CFMoto is a relatively young brand when it comes to ATVs and UTVs. Nevertheless, they produce excellent machines like the CForce 500.
This ATV has several problems, but that does not detract from the fact that it is a good vehicle. Every vehicle has its problems, including the CForce 500.
So, when you are in the market for a CForce 500, read on!
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1. Battery Draining
Owners have reported problems with their ATV’s battery draining excessively or not holding a charge. There are 4 different reasons why this problem might happen.
First, a problem with the charging system. A faulty charging system can cause a battery to drain quickly or not hold a charge at all.
Check the output voltage of the charging system with a multimeter. A 12V battery that is sufficiently charged should read approximately between 12.4 and 12.7V when everything that uses the battery is switched off.
If it is not producing the correct voltage, the stator or regulator/rectifier may need to be replaced.
Sometimes a broken element can drain the battery even when the ATV is not in use. This power leak could be caused by a faulty part, like a faulty relay, or by an electrical accessory that stays on when the ATV is turned off.
Use a multimeter to test if the battery has this problem (you have to check the amperage). In a normal situation with the ATV stationary, this would be around 0.05 ampere. If it shows a value greater than this, it means there is some parasitic consumption that is draining your battery.
If there is, start by unplugging electrical accessories one at a time to see if that fixes the problem. If not, you may need to replace a faulty part or have a professional diagnose the problem.
ATV batteries can become old or defective over time, which may prevent them from being charged. You can also measure this with a multimeter. The voltage level should be approximately between 12.4 and 12.7V.
Replace the old or defective battery with a new one of the same voltage and capacity as the original.
The last problem is bad connection points of the battery. Corrosion on the battery terminals or terminals may prevent the battery from charging properly or holding a charge. Now is a good time to clean the battery terminals and connections. Use a wire brush and apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.
Also read: Is CFMOTO a Good Brand? Everything You Need To Know!
2. Vapor Lock Problems
Vapor lock is a common problem, especially in hot weather. Vapor lock happens when fuel vaporizes in the fuel lines and carburetor because of too much heat.
This causes a clog in the fuel system and stops the engine from starting or running properly. The following are some possible causes of vapor lock in a 500:
- Fuel line issues
A damaged or wrong-routed fuel line can cause vapor lock. Inspect the fuel lines for damage or kinks. If there are any parts that are damaged, replace them and change the pipes route to keep them from touching hot surfaces.
- Carburetor Problems
A faulty or improperly adjusted carburetor can cause fuel to vaporize, leading to vapor lock. Inspect the carburetor for damage or wear. If it is defective, replace it with a new one. If it isn’t adjusted properly, adjust it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Hot weather conditions
Hot weather conditions can cause fuel to evaporate more quickly, leading to vapor lock. In hot weather, try to park your CForce 500 in a shady area or use a cover to keep it out of the sun. To prevent the fuel lines from becoming too hot, you can also add a heat shield or insulator to the fuel lines.
- A faulty fuel cap.
This is a common cause of Evap problems. A bad fuel cap can cause the Evap system to fail, leading to a Check Engine Light (CEL) and engine performance issues. If the fuel tank cap is loose or damaged, it must be replaced with a new one. One owner gave the following advice:
Check the fuel cap and make sure it is tight and not damaged. You can also try replacing the fuel cap with a new one to see if that resolves the problem.
3. Fuel Indicator Issues
The next problem is the fuel indicator that is not working properly. The fuel indicator is responsible for showing the rider how much fuel is left in the tank, and if it malfunctions, it can cause discomfort and frustration. These are the causes:
First, the fuel sensor in the fuel tank may be faulty or malfunctioning, causing the fuel indicator to display inaccurate readings.
If the fuel indicator is not working properly, check the fuel sensor first. Make sure the fuel sensor is properly connected and not damaged or corroded. If it is damaged, you may need to replace the fuel sensor.
Loose wiring connections can also cause the fuel indicator to stop working or display inaccurate readings.
What you need to do now is check all wiring connections between the fuel sensor and gauge cluster. If any connections are loose or corroded, clean and tighten.
The gauge group itself may not be working properly, causing the fuel indicator to display inaccurate readings.
If the fuel indicator is still not working properly after checking the fuel sensor and wiring connections, the problem may be with the gauge cluster itself. In this case, you may have to replace the meter cluster.
Finally, a fuel level that is too low. If the fuel level is too low, the fuel indicator may not work properly.
If you notice that the fuel indicator is not working when the fuel level is low, it may be because the fuel is sloshing around in the tank and not coming into contact with the fuel sensor.
Try to fill the tank and see if the fuel indicator starts working properly.
Also read: All CFMoto CForce Top Speeds & how to boost the engine!
4. Belt Issues
The CForce 500 has a reputation for shredding the drive belt prematurely, which can lead to a loss of power and reduced performance. There are several reasons for belt problems, such as driving style, lack of maintenance and overloading the ATV.
If your drive belt is defective, you will notice unusual noises or vibrations, reduced power or acceleration, and the smell of burning rubber.
A good aftermarket belt is the best way to repair a broken or worn drive belt on a CForce 500. The Gates G-Force belt is a popular option, designed to provide superior durability and performance compared to the standard belt.
Putting a new drive belt on an ATV can be a bit of a hassle, so read the manufacturer’s directions carefully before you begin. An owner says:
I just replaced my drive belt with a Gates G-Force belt, and it made a big difference in performance. The installation wasn’t too difficult, but you have to be careful not to damage the new belt during installation. Follow the instructions carefully and take your time.
To prevent drive belt problems in the future, it is important to properly maintain your ATV. This means checking and cleaning the belt regularly, as well as not overloading the ATV and not riding it aggressively.
