Common Honda Pioneer 700 Problems

• About
• Latest Posts

Gavin Eales

Gavin Eales is a freelance writer who rides four wheels and hunts terrains. He enjoys the ATV experience and makes it safer and more enjoyable. He can walk you with helpful guides that suit your wants and needs. He enjoys an ice-cold beer and regularly brews them himself.

Latest posts by Gavin Eales (see all)

• How to Find the Best Hunting ATV - February 13, 2022
• Common Honda Pioneer 700 Problems - January 31, 2022

The Honda Pioneer 700 is an excellent ATV/UTE/SXS made by Honda in South Carolina, United States. Whether you are a homesteader, weekend warrior, or just looking for some recreational downtime with the family, this is an excellent off-road vehicle. The Honda Pioneer 700 is ideally suited to help you do your daily chores on the farm or homestead and features an impressive 1000 pound capacity Dump Bed. Honda has a reputation for innovation and quality and has produced world-class products since 1948. Let us look at some of the common Honda Pioneer 700 problems.

Common Honda Pioneer 700 Problems

• Engine not Starting
• Issues with the transmission
• Issues with Performance
• Hard/Cold Starting
• Sudden Loss of Power
• Increase in Fuel Consumption
• Differential Lock not working
• Engine Seizing Up

Pro and Cons of the Honda Pioneer 700

Pros

• Excellent ATV/UTE/SXS from Honda
• Made in South Carolina, United States.
• Outstanding 4×4 capabilities
• Top Speed of 45 miles per hour
• Quality 675cc (44HP) Liquid Cooled Honda Engine.
• Automotive-Style Three-Speed Automatic Transmission with hydraulic torque converter
• Excellent Downhill Braking Assist
• Deluxe models offer gear shift paddles, with the option of manual mode for improved acceleration and performance.
• Deluxe models offer ESP (Electronic Power Steering), camo or painted body, aluminum wheels, and contrasting shock springs.
• Innovative and industry-exclusive QuickFlip® seating system seats two to four.
• 1000 pound dump bed capacity
• Robust design
• One Year Honda Limited Warranty

Cons

• The base model does not offer ESP (Electronic Power Steering)
• Limited Storage Space
• Sluggish under load

Common Honda Pioneer 700 Problems

Below are some of the most common Honda Pioneer 700 problems:

Engine Not Starting

Engine not starting is possibly the most common problem associated with the Honda Pioneer 700, and any vehicle featuring an internal combustion engine.

There could be numerous things responsible for the engine not starting, below is a list of the most common causes that can be identified, repaired, or replaced without difficulty.

1. Check to ensure that your battery is sufficiently charged to power the starter motor. Turn the engine and inspect all cables and terminals for wear or damage. If your battery is holding sufficient charge but the engine is not turning over, you may need to check the starter motor. If the starter motor is getting warm but not turning, it may need replacing.
2. Check if there is power to the spark plug and check if it is sparking. The Pioneer 700 has a single-cylinder four-stroke engine, therefore a faulty or dead spark plug will cause your engine not to start. It is a good idea to inspect the spark plug cable for wear or damage. Remove the spark plug cable from the spark plug and hold it to the engine, crank the motor and see if any sparks exit the spark plug cable and hit the engine. If there is no spark, change the spark plug and check the ignition coil.
3. Check if there is fuel. Check the fuel tank and check if the fuel pump is working correctly. You can do this by removing the fuel line where it connects to the fuel injector system. Crank the engine to see if any fuel is coming through the fuel line from the tank. If there is no fuel coming through, there may be a faulty fuel pump or a blockage in the fuel line.
4. Check all fuses and relays. They can be removed and inspected with ease and often contribute towards the engine not starting. Each fuse and relay feature an observation point to see if there’s a fault. A thin strip of metal runs along the length of the fuse completing the circuit. If this metal strip has broken at any point, the fuse needs replacing.

Issues with the Transmission

Issues could include difficulty shifting gears, being stuck in gear, or being unable to select gears. Preowned Pioneers with 10 000 miles or more are notorious for struggling to find third gear, sometimes simply changing the transmission oil doesn’t eliminate the problem.

