The CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 is a high-performance side-by-side vehicle designed for off-road adventures. Its main advantage is its powerful liquid-cooled, V-twin 963cc engine that delivers an impressive 79 horsepower and 53 lb-ft of torque.
Despite being powerful, the ZFORCE 950 is susceptible to several issues. The most common CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 problems are power steering issues, defective spark plugs, CVT issues, battery problems, fuel issues, and clogged air filters. Most of these issues affect the engine, electrical, and transmission systems.
Are you having trouble with your ZFORCE 950? Read on as we detail the common issues affecting this UTV model and how to fix them.
Contents
Electronic Power Steering Problems
CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 Sport problems with the steering system can occur due to issues with the battery, fuses, motor, sensors, or even tires.
Sometimes, the ZFORCE 950 steers without assistance. This could be due to disconnected wire connectors, a blown fuse, or damage to the relay, sensor, motor, or controller components.
When facing this issue, check the wire connectors and insert them fully. Replace the fuse if it’s blown, and take your UTV to a dealer if the problem is with the controller, motor, or relay damage.
Heavy steering is another problem you may encounter with the CFMOTO ZFORCE 950. The problem occurs due to power loss in the battery, insufficient tire pressure in the front tires, and damage to the motor.
You can resolve this issue by recharging the battery, inflating the front tires to the recommended PSI, and taking the UTV to a dealer for motor repair or replacement.
You may also notice noise from the steering system. It can occur due to several issues. First, a damaged motor could cause noise in the steering system. If this is the case, contact your dealer for repairs.
Noise could also occur due to an excessive gap in the lower steering shaft or mechanical issues with the steering assembly. When dealing with these issues, take your UTV to a dealer for repairs.
Fuel Problems
Fuel problems in the CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 can arise from any part of the fuel system or the fuel you’re using. The common issues you’ll likely experience include clogging of the fuel filters and lines, defective fuel pump, and using the wrong fuel.
The manufacturer recommends using 87 Octane unleaded fuel with a maximum of 10% ethanol. Using the wrong fuel will result in engine knocking, pinging, loss of engine power, and issues starting the engine.
Other fuel issues may include water in the fuel or contaminated fuel. You should drain the fuel and replace it with new fuel.
Check the fuel filter for signs of clogging. If clogged, clean or replace as required.
Fuel problems in CFMOTO ZFORCE 95O can occur when the fuel pump or its components are damaged. Damage to the fuel pump can arise from contaminated fuel, electrical issues, and wear or tear. When this happens, you must repair or replace the fuel pump and its components as required.
Clogged Air Filters
Some CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 problems arise due to clogged air filters. Clogged air filters prevent air from reaching the engine, resulting in difficulties starting the engine and power loss.
When these problems occur, remove the air filter from its casing and clean it with a soft brush. Do not use water to clean the air filter to prevent damage to the paper air filter. Replace the air filter if it has signs of damage, such as tears.
You can prevent the issues that arise from a clogged air filter by cleaning the air filter regularly. The first maintenance should come after about 200 miles or the first 20 hours, followed by regular maintenance every 50 hours or 500 miles.
If driving through extremely dusty or wet locations, you should clean the air filter after shorter durations. While cleaning the air filter, check the air filter housing for dust or water and clean it.
Battery Issues
You may experience a range of battery problems with the CFMOTO ZFORCE 950. The common ones include low battery voltage, loose connections, and corroded terminals.
Battery issues can cause problems with the starter motor, difficulties starting the engine, and steering issues.
Check the battery for any signs of corrosion or debris on its surface. If there’s dirt or corrosion on the terminals, use a stiff brush to remove them. You can also use baking soda and water to clean the battery tops and terminals.
Once clean, check whether the battery has charged. If not, charge with the special low-voltage charger to ensure your battery lasts as long as possible.
If it’s been over a month since you used your vehicle, recharge the battery before starting the UTV. You should also recharge the battery after every three months if you aren’t using the UTV. Finally, replace the battery if it is dead.
CVT Issues
The CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 runs on a Continuously Variable Transmission system. This system can experience certain problems that can cause drive belt and clutch failure. You may experience issues with the CVT system if:
You load the ATV on a trailer or truck bed when it’s in high gear. This can cause belt burning, affecting the effectiveness of the drive belt. Always use low gear when loading the UTV on a truck bed to prevent this issue.
Using high gear when starting a steep incline could also cause issues. Therefore, you should always start a steep incline on low gear and adjust as you go.
Driving at low speeds in high gear can also cause CVT issues, including overheating the CVT components. Use low gear if you drive at low speeds, and match high speeds with high gear to prolong the life of the CVT components and prevent overheating.
ZFORCE 950 CVT problems might arise if the parking paw is damaged. The parking paw helps you stop your vehicle. However, when the component has worn out, it becomes ineffective, creating issues with stopping the UTV.
When this happens, you must replace the parking paw. Hauling in park could also create issues damaging the parking paw and other transmission components. To prevent this issue, do not haul in park.
Defective Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are important for the running of the engine. When defective or damaged, they can cause several CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 problems. Some problems they cause include engine knocking or pinging, engine stalling or losing power, engine backfiring, or the engine won’t start.
They may become defective due to excessive carbon deposits and debris. The accumulation prevents the spark plug from generating the required spark to start or sustain the engine. You can resolve the issue by replacing the spark plug with the recommended part.
Physical damage to the spark plug can also affect its effectiveness. The damage can occur due to heat damage. Replace the damaged spark plug.
Problems arising from the spark plugs can occur due to incorrect adjustments during installation. For instance, the spark plug gap could be too big or the heat range incorrect. When this happens, reset the spark plug to the manufacturer’s specifications.
You can prevent most issues with the spark plugs by checking them regularly for signs of damage or carbon accumulation.
Is the CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 Sport Worth the Trouble?
Despite these CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 problems, this UTV remains one of the most reliable and comfortable vehicles you can own. Despite the CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 recalls of the 2020 and 2021 models, it is still a reliable vehicle if you’re considering purchasing it. It’s also possible to prevent most of these problems if you follow the directions provided in the owner’s manual.
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