How do i remove the shift position switch for cleaning?

bad starter would be the place to start

your shift linkage could be out of adjustment. the two rods that run to your transmission. try disconnecting one and see if it shift *(without the engine running), then do the same thing for the other. if it shift into high without the low gear shift linkage disconnected, then they are out of adjustment.

Maybe the following link will help:
http://www.hondaatvforums.net/forums/honda-rancher/41843-01-rancher-350es-digital-display-goes-out-why.html

It maybe the gear position switch causing the problem, this switch controls the ground lines to the display as you shift the gears. Use the shift tool when testing the switch.

Is your gear position indicator showing "-"
If so it is a gear position switch or circuit malfuction
Check the gear shift position connector and wiring.

make sure micro switch in electric shifter (If there is one, since you don't say year make and model) and all wiring connectors are clean and free from dirt then check for power (+ voltage) from switch to shift solenoid if there is power replace shift solenoid

Had the same problem on my 500. It was the shift linkage. Two of the joint nuts had loosened up. So it wouldn't come all the way out of forward so it wouldn't shift into any other position.

How many blinks on the 1st gear light? Here's the code definitions that should be for your quad.

Code 0 (no flashes) - The system is functioning normally
Code 1 (one flash) - Electronic control unit
Code 2 (two flashes) - Shift Switch or it's circuit
Code 3 (three flashes) - Angle sensor or it's circuit
Code 4 (four flashes) - Gear position switch or it's circuit
Code 5 (five flashes) - ECU motor circuit (defective ECU)
Code 6 (six flashes) - ECU failsafe relay circuit (defective ECU)
Code 7 (seven flashes) - ECU voltage converter circuit (defective ECU)
Code 8 (eight flashes) - Angle sensor, control motor, ECU or circuit
Code 9 (nine flashes) - Angle sensor, it's circuit or ECU
Code 10 (ten flashes) - Pulse generator or it's circuit
Code 11 (eleven flashes) - Speed Sensor , it's circuit or ECU
Code 12 (twelve flashes) - Gear position switch, it's circuit or ECU

I hope this helps you out.

How many blinks on the 1st gear light? Here's the code definitions that should be for your quad. Count the flashes and look it up here. Call your dealership or local repair shop for more info and parts if you're planning on tackling it yourself.

Code 0 (no flashes) - The system is functioning normally
Code 1 (one flash) - Electronic control unit
Code 2 (two flashes) - Shift Switch or it's circuit
Code 3 (three flashes) - Angle sensor or it's circuit
Code 4 (four flashes) - Gear position switch or it's circuit
Code 5 (five flashes) - ECU motor circuit (defective ECU)
Code 6 (six flashes) - ECU failsafe relay circuit (defective ECU)
Code 7 (seven flashes) - ECU voltage converter circuit (defective ECU)
Code 8 (eight flashes) - Angle sensor, control motor, ECU or circuit
Code 9 (nine flashes) - Angle sensor, it's circuit or ECU
Code 10 (ten flashes) - Pulse generator or it's circuit
Code 11 (eleven flashes) - Speed Sensor , it's circuit or ECU
Code 12 (twelve flashes) - Gear position switch, it's circuit or ECU

I hope this helps you out.

Solution#1 worked perfectly. It only took about 15 minutes all together.
the side panel removes easily. It just slides out of the other panel. Once you have removed the handle (Shifter) and the other two bracket bolts, just place it back into the shifter housing and move it around. I was amazed at how easy this was to repair. I also turned the ignition to the on position to see if it was changing gears and it was.
Solution #1 repost originally posted by Jpach
I tried this today and it worked. Pull the sideplate from the ATV so that you have access to the gear shifter assembly. Unbolt the gearshift assembly from the mounting bracket. There are two bolts at the rear near the two rods that exit the assembly and three on the bottom. When the bolts are out, remove the assembly from the mounting bracket. Hold it in your hand and move the shift lever through all of the positions. This won't actually shift the transmission, but it should free up the rods in the assembly. Remount the assembly with the five bolts and it should now be able to shift out of reverse.