In this case, it is advisable to allow the engine to warm up sufficiently before taking off. As the transmission oil warms up the viscosity will decrease and allow for the gear to be selected. If you can’t find any gears, you may need to take your vehicle for a professional diagnosis.

1. Check the level of transmission oil, if the oil level is low you should immediately top up with Honda-approved transmission oil. If the oil level is low you will notice a significant improvement immediately.
2. Check the viscosity of the transmission oil. If you haven’t changed the oil for some time it can thicken to grease or toffee-like substance, the thickness will prevent the oil from effectively lubricating the gears and could cause permanent damage and failure. Perform an oil change immediately.

Issues with Performance

If you discover a gradual decrease in performance, it could be time to service your Honda Pioneer 700. These service parts and filters are important and must be kept free of dirt and dust.

Doing so will keep your engine clean and operating efficiently. A blocked air or fuel filter can affect the performance of your vehicle. You will suffer reduced power making it feel sluggish, particularly when under load.

1. Change the fuel filter, air filter, and spark plug
2. Change the oil filter and engine oil.
3. Check the timing of the engine.

Hard/Cold Starting

Hard/Cold Starting is a common issue with Honda Pioneer 700, especially if you live in sub-zero temperatures. There is nothing wrong with the vehicle, just that the conditions are extreme. Your Honda needs a little TLC to prepare it for the work ahead.

1. Connect a battery booster pack to your vehicle before attempting to start it. Doing so will supply extra power to the battery and assist with a hard/cold start. There is nothing worse than running your battery flat in the cold before the engine can start.
2. Let your vehicle idle for about five to eight minutes before taking off.
3. Using a vehicle cover can assist with hard/cold starting in the morning. Especially if the vehicle cover is made from a thick material with insulation properties such as canvas. If possible, store your Honda Pioneer 700 indoors.

Sudden Loss of Power

A sudden loss of power is usually a more serious issue and can result from mechanical failure within the engine. Worn or damaged compression rings can result in low compression and result in a sudden loss of power. A blocked, clogged, or faulty exhaust system can cause sudden power loss.

The air needed for combustion can only enter the engine at the same rate as what the exhaust fumes leave the engine. If there is a blockage in the exhaust system the performance will drop significantly.

1. Check the Exhaust System.
2. Check fuel filter, spark plug, and air filter.
3. Take your Pioneer 700 to the closest Honda Dealership for a professional diagnosis.

Increase in Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption and engine performance go hand in hand. Often you will find that when performance drops, then fuel consumption increases.

Increased fuel consumption is a great indication that your vehicle needs to be serviced. Blocked filters starve the engine of clean fuel and air. A starved engine increases fuel consumption as your engine works extra hard to give you the performance you require from it.

1. Check and replace fuel filter, spark plug, and air filter.
2. Check and replace the oil filter and engine oil.

Differential Lock not Engaging

The differential lock connects the left and right axle and allows the axles to turn as a single axle. A locked axle helps when one of your tires is stuck in mud or soft sand, as the opposite tire will now have traction and supply drive to the tire that is stuck.

There are a few instances where the differential lock doesn’t engage on the front tires of the Honda Pioneer 700. The dashboard indicators will show that it is engaged, this can be frustrating.

1. Check to ensure that the front-drive axle has not popped out of the output shaft. The front-drive-axle popping out of the output shaft is the most common cause of the front differential not engaging.

Engine Seizing Up

This problem is almost always a result of poor maintenance, the incorrect type of engine oil used, or damage to the sump. The engine relies heavily on hydraulic fluid to lubricate all the moving parts and greatly assists with heat dissipation. If you drive without sufficient engine oil, your motor will seize up and need a complete overhaul.

At the same time, putting too much oil in the engine will result in oil entering the combustion chamber and damaging the con rod, piston, and engine block. The Honda Pioneer 700 features a semi-dry-sump and requires the correct amount of oil at all times.

