CFMoto ZForce 950 Problems – How to Diagnose & Fix Them

The CFMoto ZForce 950 burst onto the utility ATV scene several years ago as a powerful and smooth riding alternative to offerings from established Japanese brands. With its 963cc V-twin engine, sporty handling, and rugged build, the ZForce 950 aimed to conquer tough trails and take on utility tasks with confidence.

However, some ZForce 950 owners have experienced frustrating issues with their ATVs ranging from overheating to power loss and transmission problems. So what are the most common CFMoto ZForce 950 problems and how can you troubleshoot and fix them yourself?

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the top reported problems with the CFMoto ZForce 950 and provide expert tips to diagnose root causes and resolve problems related to overheating, starting trouble, lack of power, transmission issues, and more. Equipped with the information here, you’ll be prepared to handle any problem that arises and keep your ZForce 950 running in top condition.

Overheating Is a Common ZForce 950 Problem

One of the most frequently reported issues with the CFMoto ZForce 950 is overheating, especially when riding for extended periods on hot days or in challenging conditions. The 950 cc V-twin engine produces significant heat, and some riders have reported conditions like:

• The high engine temperature warning light comes on frequently
• Steam or vapor emerging from the engine and radiator area
• Sudden loss of power on climbs or at high speed

Excessive engine heat is problematic because it can lead to reduced power and performance. More importantly, chronic overheating can warp cylinder heads, cause gasket failures, and lead to engine damage over time. That’s why it’s critical to diagnose and fix overheating issues promptly.

What Causes the ZForce 950 to Overheat?

There are several potential causes of overheating problems on the CFMoto ZForce 950:

• Clogged radiator – The radiator on the ZForce 950 is vulnerable to getting clogged with mud, debris, and insects which restrict airflow. Reduced air passing through the radiator fins decreases the engine’s ability to dissipate heat.
• Radiator cap failure – The radiator cap is designed to maintain pressure in the cooling system which raises the coolant’s boiling point. If the cap is cracked or the seal is worn, pressure is lost and overheating is more likely.
• Coolant leaks – Any leaks in the hoses, radiator, water pump seals, or gaskets allows coolant to escape the closed system and reduces the engine’s ability to regulate temperature.
• Water pump failure – The water pump circulates coolant through the engine and radiator. If the impeller shaft or bearing are damaged, coolant flow is reduced leading to overheating.
• Thermostat issues – The thermostat controls coolant flow to the radiator. If stuck closed, coolant can’t transfer heat from the engine. Stuck open causes the engine to never fully warm up.
• Extreme conditions – Operating in high ambient temperatures, slow trail riding, hauling/towing heavy loads, or modifying the ATV without tuning the fuel delivery can also contribute to overheating.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Overheating on the ZForce 950

If you notice signs of the ZForce 950 overheating, follow this structured troubleshooting approach:

1. Clean the radiator – Remove debris blocking airflow through the radiator fins by spraying water or compressed air from the engine side. A clean radiator is critical for cooling.

2. Replace the radiator cap – Inspect the cap seal and replace the cap if worn or cracked. Use a factory spec cap rated for the 15 PSI system pressure.

3. Pressurize and inspect the cooling system – Use a cooling system tester to pressurize the radiator and check for leaks indicating a bad hose, gasket, or other issue allowing coolant to escape.

4. Flush and refill the cooling system – Drain, flush, and replace the coolant/water mix with fresh coolant. This gets rid of any accumulated scale or gunk in the system.

5. Check the water pump – Remove and inspect the water pump. Check the shaft and bearing for play or leakage indicating failure. Replace if needed.

6. Test and verify the thermostat – Remove and inspect the thermostat. Bench test it by heating in a pot of water to ensure it opens and closes at the proper temperature.

7. Upgrade cooling system parts – If overheating persists despite the above, upgrade key components like the radiator, water pump, and installing an engine oil cooler can help manage heat.

Staying vigilant and proactively servicing the cooling system on the ZForce 950 is the key to avoiding frustrating overheating issues.

Hard Starting and Dead Battery Problems?

In addition to overheating issues, many CFMoto ZForce 950 owners report problems getting their ATV to start or continuing issues with a dead battery that lacks charge.

Symptoms of starting issues include:

• Weak turnover or starter clicks but won’t start
• Lack of response from the starter when pressing the start button
• Dash lights and accessories dim or fail to activate

Difficulty starting or a dead battery leaves you stranded on the trail or unable to use your ZForce 950 when you need it. Determining the root cause is key to fixing the problems for good.

