CFMoto’s line of UForce utility vehicles continue to grow in popularity among the off-roading community. One such model is the UForce 500. While many owners speak glowingly of their experience with this model, others have noted some common CFMoto UForce 500 problems.
CFMoto UForce 500 Problems
The most common CFMoto UForce 500 problems are shifting trouble, squeaky brakes, excessive cabin heat, loud engine noise, and starting problems.
This guide will detail each of these problems, along with likely causes and proven fixes.
Shifting Trouble
One of the most common issues experienced by UForce 500 owners is trouble shifting gears. A number of owners find that when trying to go into any gear from a complete stop on an incline, the gear shift will stick to the point that sometimes it’s almost physically impossible to shift it. Owners also report hearing a grinding noise when attempting to shift gears and the gear indicator light on the display not showing the correct gear the machine is in.
These are all indicators that the shift linkage needs an adjustment. The need for an adjustment to the shift linkage usually occurs due to one or both of the lock nuts that hold it in place vibrating loose, resulting in the shift linkage transferring to an incorrect position. This may also be a result of an improperly set shift linkage during assembly. Either way, the shift linkage needs to be adjusted into the correct position.
To do this, locate the shift linkage cable under the passenger seat in the middle of the machine. Loosen the back nut about 1.5 to 2 turns to shift it to the right, and then tighten the front nut in the same direction to lock it in place at the newly adjusted location. Owners can adjust the gear shift on the dash back and forth while making this adjustment to ensure it is set correctly.
Brakes Squealing
One of the more annoying common issues experienced with the UForce 500 is a tendency for the brakes to squeal loudly. The worst part is that they will squeal and squeak even when not using them, which can be noisy and embarrassing when out for a drive.
For new machines, this issue should subside on its own around the 300 mile mark as the brakes fully break in. But for those who don’t want to wait, or who are experiencing this issue on well-used machines, there are a couple of ways to combat it.
The squealing brakes seem to be exasperated by dry weather and driving in dusty settings. For folks in these settings, try hosing down your brake pads to clean them up a bit. You can also use soapy water or a brake cleaner to really wash them. This has been known to cut down or alleviate brake noise that is happening due to accumulation of dust or dirt.
Additionally, some units are assembled with the brake pedal adjusted too tight, which can be a cause of this squeaking as well. The brakes may never fully release in this case, which can cause squeaking and premature brake wear.
To fix this, locate the brake pedal adjusting rod under the dash and back the nut off some to give the pedal more play. If this is your issue, it should help to alleviate the squeaking.
Excessive Cabin Heat
Heat from the radiator blowing into the cabin and heat from the engine warming the seats can make driving or riding in the UForce 500 pretty uncomfortable, especially on warmer days.
The cabin heat occurs due to warm air from the radiator venting through areas on the dash and the coolant lines warming the underside of the center console. The heat affecting the seats generates from the motor and blows up from behind and between the seats, but also warms the seats from the underside.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to beat the heat.
Under Seat Fans
Some owners have purchased a small automotive fan and installed it under the seats. This is said to help reduce much of the heat in the cab area, and should be a simple and inexpensive fix.
Heat Shields and Tape
Installing a heat shield seems to be the most effective way to combat the heat in the cabin and under the seats. There are various heat shields available online that fit under and behind the seats to block the heat. These are said to cut down on the problem by around 75%.
Owners can also save a little coin and rig up a heat shield on their own by installing roofing rubber, or even a windshield sun deflector, under and behind the seats. These should have much of the same effect.
Additionally, owners can remove the center console and apply heat reflective tape to the underside of the plastics. The exhaust pipe can be wrapped with titanium heat wrap as well.
Remove Doors/Adjust Windshield
For those with side doors installed, removing these doors during warmer months will help resolve the heat issue. While this may not be ideal for most owners, it will make a noticeable difference as the added airflow helps to disperse the heat in the cabin area quicker.
And for those with a windshield, riding with it at a cracked or fully open setting should help with air circulation to minimize the heat as well.
Loud Engine Noise
Another common complaint with the UForce 500 is the loud engine noise in the cab. This noise can be so loud that you may need to yell for your passenger to hear you.
The engine noise can be cut down on by installing self-adhesive heat and sound insulation in some of the areas around the machine that amplify this noise. The motor cover, motor tunnel, storage box under the seat, gas tank area, and exhaust manifold behind the motor seem to be some of the main culprits and should be insulated.
Starting Problems
A number of owners of the UForce 500 have reported experiencing their engine not starting at some point. This is likely due in part to one of the following:
- Terminals/Wiring
- Starter Solenoid
- Battery
- Valves
- Spark Plugs
Terminals/Wiring
A good place to start inspecting if the engine won’t start are the battery terminals. Ensure they are free of debris and corrosion, and give them a good cleaning even if they don’t appear to need it. Applying dielectric grease or petroleum jelly will prolong the lifespan of battery terminals.
Next, check the grounding wires connected to the battery. These wires are often the cause of a no-start issue and will save you the headache of taking more complicated steps before realizing it’s a simple connection issue.
Starter Solenoid
If attempting to start the vehicle and there’s only the sound of a clicking noise instead of the engine firing, this is most likely a sign of an issue with the starter solenoid.
Before moving to the solenoid itself in this situation, owners should first check all of the connections on the solenoid to see if they may be loose. Even if they don’t seem loose, a best practice is to loosen and then retighten them to see if this does the trick.
If the connections are all fine and the clicking continues, owners can test the solenoid by laying a screwdriver across the two large lugs and attempting to start it up. If it fires up, it’s very likely the solenoid is bad and should be replaced.
Battery
While the stock battery in the UForce 500 is of good quality, and has a tendency to drain rather quickly if supporting added electronics.
You should test the battery’s voltage to ensure it is at 12+ volts. The fuel injection is heavily reliant upon the battery getting at least 12 volts to function properly. You can also try recharging the battery and ensuring all of the battery cables are tightly secured in place.
Valves
Some starting issues with the UForce 500 stem from the intake or exhaust valves. The most common occurrence is that these valves tighten too much creating compression loss, but they can loosen as well. Both tightening and loosening affects your valve clearance, which if not maintained at the proper level, can result in loss of compression and your machine not starting.
The proper valve clearances can be found in the owner’s manual. Check to ensure both valves are set at their proper clearances, and make the proper adjustments if not.
Spark Plugs
Check the spark plugs to ensure they are not coated with a foreign substance such as fuel, oil, or coolant. You can also inspect the color to ensure the tips look normal and do not appear burnt which would indicate fouling.
If the spark plugs appear to be fouled, that is most likely your issue and you should replace them. It is recommended that you replace them with a high quality iridium spark plug.
Parting Thoughts
In summary, the most common CFMoto UForce 500 problems are shifting trouble, squeaky brakes, excessive cabin heat, loud engine noise, and starting problems. Fortunately, most of them can be overcome by making some simple modifications and ensuring ongoing proper maintenance.