Start your Pioneer and let it idle for two to four minutes, switch the engine off and wait two minutes for all the oil to run into the sump, check the oil level twice to make sure it is on the correct filling mark.

1. Check oil level regularly.
2. Always use Honda-approved engine oil.
3. Never put too much oil in the engine.

Honda Pioneer 700 Engine

The Honda Pioneer is fitted with a capable single-cylinder 675cc four-stroke Honda engine. It is longitudinally mounted, liquid-cooled, and delivers an impressive 44 horsepower.

Specifications

• Starter: Electric
• Ignition: Fully transistorized
• Induction: Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with a 40mm throttle body
• Bore x stroke: 102.0mm x 82.6mm
• Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
• Valve Train: OHV (Overhead Valve), two valves

Honda Pioneer 700 Transmission

The Honda Pioneer 700 features a top-of-the-range automotive-style transmission. It features a hydraulic torque converter, with three speeds and a reverse gear.

The transmission offers three exciting driving modes, including Two Wheel Drive (2WD), Four Wheel Drive (4WD), Four Wheel Drive (4WD) with Differential Lock.

Honda Pioneer 700 Tires

The Honda Pioneer 700 comes standard with quality Blackstone tires. Blackstone Tires are made by SA de CV. The company is part of the Rubber Product Manufacturing Company and is located in El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico.

• Front Tires: 25×8-10
• Rear Tires: 25×10-12

What is the Difference Between the Honda 700 and the 700 Deluxe?

Both models come standard with convertible seating for up to four people and a beltless, geared automatic transmission. The Deluxe model offers manual shift paddles conveniently placed alongside the steering wheel.

Manually selecting gears increases acceleration and performance. Additionally, the deluxe model features ESP (Electronic Power Steering), camo or painted bodywork, up-graded shock springs, and lightweight aluminum wheels.

Honda Pioneer 700 Alternatives

Below are two quality alternatives to the Honda Pioneer 700:

Yamaha Viking EPS

The Yamaha Viking EPS is a fantastic ATV/UTE/SXS that excels in the 700 class. It boasts a powerful 686cc liquid-cooled four-stroke SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) engine with four valves. The transmission features an Ultramatic V-Belt with innovative all-wheel engine braking.

It offers Low, High, Neutral, and reverse gears and a three-way locking differential. The transmission allows for a final drive of either Two-Wheel Drive (2WD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD), or locked 4X4 (4WD).

The Yamaha Viking EPS features a large volume air intake system which boosts overall engine performance. Overall it is an outstanding off-road vehicle with excellent performance and reliability.

Polaris Ranger 570 EFI

Polaris has been manufacturing quality off-road vehicles since 1985. The Ranger 570 EPI is one of their finest examples, although it has a smaller engine, it keeps up with the best off-road vehicles out there.

It is equipped with a 567cc four-stroke DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) engine, and a unique transmission featuring on-demand True AWD (All Wheel Drive) and 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive).

Additionally, the transmission offers High, Low, Neutral, Reverse, and Park gears. The Polaris 570 EFI offers three seats and a fuel tank capacity of 34 L. Polaris have pioneered this market and are known to produce efficient and reliable off-road vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Below is a list of common problems associated with the Honda Pioneer 700:

Honda Pioneer 700 Common Problems

• Engine not Starting
• Issues with the transmission
• Issues with Performance
• Hard/Cold Starting
• Sudden Loss of Power
• Increase in Fuel Consumption
• Differential Lock not working
• Engine Seizing Up

The Honda Pioneer 700 is an excellent off-road vehicle made from premium materials and premium components. It is ideal for doing work around the farm/homestead or for spending some much-needed recreational downtime with the family.

It features an excellent 675 cc (44HP) liquid-cooled engine that can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. The three-speed automatic transmission with a hydraulic torque converter will allow you to haul up to 1000 pounds.

Most of the problems associated with the Honda Pioneer 700 are a direct result of poor maintenance. It is important to service your vehicle as per the service manual and to check oil levels regularly (engine and transmission). Doing so will give you numerous years of assistance and pleasure.