battery’s natural inclination to thicken when the temperature becomes severely cold, preventing enough electricity from getting through.
One of the 2017 Honda Pioneer 700 issues that occurs frequently in units with little mileage is power loss.
The machine will not upshift while driving up an incline and will bog down when going downhill at speeds of 15 mph or greater. The seatbelt switch activating and the air cleaner drawing oil are two further telltale signals.
According to Honda dealers, this is a widespread issue caused by a worn camshaft, which Honda has yet to fix.
My recommendation is to take your quad to the local dealer as soon as you notice a problem.
2. Failing to Start
A blown fuse, a gearbox that isn’t in neutral, loose battery connections, or a flooded engine are all possibilities for why the engine won’t start. It might be due to the battery’s natural inclination to thicken when the temperature becomes severely cold, preventing enough electricity from getting through.
To solve, you may need to charge the battery before putting your Pioneer 700 out in sub-zero temperatures.
Similarly, your owner’s manual will tell you how to start your quad in various conditions.
If your starting motor doesn’t work or if you can hear it operating but the engine won’t start.
3. Performance Issues
Pinging sounds, inconsistent engine runs, and misfires are all signs of this problem. If the engine starts but does not run smoothly, the problem might be related to oil temperature, fuel Octane rating, or sooty exhaust.
Most performance difficulties with the Honda Pioneer 700 need a visit to your dealer, so don’t be discouraged if you’ve followed these procedures but still can’t repair the problem.
4. Transmission Problems
The gear may feel stuck as if it’s beginning in a higher gear than it should be until the Honda warms up.
You may need to replace your oil (provided oil viscosity already checks out, and you are not using motor oil in place of transmission oil).
If it’s a conditional problem (happens only when it’s chilly outside), enclosing the unit could be a better option than determining it’s a transmission problem.
If all other gears operate but first, a fault with the shift fork, clutch, or shifter mechanism might be the cause.
In the worst-case situation, you may have to disassemble your gearbox to determine and correct the problem.
5. Cold Engine
You will encounter problems with your Pioneer over the winter.
Even though Pioneers are built for outside usage, the engine may not start in the morning or when it is cold.
If you wake up in the morning and your car won’t start, you could be chilly. Poor fuel quality might also be the reason for a cold engine that won’t start. Starting the engine, for example, will be difficult if the gasoline contains water.
On the other hand, adding a gasoline stabilizer to the gas tank is a straightforward fix. After that, the engine should be run for around 10-15 minutes.
If the Pioneer has been sitting in the garage for a few months, cold engine problems may emerge. If your Pioneer won’t start because of the cold, open the choke completely.
After that, start the engine with the choke open.
6. Restricted Shifting
In cold weather, pre-owned Pioneers (usually those with over 8,000 kilometers) appear to have trouble shifting to third gear.
Unfortunately, replacing the oil and oil filter makes little to no difference in correcting the problem, leading most Pioneer owners to blame the vehicle’s inadequate air filtering.
Allow the quad to pre-warm or run while carrying short distances throughout the winter.
If not, you may need to fiddle with the accelerator or replace the angle sensor (for fully automated vehicles).
If you have the Honda Pioneer 700-4 or any deluxe model with a paddle shift, be sure to check for any shift pins that have fallen out of the transmission or for any malfunctioning micro switches.
7. Differential Lock Not Working
When the differential lock for the front tires fails, it is one of the more uncommon Honda Pioneer 700 issues.
It might be perplexing because no dash lights are flashing to indicate any problems. You’d even be notified if your 4WD and differential-lock modes are both active.
While most Honda owners believe the problem is caused by a cable, the true reason is the front-drive axle of the quad popping out of the output shaft.
Although it has not been proved, a lot of rock crawling may have contributed to its occurrence.
Other Honda Pioneer 7 issues include the 2014 vehicles’ poorly designed skid plate. Both two- and four-seater Pioneers were recalled because the skid plate accumulated trash and dried vegetation.
When ignited by the heat from the neighboring exhaust system, this resulted in a serious fire danger. Honda Pioneer 700-4 models have a lot of camshaft issues.
What Majority of the Users Feel About HONDA PIONEER 700?
Regular maintenance may help prevent problems, and the engine oil should be changed every 5,000 miles or fewer, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regardless of whether you buy a new or old quad, it should always be serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring that the HONDA PIONEER is always ready for action anytime you want to ride it.
In numerous forums, users have expressed their opinions regarding their HONDA Pioneer 700. Here are some of the reviews I’ve gathered that could be of interest to you.
“They’re very nicely built; however, Honda’s first foray into the SxS market lacks storage, power (poorly geared 3 speed), room for more than 2 adults, and creature comforts of other sxs’s.
Other than that, it’s a Honda and should last a long, long time. If its options fit you, go for it, but if you need more room for just 2 adults, you might be better served elsewhere.”
– Texas Bowhunter Forum
‘’It’s the same motor / tranny that came out of the 680 Rincon 4wheeer, with that said it is very dependable and was designed for trail riding and thats it, Myself and a few friends all had or still have the rincon and have been great minus the lack of power from the de-tuned power plant and too highly geared 3 speed tranny. I even put a gear reduction on my atv just to make up for lack of bottom end., so I could only imagine how weak the bottom end would be with it stuffed in a sxs, Save your money and look at the 1000 simply for the tranny not so much because of the engine.”
– Texas Bowhunter Forum
Keeping up with the maintenance of a HONDA PIONEER 700 is simple if you know what to look for. And the longer you keep it, the more time you’ll have to appreciate it before you have to spend additional money on repairs.
The sooner you repair the problem and the more careful you are with periodic maintenance, the easier it will be in the long term.
Final Thoughts
The Honda Pioneer 700 and 700-4 are still powerful machines that thrive as a workhorse as well as a pleasure vehicle. These quads stand out from their competitors because of their convenience and adaptability. If you’re searching for a versatile UTV that will endure, you’ve come to the perfect place.
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