[dartmaster06]

Hello..  I have a 2015 CFMoto 500 with 100 miles on it.  It will not start when the temp is under 20 degrees F.  It is still under warranty until mid March.  I took it to the dealer we bought it from and they couldn't find anything wrong with it even though it wouldn't start.  They then called CFMoto and the solution was to change the oil to more of a winter blend.  I now have it back, but the temp is way over 20 degrees, so I can't tell if it is fixed or not.  I cannot imagine that simply changing the oil would make it start in colder temps now.  Now I won't know if it is "fixed" or not until the warranty is out.  Has anyone else had this happen and if so, the solution?  It cranks over just fine, but will not keep running.  Thanks for any suggestions.

[NMKawierider]

One of the things found was the ECU and injection systems are real fussy on voltage. If while cranking it falls below 11.5 volts, it will not start...and the colder it gets, the more amps it takes to crank...and that means quick power drops especially if the battery has an issue...and some have. Some have just replaced the battery and fixed that. Others have found poor connections in the main and fuse box. Yet others have found moisture in their fuel systems locking the injectors below freezing. In any case, always turn the key on and let the pump fully pressure the system and shut off before cranking.

[dartmaster06]

Thank you for the response.

[NMKawierider]

Something to look at anyway.

[impact]

More than likely you had excessive moisture in the tank. Top it up with high octane and never let it get below the half way mark in winter months.

[Charlesarmijo]

I also have this issue. My Atv will be the last one to start when we arrive to hunting location from the city. I now have 580 miles and experienced this only when freezing for a hunt. Things I've tried So far:
Trickle charge battery 
Synthetic oil
Always use high octane with a drop of Lucas gas
Treatment
Start atv prior to leaving the city
I imagine it has something to do with shaking behind my truck or need help figuring out which part is freezing. 

[ctdls]

From CFMOTO Canada:
 

Problem:

On certain Trail Tracker 500 EFI, CFORCE 500 and CFORCE 500 HO models, there may be some difficulty
in cold starting the vehicle. When the start button is pressed the motor will turn over but not start. This issue is
more prevalent as the ambient temperature outside drops. Once the vehicle has started everything works
properly until the next cold start.

Correction:

To remedy the situation, CFMOTO has put in place new programming of the ECU aimed at rectifying these
cold start issues for each model listed in this bulletin that demonstrate this particular problem.

Important Note:

Prior to replacing the ECU in vehicles that have the issues described above, assure yourself that there are
no error codes showing on the diagnostic unit. You can also determine the programme version of the ECU
using the same diagnostic unit while using the function ‘’Read ECU ID’’ and ECU software num. The new
program number for the Trail Tracker (EFI) and the CFORCE 500 is R4070123. The new program number
for the CFORCE 500 HO is 6R10A222. Also, ensure yourself that the correct grade of motor oil is used
while taking into account the outside temperature. Check that the battery is fully charged. You must also be
sure that there are no other mechanical problems that may show similar symptoms.

Dealer’s procedure:

If you have a situation that requires an ECU replacement, please send us the ECU from the problematic
vehicle by Purolator ‘’collect’’. Make sure that you are using the warranty parts return tag for proper
identification. We will then send you a reprogrammed ECU with the proper programming within one (1)
business day.

[zed42]

Well don't have a 500HO but a 2017 500s, with around 450 miles on it.  On "cool" days (temperature below 65 degrees F), it has a hard time starting sometimes (cycled power every time), once started it runs and restarts with no problem for that day.  The last time it happened I had loaded in the truck previous night (hard starting in garage).  Next day got to unload area and it refused to start (engine turns over no fire).  Took it into the dealer 2 days later and it refused to fire for  them, had to push it off the truck.  They were busy and didn't get to it for about 2 weeks.  When they got to it no problem.  They have been trying to duplicate the problem since around first week in Oct.  It sets in their locked yard and temperature has gotten to low 30's. It starts every time they try it. Really frustrating for them and me.

