The CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 is made by KTM’s production partner, CF Moto. The ATV is an excellent utility vehicle that can compete with big names in the industry.
Due to its newness, it has not yet perfected its vehicle structure and design, which established brands have achieved more quickly.
Vehicle abuse, riding style, or lack of maintenance are the most common causes of problems. These include engine noises, parts failures, and general wear and tear.
Check the rear lower A-arms and engine brakes when purchasing a used ZFORCE 800. Check if the CVT belt needs to be replaced as well.
In spite of the article’s focus on the problems, half (if not most) don’t seem to occur for more experienced, seasoned riders.
To prevent these issues and maximize the quad’s reliability, therefore, requires a certain level of mechanical skill and intellect. Find out more about the CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 by reading on.
Table of Contents
Most Common CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 Problems
A loss of steering power
The EPS on several four-wheelers has failed after barely 200 miles. EPS stops working when making right turns, causing the vehicle to steer strangely.
They were told that it was partly due to a design flaw. An EPS sensor shuts down when the tire hits something hard, preventing EPS from working. However, an ECM replacement can easily resolve this issue.
Others examine the shifter linkage as well. It is possible to resolve the problem by replacing the ECM, but it is also possible to resolve it by changing the way you operate the controls.
Getting on and off the throttle should be done with light pressure on the shifter when shifting to low. Thus, the shifter sneaks into gear, never pops back out, and produces unpleasant grinding noises. Knowing when the shifter nicks into low is also helpful.
Front/Rear-Wheel Runouts
Bouncing or shaking at speeds above 20 mph is an indication of wheel runout. Excessive wheel runout can be caused by several factors, including the rim, the wheel/tire mounting, and improper seating (sitting in the garage too long). This problem is exacerbated by prolonged heavy load operation and commercial functions.
The standard fix is to rotate the wheel and tire assembly a certain number of stud positions on the hub or to rotate the tires 180 degrees on the wheel.
Also, spraying silicone spray between the tire bead and the wheel bead edge (and airing up the tires to 30 pounds) helps. Don’t forget to put the tires back to their recommended pressure.
Power shortage
This is one of the trickier CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 problems and requires a lot of procedures. The symptoms of a no-start issue may overlap with those of a no-start issue, and it takes a trained eye to distinguish the two.
The most common cause of fuel starvation is a lack of fuel, but this may not always be the case. Follow these steps to find the root cause:
- To isolate the fuel problem and determine if you are getting a lean/rich mixture, crank the engine with the air cleaner off and spray carb cleaner (or its equivalent) into the throttle body.
- The engine should start after following the above steps. In the event it does not, but you are getting spark, pull the plugs and perform a compression test. To remove the rear plugs, you will need a deep spark plug socket (at least 5/8).
- Turn the key on and remove the cap from the tank (the fuel pump should run for a few seconds and then shut off). Look at the vent and make sure the tank’s valve is not stuck closed if it starts.
- Follow troubleshooting steps for a no-start issue to determine which route you don’t need to pursue further. Charge the battery fully (a battery tender is very useful in these situations).
If an owner is more than an hour’s drive from their nearest dealer or mechanic, they usually perform the poor man’s compression test (putting their finger over the plug holes while cranking the engine to feel for pressure) to determine which plugs need more work.
The compression test will be more accurate if you use a real gauge instead, as it makes things a little easier.
Noise from CVTs
It is not always an issue, since the CFMOTO ZFORCE may have a whining clutch at idle speed or during transmission. You may have a problem with your rear axles if your machine sounds like a wood planer.
Check gearcase and differential oils (best to switch to synthetic 80/90 or 75/90), bearings and CV joints for play or movement, and the pinions for end play or side play movement.
It is also possible that your rear differential is too tight, and the shims need to be replaced. Likewise, loosening the adjustment on the differential casing has the same effect – one of these steps should drastically reduce noise.
You may need to inspect other parts if the gearing noise is unpredictable. There are several things that can be checked, including motor mount bolts, gear shifter linkage (for alignment), rubber parts of the engine mounts, cover bearings, and engine brakes (to determine if this is the cause of the noise).
ZFORCE 800 owners and dealers agree that the H gearbox is either worn out or does not engage properly. The worst-case scenario is a transmission fork bent or an alignment issue. Replacement parts will be required to correct this. Adjustments cannot correct this.
An abnormal acceleration
ATV/UTV magazine tests have mostly positive feedback regarding the vehicle’s acceleration, whereas riders who have driven the 4×4 have mostly negative feedback.
It is not uncommon for brand new vehicles to feel underpowered and restrained when accelerating. At low speeds, the CFMOTO ZFORCE engine is consistently excellent.
A newbie should check if their ZFORCE has bad gas or a bad throttle position sensor, or if they ride in very dusty areas. A first-line inspection would consist of checking the valve, fuel lines, stock air filter, and fuel filter. If no issues are found, contact your nearest dealer.
Idle speed instability
During or after the warm-up period, or at any time, many CFMOTO owners experience unstable idle speeds. When electric components are switched on or are too high, idle speed issues may occur erratically.
Due to the vehicle’s fuel injection system, there is no way to adjust engine idle speed. This must be done at the factory.
If you observe abnormal idle speed settings, contact your dealer for service immediately to prevent engine damage and poor performance. Your ZFORCE engine idle speed should be 1300 RPM ± 100 RPM (at operating temperature).
