CFMoto Cforce 600 Problems & How to Fix Them
So you just picked up a sporty new CFMoto Cforce 600 ATV. This mid-sized utility quad offers smooth power delivery, comfortable ride quality, and decent reliability for the price. However, what are the most common mechanical and technical issues Cforce 600 owners run into? While no ATV is problem-free, the Cforce 600 sees a handful of recurring problems related to the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical components and more.
The good news is most CFMoto Cforce 600 issues can be diagnosed and fixed with some basic troubleshooting and replacement parts. By learning about the problem areas and how to address them, Cforce 600 owners can enjoy more trouble-free miles on their ATV.
In this detailed guide, we’ll overview the top reported problems with the CFMoto Cforce 600 and walk through effective troubleshooting tips to get your ATV back on the trails.
Table of Contents
Outline of Common CFMoto Cforce 600 Issues
Here’s a quick overview of some of the most prevalent Cforce 600 problems owners report:
- Engine – Stalling, losing power, overheating at idle
- Transmission – Hard shifting, slipping
- Brakes – ABS light comes on
- Suspension – Front end noise
- Electrical – Gas gauge malfunctions
Below we’ll explore each of these common problems in detail, along with steps to diagnose and repair them. But first, let’s take a closer look at the Cforce 600 and what owners have to say about this capable ATV.
CFMoto Cforce 600 Overview
CFMoto is a Chinese manufacturer that’s made major strides in ATV quality and performance in recent years. Their Cforce lineup includes sport and utility models spanning 400cc to 1000cc engines. The Cforce 600 sits right in the middle as a mid-sized 580cc utility quad.
The CFMoto Cforce 600 features:
- 580cc single cylinder engine
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- On-Command 2WD & 4WD
- Double A-arm independent front suspension
- Gas-charged rear shocks
- Hydraulic disk brakes with ABS
- 500 lb towing capacity
It’s aimed at recreational riders looking for an affordable, mid-sized ATV with smoother power delivery and plusher suspension than a basic entry-level quad. The Cforce 600 starts around $7,000 USD brand new.
CFMoto Cforce 600 Owner Reviews
Overall, owners find the CFMoto Cforce 600 capable and comfortable for casual trail riding and utility use. The adjustable suspension soaks up bumps well, and the 580cc engine offers steady acceleration, just not the thrills of a high-performance sport quad.
Reliability gets mixed reviews, averaging around 3 out of 5 stars from owners. Some experience very few issues and are happy with the value. But a concerning number report chronic problems requiring multiple dealer trips while still under warranty.
Common compliments include the smooth powerband, nimble handling, comfortable ergonomics, and decent towing capacity. Drawbacks mentioned include the lack of engine braking, unreliable fuel gauge, high idle speed, and various mechanical problems.
Now let’s take a closer look at the specific problem areas reported by Cforce 600 owners:
Common CFMoto Cforce 600 Problems
While the Cforce 600 offers a lot of quad for the money, it’s not without its trouble spots. Here are the most common mechanical and technical issues experienced by CFMoto Cforce 600 owners:
1. Engine Stalling or Losing Power
One of the most concerning Cforce 600 problems is the engine randomly stalling or losing power—especially at low RPMs or idle. This can leave you stranded miles from home on the trails.
Owners trace stalling issues back to several root causes:
- Dirty air filter restricting airflow
- Failing fuel pump not delivering consistent pressure
- Clogged fuel injector or filter
- Faulty CDI ignition box or ignition coil
We’ll outline how to troubleshoot and fix stalling issues in more detail shortly.
2. Transmission Slipping
The CVT transmission is another common problem area. Owners report the clutch slipping under heavy throttle, resulting in delayed acceleration. This worsens over time as the clutch pack wears.
Transmission slipping usually traces back to worn clutch components. But improper clutch adjustment, low fluid, or damaged seals can also allow slipping.
3. Hard Shifting Between Gears
Similarly, the CVT transmission may start exhibiting hard shifting between the high and low gear ranges.
Typical causes include worn slider shoes in the transmission, a stretched drive belt, bad fluid, or improper cable adjustment.
4. ABS Light Coming On
As with many ATVs equipped with ABS, the Cforce 600 sometimes throws ABS warning lights indicating a failure in the system.
This is typically caused by a faulty wheel speed sensor, but can also stem from problems in the ABS module itself.
5. Gas Gauge Reading Inaccurately
The gas gauge is another common source of headaches. Owners report the gauge reading erratically or not at all.
The culprit is usually the fuel level sending unit inside the gas tank. When it fails, the gauge can give false readings or stop working entirely.
6. Overheating When Idling
Some Cforce 600s tend to run hotter than expected, especially when sitting idle or crawling along slowly.
The engine may not be getting proper airflow across the radiator at low speeds. A faulty fan relay or coolant temperature sensor can prevent the radiator fan from kicking on when needed.