What Causes Starting Issues on the ZForce 950?

There are a few common issues that can prevent the 950cc engine from starting or drain the battery:

• Weak battery – The battery may simply lack a full charge, especially if the ATV sits unused for extended periods. Parasitic drains from accessories or a charging system issue can also drain the battery over time.
• Loose battery connections – Corroded or loose battery cables and terminals interrupt power flow. Removing corrosion and tightening connections is key.
• Fuel pump failure – The electric fuel pump fails to prime and pressurize the fuel system for starting. This is a common failure on the ZForce 950.
• Clogged fuel filter – A restricted fuel filter reduces fuel flow to the injectors and can prevent starting or cause dying shortly after start up.
• Ignition issues – Faulty spark plugs, worn plug wires, or bad ignition coils provide weak spark preventing starting.
• Sensor failure – Critical sensors like the throttle position sensor (TPS), manifold air pressure (MAP) sensor, or crank position sensor can prevent starting if defective.

Troubleshooting and Fixing Starting Problems on the ZForce 950

It takes some diagnosis to pinpoint the root cause of hard starting or no start issues. Here is a systematic approach:

1. Load test and charge the battery – Use a battery load tester to assess charge level and condition. Charge the battery fully or replace it if unable to hold a charge.

2. Clean battery cables and terminals – Loose connections cause high resistance and voltage drops. Remove corrosion with a wire brush and tighten terminals.

3. Verify fuel supply – Check for flowing fuel at the injectors when priming the system. No fuel points to a faulty pump or filter.

4. Ensure adequate fuel pressure – Install a fuel pressure gauge to test fuel pump output. Pressure must be 39 psi minimum.

5. Inspect spark plugs – Remove each plug and check condition. Replace worn or fouled spark plugs with the specified NGK plugs.

6. Check ignition system wiring – Inspect plug wires and ignition coil connections. Repair any visibly damaged wires.

7. Scan for trouble codes – Read ECU diagnosis codes for sensor failures that could cause a no start problem.

With a few basic tools and this systematic troubleshooting routine, you can isolate and repair the problem causing hard starting or dead battery issues with your ZForce 950.

Power Loss Problems Plague Some ZForce 950s

Nothing takes the thrill out of riding an ATV faster than a noticeable lack of power and sluggish acceleration. Some CFMoto ZForce 950 owners have experienced frustrating power loss issues, especially those with high mileage machines.

Symptoms of power loss on the ZForce 950 include:

• Lack of top end speed, inability to reach or maintain high speeds
• Poor acceleration, lack of low end power
• Higher than normal engine RPM when cruising at typical speeds
• Overheating and engine knock may also accompany power loss

Restoring the full power of your 950cc V-twin is critical. So what causes power loss problems?

Why the ZForce 950 May Lose Power?

There are several root causes of power loss to watch for:

• Clogged air filter – A restricted air filter reduces air intake and oxygen for combustion resulting in power loss. This is a quick item to check.
• Fouled spark plugs – Worn or malfunctioning spark plugs cause power loss in one or both cylinders. Inspect and replace plugs showing issues.
• Dirty fuel injectors – Gunk buildup on injectors reduces fuel atomization and combustion efficiency. Use fuel injector cleaner additives.
• Low compression – Compression leaks from worn piston rings or valves decreases combustion pressure and power. Do a compression test annually.
• Exhaust leaks – Damaged exhaust gaskets, header pipes, or muffler damage creates exhaust leaks that result in power loss.
• Engine tune issues – Improper fueling from ECU tuning problems or installed accessories without a tune adjustment can also sap power over time.

How to Regain Lost Power on the ZForce 950?

Methodically go through these troubleshooting steps to restore lost performance:

1. Replace the air filter – Inspect and replace a dirty filter restricting airflow into the engine. Use a genuine CFMoto filter.
2. Inspect and replace spark plugs – Remove each plug, check condition, and replace any showing wear using specified NGK platinum plugs.
3. Use fuel injector cleaner – Run an injector cleaning additive like Seafoam through the fuel system to clean dirty injectors.
4. Do a compression test – Use a leakdown tester annually to check cylinder compression health. Repair leaks promptly.
5. Inspect the exhaust – Look for exhaust leaks at the head gaskets, front and rear header pipe gaskets, and for muffler damage.
6. Adjust ECU tuning – Install a fuel controller or adjusted ECU mapping may help regain lost power if other issues are not found.

