I have a 2018 Zforce1000 with about 1,400 mikes on it. If the engine is off I can move the gear shift through all the gears easily. If I start the engine the shifter won't move out of park, I can force it with some effort to H, N or L but then it is stuck there. If I shut off the engine it will move easily again. Any thoughts?

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Pressure is being applied to the transmission through the belt. This happens..most often... when the oneway/idler bearing between the two sheaves of the primary starts seizing up...which has been a common problem with this design..and this Chinese part. It's part number 15 in this pic. If this bearing checks out OK look for other reasons such as a problem with a clutch..as in stuck or binding flyweights.. or a problem with the belt itself or the idle is too high.




 

Thanks, I will start here and check these. I do have the original belt with just over 1400 miles on it.

Check the idle to make sure it is low enough not to engage the belt before you start taking things apart.

Thanks for your replies.  I have a new 2021 UForce 1000 with ~10 hours on it, and a similar experience and possibly a non related issue.  1.) Sometimes shifts between gears just fine, and other times will not shift at all, I don't want to force it.  When I give it a smidgeon of gas, I'm able to shift it.  The idle is not high.  I know I can adjust the cable by loosening those jam nuts under the seat, as when in Park the "P" often isn't light up (it's still in gear).  2.) Lastly, when in 4WD with and high gear (can't remember if front diff locked or not), the whole vehicle vibrates terribly when accelerating from zero, then it tends to smooth out a little.  I realize max speed is ~20 MPH or so.  Can snow/ice get packed in the CVT?  Is my belt slipping?  I heard a horrible noise once just driving about 12 MPH, sounded like there was rocks tumbling around in there, a wrench in the cog (metaphor)!  I'm wondering if something broke?  Still drives well in low range and high range too, but is just rough and vibrates starting off.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

All this sounds like you better pull the cover and check things out...now! Or take it is before any more damage happens.

Not sure how close your Z Force is to C Force but I am guessing not too much difference, in any event I share my similar experience with you in the hope that it is of some assistance to you?

The gear selection issue is common across most CFMOTO ATV's & UTV's, firstly check the length of the gear selection rod between the stick and the gearbox, i.e you can shorten it or lengthen it through adjustment. Next check the interlock cable that connects from the stick to the foot pedal, i.e. that it is not in the locked position when the brake pedal is pressed, the cable can be adjusted at the pedal. However, remember that the interlock cable is only utilized from Neutral to Rev to Park, the cable interlock is not used for High or Low. Check the button interlock on the stick is adjusted correctly. Then remove the complete stick assembly and grease the gate the stick moves through will high melting point grease. Finally, after you have adjusted everything as stated above an greased the gear shift gate with all the plastic covers removed shift gears and make sure that the shift linkage is not clunking/hitting the gear stick mount bracket.  The linkage tends to hit and clunk against the aluminium housing that supports the shift stick and is bolted to the engine. If it clunks against the housing mark it with a sharpie, remove the stick shift housing and file away the aluminium until it stops clunking/hitting it.

Finally if after doing all of the above and it still sticks in gear or is difficult to get out of gear especially in low gear, please be reminded that all 4X4 and 2X4 off roaders will suffer from transmission wind up. To unwind the transmission lift one of the driven wheels off the ground and observe it unwind. The heat generated during a drive will also contribute to transmission gear lock so let it cool down.

Enjoy your ride and take care "Grand Master Splash and his furious ride"