The engine won’t start
As a result of this issue, the engine either cannot rotate or rotates but cannot start. In rare cases, the problem is accompanied by error codes P0122 and P0351-P0352.
In most cases, a no-start problem is caused by a low ignition circuit or ECM voltage, a weak battery, or not enough voltage getting to the coils. The problem could also be caused by oil in the engine (for example, after you tear the air filter box off your quad to add a snorkel).
You should check the cable connections and the main fuse, then check the voltage before and after the fuse while cranking. This would explain why the engine won’t start if it is. ECM error codes may need to be troubleshooted separately.
Overheating of the engine
Most 4x4s, especially purpose-built ATVs and UTVs, have this problem. The more tasks a quad can perform, the more likely it is to overwork the engine and neglect its maintenance, which can lead to overheating.
Heat cannot escape the CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 engine compartment due to a cooling system leak, a soiled radiator fan, a broken water pump, or a clogged coolant hose.
The use of high gear for continuous slow speed travel or towing can also overheat the clutch system or damage engine components.
Keep your ZFORCE 800 engine from overheating unnecessarily by following these tips:
- Regularly inspect your radiator for damage and ensure that it has enough coolant.
- Use a digital radiator fan or a high-pressure radiator cap.
- As a reservoir for excess coolant, you should have a recovery tank.
- Make sure the stock water pump spins freely, or invest in a durable aftermarket water pump and impeller.
- When you experience unusual power loss or ticking noises while driving, turn off your engine. As a result, the engine lubrication will not completely dry out and pistons will not seize.
- When riding, keep an eye on the ambient temperature.
Other problems with the CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 include loud exhaust or shock absorber noises, excessive oil consumption or pressure, engine oil whitening, CVT belt wear, and other EFI issues.
Some are self-inflicted, while others are caused by wear and tear. Dirt, obstructions, or bent vents may cause the radiator fan not to turn on. Insufficient voltage or burned out lighting may also cause headlights not to turn on.
Brake performance is poor
There are a number of glaring problems with the CFMOTO ZFORCE, including its weak brakes. It is reasonable to expect brakes to perform less well during break-in, but this should not be the case afterward. In order to correct the problem, riders would almost immediately replace the brake pads.
But the correct fix is to bleed the brakes (to get rid of all the air inside) and to change the brake fluid. You can significantly improve your quad’s stopping power by following these two simple steps. Furthermore, these are easy and inexpensive fixes.
Engine starts difficulty
Your machine may not turn over, have difficulty starting when the temperature is either too warm or too cold, or have an inaudible fuel pump. In addition, you may notice patterns when the rev limiter is engaged (for example, in forward or reverse).
Check fuses, batteries, sparks, and cable connections to narrow down the cause of the problem. Check your kill switch first, as it is usually the culprit. It is also possible to have problems starting your wheeler if you don’t thoroughly clean it after mudding.
Suspension too soft/hard at front/rear
This problem is most likely caused by a flaw in the lower rear A-arms. For all 800-class CFMOTO models, a hole in the lower rear A-arm bushing tube allows grease to travel away from the bushing (inside) and into the A-arm frame.
All A-arms are constructed the same way, so dealerships are left without a replacement or fix for the problem reported by owners.
The superficial fix is to grease these parts before each ride. In the end, CFMOTO released a bulletin that stated it would cover lower A-arm repairs.
Check to see if the lower A-arm issue has been corrected on any brand-new CFMOTO ZFORCE purchase. Knowing how to deal with this issue will be beneficial if you own a secondhand unit.
Noises coming from the engine
Loud knocking or rattling sounds may indicate problems with the valve train, connecting rod/bearing, pressure sensor, or oil filter.
It would be best not to restart the machine if your engine noise is severe. Prepare to pull down your quad to find out what is causing the noise.
Make sure the oil filter does not contain metal flakes or other obstructions. This problem can sometimes be caused by a loose clutch plate.
If your four-wheeler recently underwent a rebuild, chances are you have substandard or incorrect parts, fasteners improperly torqued, an EFI box that is too lean, or the previous builder made a mistake during the last rebuild.
Recall of 2018 CFMOTO ROVs
In response to a possible crash hazard, ZFORCE 500 Trail, ZFORCE 800 Trail, and ZFORCE 1000 SSV were recalled on October 31, 2018. These vehicles have throttle pedals that push past the throttle stops and do not return to idle, causing them to accelerate continuously.
Final Thoughts on Common CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 Problems
For new owners, there are tons of online tutorials, forums, and support from the riding community that provide a wealth of information.
For all their vehicle models, CFMOTO should provide detailed troubleshooting information in their service manuals. The CFMOTO Terralander 800 owner’s manual, for instance, offers detailed steps for addressing common issues, while the CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 owner’s manual does not.
There is a lot of love and hate for the CFMOTO ZFORCE 800s among consumers, and no one is to blame. It is important to note that all these positive and negative feedback are primarily based on personal experiences and serve as a solid basis for drawing conclusions about the 4×4.
As a whole, the CFMOTO ZFORCE is a reliable quadcopter. With proper care and maintenance, it will faithfully serve any rider for many years. They are perfect for weekend rides and workhorses because of their quality, functional design.
Video of Most Common CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 Problems
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