The Honda Big Red is a multi-purpose utility vehicle designed to revolutionize the side-by-side category. Built for off-roading and everyday use, it comes with a powerful liquid-cooled engine. The engine feeds power to the wide set of wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. It also comes with a sturdy-looking roll cage that reduces the chance of injury in a rollover.
Despite the many safety features and sturdy build, the Honda Big Red does suffer from a couple of problems. Here are common issues with the Honda Big Red UTV.
Common Problems of the Honda Big Red UTV
The following are the common problems of the Honda Big Red UTV.
1. Transmission Issues
The Honda Big Red UTV made history as the first UTV with a three-speed automatic transmission. It has three forward speeds and one reverse gear. Transmission problems are only present when the engine is running and are usually caused by a high idle. Since the UTV has an automatic transmission, it also means it has an automatic clutch.
When you apply the throttle, the automatic clutch engages. If your UTV idles higher than it’s supposed to, it may cause the clutch to engage slightly. This puts tension on the metal gears inside the gearbox. Due to the pressure, it becomes harder to shift gears.
Another issue that may cause transmission problems is transmission oil. What you need to do is check the oil viscosity. If it’s not ok, change the oil.
2. Engine Fails to Start
If your Big Red UTV does not turn on when you engage the ignition, the first thing you need to look at is the battery. The reason why the engine fails to start is that the battery could be dead or just too cold. The engine needs a spark to engage, and with a dead battery, this is not going to happen.
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Besides a dead battery, the other issues that may prevent the UTV’s engine from starting include:
- A blown fuse
- Loose battery cables
- Neutral transmission
- A swamped engine
If the engine fails to start, consult the UTV owner’s manual. You’ll find instructions on how to start it given different situations. Alternatively, you can fix the issue by charging the battery. Simply plug it into a battery charger for a boost.
3. Power Loss
If you’re experiencing power loss, you can trace the problem to a faulty spark plug, clogged air filter, bad or dirty fuel, and improper oil level. A spark plug fouled with oil, carbon, dirt, or fuel on the electrodes will result in a loss of power. This is because it will produce an inconsistent spark.
Dirty fuel attracts moisture, diluting it. If this happens, your UTV will experience a power loss. Besides bad gas, loss of power could also be due to the improper level of oil in the engine. If the level is too high, it can lead to froth introducing air into the lubrication system. When this happens, it reduces the oil’s ability to lubricate the moving parts.
Too low an oil level will also increase friction, and put more load on the engine.
4. Difficulty Shifting
You may experience restricted shifting to 3rd gear, especially in winter. This happens when you’ve traveled more than 8,000 miles. The reason for this is that when the temperature drops, transmission fluid with poor cold flow properties thickens. When this occurs, it restricts shifting. Changing the oil filter and the oil will do little or no difference to solve the issue.
To resolve the problem, allow your UTV to warm up. This makes the transmission fluid warm enough to flow. Additionally, you can switch to high-quality synthetic transmission fluid.
5. Performance Problems
Having a dirty or clogged air filter will decrease the performance of your Honda Big Red UTV. In fact, it will cause the engine to suffocate because dust and dirt get sucked into the motor causing premature wear. If you discover the UTV has a clogged air filter, change it. Check regularly and replace when dirty or clogged.
Another issue could be dirty fuel. Gasoline takes 30 days to decompose. When this happens, varnish forms inside the carburetor obstructing the gas passages. This prevents the proper circulation of gasoline and prevents the UTV from even starting. To ensure the best performance, add a gasoline stabilizer with each fill.
6. Differential Lock Does Not Work
When your Honda Big Red UTV differential lock fails to engage, the right front wheel will not engage, or both front wheels will not engage. As a result, you’ll be left with two or three wheels to drive the UTV. When this happens, no warning lights will flash on the dash. But when the front wheels fail to engage, you’ll definitely know the issue is the differential lock is not working.
One reason for this problem is the previous use of the Honda Big Red UTV on very uneven ground. This causes the front drive shaft to pop out of the front differential cutting power to the wheels. If this is the issue, simply pop it back in.
7. Insufficient Engine Power
Insufficient engine power could be a result of clogged filters or injectors that cause the engine to lack power. Also, if your fuel tank is empty, this could cause insufficient engine power. It’s important to ensure that you’ve enough fuel and that your injectors or filters are clean and not clogged.
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You should also check your ignition coils and spark plugs if you encounter insufficient engine power. If you discover any faulty parts, replace them.
General Pros and Cons of Honda Big Red UTV
The following are the general pros and cons of Honda Big Red UTV
Pros
- UTVs are great for everyday use, camping, hunting trips, and off-roading. They can go through rough terrain and harsh conditions, such as narrow trails, and muddy and rocky terrain. In fact, they go to many places where trucks and SUVs cannot.
- The Honda Big Red UTV has a low center of gravity. As such, there is a very low chance of UTV flipping. Even when carrying 2 to 6 people, chances of rolling over are minimal. To improve stability, the UTV comes with a wide set of wheels.
- It has a strong structure to ensure the safety of the occupants. The UTV’s cage prevents bodily damage as long as the occupants are all seated and buckled within the vehicle.
- The UTV is easy to control as it comes with a steering wheel, brake, and gas pedals just like a traditional vehicle. If you go for a model with a manual transmission, it may have a clutch.
- Unlike two-seater four-wheelers, the Honda Big Red UTV has a greater passenger capacity. Since you can fit several people, the whole family can participate in the off-road adventures together.
Cons
- The UTV’s maximum speed is 40 MPH.
- It has a low ground usage
- It can be noisy, and most of it comes from rattling doors, the front, and rear differential.
- The instrument behind the steering wheel is tough to see due to its size
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much oil does a Honda Big Red take?
The Honda Big Red takes 4 quarts of Honda GN4 10W-30 4-stroke motorcycle oil.
2. Do Honda pioneers have transmission problems?
Honda Pioneers transmissions are not bad at all, and you can drive the vehicle for 10 years or more before you have trouble with the transmission.
Final Words
The Honda Big Red is for folks who love off-roading, camping, and hunting trips. Thanks to its wide set of tires and low ground clearance, you can take the UTV for a spin on rocky and uneven terrains and have some fun.
Since it has a great capacity, you can take the whole family offroading or camping in the UTV. This side-by-side is all about build quality, safety, increased load capacity, and more despite the issues above.