7. Front Suspension Noise
Finally, front suspension noise is a nuisance reported by a number of owners. Clunking, knocking or squeaking sounds appear when hitting bumps, typically stemming from worn ball joints, tie rods or bushings.
Now that we’ve overviewed the major problem spots, let’s dig into effective troubleshooting and repair tips for each one:
Troubleshooting Common CFMoto Cforce 600 Problems
Taking the time to properly diagnose issues with your Cforce 600 is key to getting back on the trails. Here are detailed steps to troubleshoot the most prevalent problems:
Engine Stalling and Power Loss
When the Cforce 600’s engine starts stalling randomly or losing power, there are a few key components to inspect:
Step 1: Check air filter. Remove the air filter and inspect it. If very dirty, replace it. A clogged filter can restrict airflow to the engine.
Step 2: Check fuel pump. Verify the fuel pump is delivering adequate pressure by installing a fuel pressure gauge inline. Pressure should be 36-40 psi. If low, test pump operation and voltage at the connector. Replace if faulty.
Step 3: Check fuel injector. Remove the fuel injector and inspect it for dirt or debris. Clean carefully with injector cleaner. Confirm the injector is opening and closing with an audible click. Replace if faulty.
Step 4: Inspect ignition system. Use a spark tester to check for spark at the spark plug wire. No spark points to a bad CDI box or ignition coil. Replace components as needed.
Step 5: Check for intake leaks. Spray starter fluid around the intake boots while idling. If RPMs surge, tighten clamps or replace damaged boots.
Following this structured troubleshooting, you should be able to pinpoint the cause of stalling and power loss issues.
Transmission Slipping
When accelerating aggressively and the clutch slips, causing delayed power to the wheels, focus on these areas:
Step 1: Check fluid level. Low CVT fluid can allow slipping. Top off if needed, and replace seals if leaks present.
Step 2: Inspect clutch shoes. Worn clutch shoes will reduce grip, allowing slippage. Replace clutch assembly if excessively worn.
Step 3: Adjust clutch cable. Ensure clutch cable freeplay is adjusted to spec. Too much slack can prevent full clutch engagement.
Step 4: Check clutch springs. Weak or broken clutch springs prevent complete clamping force. Replace any damaged springs.
Adjusting the clutch system and replacing worn components will typically resolve slipping issues.
Hard Shifting Between Gears
For transmission problems like jerky shifting between high and low range:
Step 1: Inspect CVT drive belt condition. A damaged or stretched belt can cause shifting problems. Replace worn belt.
Step 2: Check slider shoes. The sliding sheaves that clamp the belt can wear and contribute to shifting issues. Replace shoes if excessively worn.
Step 3: Adjust shift cable tension. Improper adjustment of the shifter cable can prevent smooth gear changes. Adjust per spec.
Step 4: Change transmission fluid. Old, dirty fluid fills the transmission will accelerate wear and shifting problems. Drain old fluid completely and replace with new.
Step 5: Reset transmission adapts. Use a dealer diagnostic tool to reset the transmission shift adapts. This allows it to re-learn proper shifting points.
Hard shifting should improve significantly after tuning up the transmission. Seek internal repairs from a dealer if problems persist.
ABS Light On
When the ABS warning light turns on, troubleshoot as follows:
Step 1: Scan for codes. Use an OBD2 scanner to scan for ABS fault codes. This will point to the specific wheel speed sensor or other component causing issues.
Step 2: Check wheel speed sensors. Unplug each sensor at the wheels and inspect for broken wires or corroded terminals. Replace any damaged sensors.
Step 3: Verify sensor gaps. Check that the sensors are correctly positioned with the proper small air gap from the tone rings. Re-position as needed.
Step 4: Bleed ABS system. Sometimes air trapped in the ABS hydraulic unit can set false codes. Bleed the system thoroughly to purge any air.
Step 5: Replace ABS control module. If codes persist, the ABS module itself may be faulty and need replacement.
With ABS systems, methodically follow diagnostic steps to isolate the fault.
Gas Gauge Reading Incorrectly
These tips will overcome inaccurate or non-working fuel gauges:
Step 1: Rock the quad. Gently rocking the ATV back and forth can provide temporary contact in a faulty fuel level sender. This may restore gauge function, at least temporarily.
Step 2: Check sender continuity. With the tank empty, check resistance on the fuel level sender inside the tank. Spec will be around 100 ohms at empty. If open or very high, replace sender.
Step 3: Replace fuel pump assembly. The fuel pump contains the level sender. So a new pump assembly will include a fresh sender to restore gauge function.
Step 4: Install an auxiliary fuel gauge. If the stock unit can’t be revived, add an aftermarket fuel level gauge for a backup reading.
Tracking fuel level takes on extra importance with a faulty gauge. Consider adding a fuel cell as backup.
