DG Rider
Member: Triple Clutch Club
Lifetime Member
I saw a discussion on the Facebook page a few months ago about a malfunctioning machine, and some semi-incorrect information was passed about these 2 modes of operation. These are 2 built-in features Honda has provided to get you back to civilization in the event of a failure. The results of the 2 modes are somewhat the same, but how they are activated is a bit different.
For the sake of this discussion, we will concentrate on the transmission control systems on the Pioneer...
Limp-In
The PGM-FI on the Pioneer is programmed to recognize when something is amiss in various sensors. When this happens, the machine may go into "Limp-In" mode. This is an attempt to allow the operator to get the machine back to help by locking the machine in 2nd gear, disabling the "Creep Control" (meaning the machine will start to move a bit on flat ground the second a gear is engaged), and illuminating the check engine light.
The key thing here is to understand that this is the "computer" actively choosing to get the machine into a minimal running state to get you to safety.
But what if the computer has no control over the various solenoids that control the transmission in the Pioneer? Say...a limb comes up and rips the connectors of the solenoid pack or something like that? At this point, though the computer will try and get into Limp-In mode, it has no control over the system. It can do nothing.
Fortunately, Honda has thought of this as well, and provided "Emergency Drive Mode".
Emergency Drive Mode
Study this pic taken through the hole under the drivers seat, and notice the big, slotted screw (2) with the locking tab retained by a phillips head screw/bolt (1):
This is the valve for Emergency Drive.
If the machine refuses to move despite any attempts to get it going, you remove the 10mm bolt (1) and locking tab, then turn the slotted screw (2) all the way in.
This also locks the machine in 2nd gear without creep-control, but this is a MECHANICAL 2nd gear engagement circuit in the valve body, and thus, bypasses the solenoids and any sort of electronic control from the PGM-FI.
It is meant as a last-ditch resort to get off the trail when the electronics have lost control of the tranny.
If you think you might have trouble remembering how to engage Emergency Drive, the owners manual also contains this information.
Hope you never have to use this, but if you do, maybe it will get you home safely.
For the sake of this discussion, we will concentrate on the transmission control systems on the Pioneer...
Limp-In
The PGM-FI on the Pioneer is programmed to recognize when something is amiss in various sensors. When this happens, the machine may go into "Limp-In" mode. This is an attempt to allow the operator to get the machine back to help by locking the machine in 2nd gear, disabling the "Creep Control" (meaning the machine will start to move a bit on flat ground the second a gear is engaged), and illuminating the check engine light.
The key thing here is to understand that this is the "computer" actively choosing to get the machine into a minimal running state to get you to safety.
But what if the computer has no control over the various solenoids that control the transmission in the Pioneer? Say...a limb comes up and rips the connectors of the solenoid pack or something like that? At this point, though the computer will try and get into Limp-In mode, it has no control over the system. It can do nothing.
Fortunately, Honda has thought of this as well, and provided "Emergency Drive Mode".
Emergency Drive Mode
Study this pic taken through the hole under the drivers seat, and notice the big, slotted screw (2) with the locking tab retained by a phillips head screw/bolt (1):
This is the valve for Emergency Drive.
If the machine refuses to move despite any attempts to get it going, you remove the 10mm bolt (1) and locking tab, then turn the slotted screw (2) all the way in.
This also locks the machine in 2nd gear without creep-control, but this is a MECHANICAL 2nd gear engagement circuit in the valve body, and thus, bypasses the solenoids and any sort of electronic control from the PGM-FI.
It is meant as a last-ditch resort to get off the trail when the electronics have lost control of the tranny.
If you think you might have trouble remembering how to engage Emergency Drive, the owners manual also contains this information.
Hope you never have to use this, but if you do, maybe it will get you home safely.
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