[NMKawierider]

These things are usually just a tight valve or low compression for some reason. However it can also be from having a problem getting fuel. For example, my carbed Brute Force after sitting a few days looses much of it's fuel in the bowls and can't get any even on choke until they re-fill near full. Starting fluid always helps there though.

[Cosmosdan]

I might have to agree with NMK. The valves should be atleast checked. I have seen some tight valves on machines that had very low miles. Hard starting was the complaint.

[johnny5jz]

From CFMOTO Canada:
 

Problem:

On certain Trail Tracker 500 EFI, CFORCE 500 and CFORCE 500 HO models, there may be some difficulty
in cold starting the vehicle. When the start button is pressed the motor will turn over but not start. This issue is
more prevalent as the ambient temperature outside drops. Once the vehicle has started everything works
properly until the next cold start.

Correction:

To remedy the situation, CFMOTO has put in place new programming of the ECU aimed at rectifying these
cold start issues for each model listed in this bulletin that demonstrate this particular problem.

Important Note:

Prior to replacing the ECU in vehicles that have the issues described above, assure yourself that there are
no error codes showing on the diagnostic unit. You can also determine the programme version of the ECU
using the same diagnostic unit while using the function ‘’Read ECU ID’’ and ECU software num. The new
program number for the Trail Tracker (EFI) and the CFORCE 500 is R4070123. The new program number
for the CFORCE 500 HO is 6R10A222. Also, ensure yourself that the correct grade of motor oil is used
while taking into account the outside temperature. Check that the battery is fully charged. You must also be
sure that there are no other mechanical problems that may show similar symptoms.

Dealer’s procedure:

If you have a situation that requires an ECU replacement, please send us the ECU from the problematic
vehicle by Purolator ‘’collect’’. Make sure that you are using the warranty parts return tag for proper
identification. We will then send you a reprogrammed ECU with the proper programming within one (1)
business day.

ctdls do you have the service bulletin number for what you have above?  I am taking mine in for cold start issues soon, and it would be nice to have the service bulletin number for the dealer.  Also, I would like to see if they list VIN numbers in it so i could verify if mine is part of the bulletin. 

[ctdls]

The Canadian bulletin number is "BT16-03E", model & years affected:

TRAIL TRACKER EX 500EFI
(2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
TRAIL TRACKER EX 500
(2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
TRAIL TRACKER 500EFI
(2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
CFORCE 500 EFI
(2015)
CFORCE 500 HO
(2016)
CFORCE 500 HO
(2016)
CFORCE 500 HO 1 UP
CFORCE 500 HO 2 UP

You will not find VIN's only software related flash #'s.

[ctdls]

Well don't have a 500HO but a 2017 500s, with around 450 miles on it.  On "cool" days (temperature below 65 degrees F), it has a hard time starting sometimes (cycled power every time), once started it runs and restarts with no problem for that day.

I have a brand new one with a similar symptom, I've test gear hooked up to it & sitting in cold storage "inside". We have warmed up a few degrees & it starts perfectly. The weather guessors are showing warmer temps the next few days........

[johnny5jz]

The Canadian bulletin number is "BT16-03E", model & years affected:

TRAIL TRACKER EX 500EFI
(2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
TRAIL TRACKER EX 500
(2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
TRAIL TRACKER 500EFI
(2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
CFORCE 500 EFI
(2015)
CFORCE 500 HO
(2016)
CFORCE 500 HO
(2016)
CFORCE 500 HO 1 UP
CFORCE 500 HO 2 UP

You will not find VIN's only software related flash #'s.

Thanks!! I take mine in in a couple weeks and the dealer said they would check this.

[Erikb]

Thought I’d chime in here just to add data. I have a 2017 cforce 500 ho. This post had me courious because I always park in a heated garage so I left my machine out last night and all day today. Our high temp here in MN was about 4 deg F. I went out to start it this afternoon at 3 deg F. It fired right away but took 3 try’s to get it running. Not too bad considering the heavy weight oil in it.

Just my 2 cents.