Your authorized CFMoto dealer can also help diagnose tuning issues or other performance-related problems. But methodically checking the items above can often resolve frustrating power loss situations.

Transmission Problems Plague the Reliability

In addition to engine-related issues, the transmission is another common problem area on the CFMoto ZForce 950 for some owners.

Transmission issues typically manifest in symptoms like:

• Hard shifting between gears or inability to find gears
• Transmission slipping out of gear during acceleration
• Unusual grinding noises, especially when clutch is engaged
• Leaking fluid from seals and gaskets
• Complete transmission failure in severe cases

These symptoms indicate worn, damaged, or failing transmission components that will only get worse over time without repair.

What Causes Transmission Problems on the ZForce 950?

The ZForce 950 uses a manual clutch and 5-speed gearbox similar in design to a motorcycle transmission. Several issues contribute to problems:

• Low fluid levels – Insufficient transmission fluid causes increased component wear and overheating. Maintain proper levels.
• Worn clutch components – The high-performance clutch plates and steel discs wear over time leading to slippage and poor engagement.
• Shift fork damage – The shift forks that move the gears can bend or break frompoor shifting or debris ingestion.
• Synchronizer ring wear – Synchronizer rings allow smooth gear engagement. Excessive wear leads to grinding shifts.
• Bearing failure – The output shaft bearing supports the driveshaft. Leaks or failure here can allow the shaft to dance or grind.
• Abuse – Aggressive riding, pulling heavy loads, rapid high-RPM shifting, or modding the engine without upgrading the clutch and transmission takes a toll over time leading to premature wear and damage.

Fixing ZForce 950 Transmission Problems

Repairing transmission issues requires a combination of replacement parts and professional transmission work in most cases:

1. Check fluid levels – Ensure transmission oil is filled to the proper level and is clean. Change fluid regularly per the maintenance schedule.

2. Replace clutch components – Worn steel clutch discs and plates will need replacement to restore solid clutch engagement and reduce slip.

3. Inspect shift forks – Check the shift forks for signs of bending or cracking which requires replacement.

4. Rebuild or replace transmission – Severely worn synchros, grinded gears, and bearing failure will require splitting the cases and fully rebuilding or replacing the transmission.

5. Upgrade if modding – Increased horsepower and torque from engine mods require upgrading clutch components and the transmission to handle the added force.

While preventing transmission problems throughgentle use and prompt maintenance is ideal, repairs and rebuilds are common on high-mileage or modified ZForce 950 models. Seek help from an experienced ATV technician.

Additional Problem Areas to Watch on the ZForce 950

In addition to the major issues covered above, here are a few other problem areas reported by ZForce 950 owners:

• Leaking differential seals – Oil leaks from the front and rear differential seals are common. Watch for oil around the wheels and axles. Reseal as needed.
• Lower control arm bushing tears – The lower control arm bushings wear quickly in rigorous use leading to loose, unstable suspension feel. Early bushing replacement improves handling.
• Burning through brake pads – The ZForce 950’s brakes work hard to halt its 650 lb weight. Inspect pads frequently and replace when worn.
• Electrical gremlins – Some owners report various electrical issues from flickering dash lights to stalling caused by sensor or wiring problems. Carefully inspect connections.
• Clutch drag – A few owners report the clutch drags slightly even when released. Adjusting the clutch or replacing worn components typically resolves this.

Being aware of these additional trouble areas allows you to be proactive with maintenance and repairs. Catching problems early reduces the likelihood of being left stranded trailside.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your ZForce 950’s Reliability

While the CFMoto ZForce 950 provides a potent trail riding experience when running properly, some owners encounter frustrating problems with these Chinese ATVs. Issues like overheating, transmission problems, electrical gremlins, and more can limit your ability to enjoy the ZForce 950’s capabilities.

Fortunately, arming yourself with the knowledge of the most common CFMoto ZForce 950 issues empowers you to proactively troubleshoot problems and handle repairs.

Catching problems early, performing preventative maintenance, inspecting wear items, and investing in reliability upgrades will go a long way toward unlocking the full potential of your ZForce 950 for years to come. Ride prepared and don’t become a stranded statistic.