2001 Yamaha Kodiak 400 4WD Can't Shift Gears

[KansasKodiak]

Does anyone have any ideas why I can't shift gears on my 2001 Kodak 400 while it's running? I have to turn it off to change gears and it's always difficult to switch gears. I'm new to ownership but pretty mechanically handy. 

[spock58]

I believe that your quad has a CVT system (belt drive) that changes gears automatically, as well as a separate (sub)transmission to change from forward to reverse/neutral gears.

Is that the system you have & is it a problem going from F-R-N?

[Ajmboy]

17 hours ago, spock58 said:

I believe that your quad has a CVT system (belt drive) that changes gears automatically, as well as a separate (sub)transmission to change from forward to reverse/neutral gears.

Is that the system you have & is it a problem going from F-R-N?

Yes they should be. 2000-2005 Kodiaks are UltraMatic. Unless it's a Big Bear 400?

[spock58]

Well, if it is an Ultramatic they use a separate clutch for engagement. When there's something wrong in that system, then it could cause trouble with shifting since the belt could be turning when it's not supposed to.

Hope that makes sense.

[KansasKodiak]

That does make sense. I found a website that details how to check that and fix it. I’m going to try it. Really appreciate your help 

[KansasKodiak]

So after much research and fiddling around with various mechanical fixes on my "new" old 400 I turned down the idle and the problem remains so it turned out to be a broken choke cable which I'm replacing. Pretty sure the idle was too high also and the clutch needs adjusted. Any advice on clutch adjustment would be great. It certainly doesn't sound easy but is doable without taking it to a mechanic and paying $110/hour in labor.  I mean at that rate it's like paying for surgery.😅

[KansasKodiak]

Just wanted to update my issues. I believe that the primary issue is the choke cable is broken and is out of the carburetor. I think this is causing the quad to idle way too high and creating shifting problems. I ordered a new cable and hopefully that will help. 

I also ordered a repair manual which should help troubleshoot the issues that may be residual after choke cable replacement. I'm thinking the clutch may still have to be adjusted sooner or later. We'll see.