When you experience problems with the drive belt on your CFMoto CForce 500, consider installing a quality aftermarket belt and schedule a service appointment for your ATV.
5. Starting Problems
The next problem is starting the ATV, or rather not starting the ATV. The starter motor may not crank the engine when the ATV is started, or it may turn slowly or intermittently.
- Weak battery.
If the battery is weak, it may not have enough power to turn the starter motor. The first thing to do if you have a starting problem is to check the battery. Use a multimeter to measure the battery voltage. A fully charged battery should be about 12.6 volts. When the voltage is low, you can charge or replace the battery. - Corroded terminals.
Damaged battery terminals or starter motor connections can cause the starter to malfunction. Make sure the battery terminals are clean, corrosion on the battery terminals can cause poor electrical contact and prevent the starter from working properly. Clean the terminals with a wire brush or terminal cleaner and apply dielectric grease to prevent further corrosion. - Faulty starter motor.
If the starter motor is faulty, it may not be able to crank the engine, or it may spin slowly or intermittently. Check the starter motor, if the battery and terminals are OK, the problem may be with the starter motor. Remove the starter motor and inspect for signs of wear or damage. To check the resistance of the windings and the continuity of the brushes, use a multimeter. If the starter motor is defective, it must be replaced.
Also read: 9 × CFMoto Starting Problems and how to Fix it!
A driver told me:
I had the same problem with my CForce 500. The starter motor turned slowly or not at all. I replaced the battery and cleaned the terminals, but the problem persisted. It turned out that the starter motor was faulty and I had to replace it.
6. Problems With Clutch Bearings
A defective clutch bearing can cause problems with the transmission and lead to problems with shifting.
The clutch bearing is a small component that sits between the clutch basket and the clutch hub. The aim is to facilitate gear changes by allowing smooth operation of the clutch and transmission. Failure of the clutch bearing can cause problems such as shifting problems, excessive noise or vibration, and even damage to the transmission.
For example, a Force 500 owner reported the following issue:
My clutch bearing failed at about 500 miles. The engine became very difficult to shift and there was a grinding noise. I took it to the dealer, and they replaced the bearing, but it was a pain to get it done.
Here are some possible solutions to this problem:
- Replace the clutch bearing
The most common way to fix a broken clutch release bearing is to replace it with a new bearing. This is a tricky job, especially if you don’t know how the transmission works. - Upgrade to a better bearing
You may also have success upgrading to a higher quality clutch bearing. Bearings from SKF, for example, are of excellent quality and last longer than standard bearings. It may cost a little more, but you will have fewer problems. - Inspect the transmission for damage
In some cases, a faulty clutch release bearing can cause damage to other components in the transmission, such as the gears or shift forks. If this is the case, it may be necessary to replace these parts as well.
See next video how they fix the clutch bearing
7. Steering Problems
Steering problems can cause serious safety risks, and the CForce 500 has these problems. Possible causes and solutions for steering problems are:
- Loose steering
Loose steering can cause the steering wheel to wobble or feel unstable. Check the steering stem nut and tighten if necessary, also check the ball joints and tie rod ends for play. If any parts are worn or damaged, replace them - Alignment issues
Improper alignment can cause the ATV to pull to one side or feel unstable. Adjust toe-in and camber to ensure proper alignment. It is of the utmost importance that the tires are properly inflated and balanced. If the problem persists, have the alignment checked by a professional - Stiff steering
Stiff steering can make it difficult to turn the steering wheel, which can be dangerous. Be sure to check the power steering fluid level and top it up if necessary. If the fluid level is normal, a faulty power steering pump may be the cause and should be replaced. - Damaged steering components
When tie rod ends or ball joints are damaged, the steering wheel feels wobbly or unstable. Inspect steering components for damage or wear. If any parts are damaged or worn, replace them. Check the steering column for damage or deformation.
It is important to resolve steering problems as soon as possible to ensure rider safety.
8. Crash Hazard Recall
The CForce 500 was subject to a recall by CFMoto due to a potential crash hazard.
The recall affects certain 2019 CFMoto CForce 500 ATV models. The throttle cable in the affected vehicles is malfunctioning, which can cause the throttle to stick in the open position and cause a crash.
Dealers will inspect the throttle assembly for damage and replace the throttle cable. If damage is found, the throttle assembly will also be replaced (source: CPSC.gov).
Owners of the affected vehicles have been notified by mail, and dealers have been instructed to contact owners to schedule a repair appointment.
If you own or want to by a 2019 CFMoto CForce 500, check to see if it’s affected by this recall and take steps to make sure you’re safe. If not, you can contact your nearest CFMoto dealer for more information or to schedule a repair appointment. The repair will be done free of charge, until then, do not ride it.
9. Fire Hazard Recall
CFMoto has issued a recall for certain models of the CForce 500 due to a potential fire hazard.
The recall affects certain 2019 and 2020 CFMoto CForce 500 ATV models. The fuel pump in the affected vehicles is broken, which could cause fuel to leak and possibly start a fire.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly and fuel filter with updated parts. (source: CPSC.gov)
CFMoto has contacted owners of affected vehicles by mail, and dealers have been instructed to contact owners to schedule a repair appointment.
If your vehicle is affected, you can contact your nearest CFMoto dealer to schedule a repair appointment. The repair will be done free of charge.
Fuel leakage can increase the risk of a fire, which can cause property damage or personal injury. If you own an affected vehicle, do not ride it until the repair has been completed.
If you own a 2019 or 2020 CFMoto CForce 500 or want to buy one, it’s important to check whether your vehicle is affected by this recall and to act to ensure your safety. Contact your nearest CFMoto dealer for more information or to schedule a repair appointment.