Overheating at Low Speeds
If engine temps spike when idling or riding slowly:
Step 1: Check coolant level. Low coolant/antifreeze can allow overheating. Top off if needed and test for leaks.
Step 2: Inspect radiator cap. Make sure the cap seals properly at the rated pressure. Replace cap if needed.
Step 3: Check radiator fan operation. Verify the electric cooling fan activates when the engine gets hot. If not, test fan relay, wiring and temperature sensor switch.
Step 4: Check water pump. Use a stethoscope to listen for the water pump circulating coolant through the engine. No sound indicates a bad pump.
Step 5: Test thermostat. Remove and inspect the thermostat to confirm it opens at the proper temperature. Replace if faulty.
Tune up the cooling system components to restore proper temperature regulation.
Front Suspension Noise
For front end clunking or knocking noises:
Step 1: Inspect ball joints. Check for play indicating worn ball joints. Replace any loose joints.
Step 2: Lubricate components. Lube the ball joints, steering stem bearing and tie rod ends to quiet down.
Step 3: Check fasteners. Make sure suspension arms, struts and steering hardware is tight. Torque to spec if loose.
Step 4: Replace tie rods. Worn tie rod ends can introduce slop and noise. Replace any that show excessive play.
Step 5: Rebuild shocks. If worn shocks are the culprit, a rebuild or replacement will quiet things down.
Methodically isolate the source then replace any worn steering or suspension hardware.
By following detailed troubleshooting steps for each common problem, you can get your CFMoto Cforce 600 back up and running reliably.
Preventing CFMoto Cforce 600 Problems
While the Cforce 600 will never be problem-free, proper care and maintenance can minimize issues. Here are key tips to help your ATV avoid problems:
- Follow the maintenance schedule – Refer to the owner’s manual maintenance schedule. Don’t defer maintenance tasks that will lead to bigger problems down the road.
- Change fluids regularly – Old engine and transmission oil can accelerate wear. Stick to recommended change intervals.
- Inspect tires & brakes – Worn tires, bad wheel bearings, and contaminated brake pads all lead to problems. Inspect before rides.
- Lubricate pivot points – Keep front and rear suspension joints greased to prevent binding and wear.
- Check air filter & engine filters – Clogged air and oil filters cause power loss and engine damage over time.
- Check engine & hose clamps – Clamps can loosen over time leading to air leaks and overheating. Snug any loose clamps.
- Check wiring condition – Damaged or corroded wires are the root of many electrical gremlins. Repair issues early.
- Clean CVT intake & exhaust – Debris in the CVT housing causes accelerated belt wear. Keep intake and exhaust vents clean.
- Fix problems promptly – Don’t defer needed repairs. Small problems turn into major headaches if ignored.
Making preventive maintenance and regular inspections part of your ownership ritual will help minimize Cforce 600 problems.
Is the CFMoto Cforce 600 Reliable?
The CFMoto Cforce 600 offers a lot of performance and utility for the price. But quality control issues mean reliability is hit or miss. Some owners enjoy problem-free operation for thousands of miles. Others have chronic issues requiring multiple dealer repairs.
Proper maintenance helps longevity. But buying an extended warranty is wise protection in case you get a Monday-morning quad. CFMoto’s 3-year factory warranty coverage is better than some rivals.
Overall, expect to put some wrench time into a Cforce 600. But following the troubleshooting tips above will keep you on the trails. For the price, it still beats lower-end entry level ATVs, as long as you’re willing to get your hands dirty occasionally.
CFMoto Cforce 600 – The Bottom Line
The CFMoto Cforce 600 delivers smooth, capable performance and utility in a nicely equipped mid-sized ATV. Comfortable ergonomics, adjustable suspension, solid tow ratings, and ample cargo racks add to the appeal.
But quality control remains hit or miss. Prevalent problems like stalling, slipping transmissions, faulty electronics, and suspension noise may require some repairs—especially as mileage adds up.
Going in with realistic reliability expectations is key. For riders willing to handle some repairs, the Cforce 600 provides a lot of quad for a reasonable price. Following our troubleshooting tips should get you rolling again quickly when issues pop up.
So while not problem-free, a properly maintained Cforce 600 can still deliver miles of fun and utility at a budget-friendly price point.
Hopefully this detailed guide helps you diagnose and repair the most common CFMoto Cforce 600 problems. Let us know if you have any other issues pop up in the comments below!
Conclusion
The CFMoto Cforce 600 offers a great blend of performance, comfort and utility in an affordably priced ATV. While the Cforce 600 comes with its share of potential issues, being prepared with troubleshooting knowledge is key to minimizing downtime. Following the steps outlined in this guide will help owners address engine stalling, transmission problems, electrical gremlins and other common issues. With proper preventive maintenance and prompt repairs when needed, CFMoto’s capable Cforce 600 can provide miles of enjoyable trail riding and around-the-property work.