Hi Everyone,

I have a problem with my 2016 zforce 500. I live in Quebec city, Canada. In winter, the temperature can be really cold and the side by side doesn't want to start easily. I let the sxs outside in my trailer and when it's about or minus 0 degree celsius, it's really hard to start. I checked the starter relay, the starter and the battery. Everything works fine. Spark plug is ok. For the fuel I didn't check it but when it's running I've no problem. This weekend, I'm gonna check the valve adjustment. Maybe it could be the problem... I've read that the latest models of CF MOTO as a ECM than wouldn't start well at low temperature. Now, the engine can start easily because the ECM has a programmation that allows it to start well at lower temperatures. But this problem happen only at the first start! When I let him run for about 3 minutes then shut off, it start very well every time. Did anyone have an issue, or does it happen to somebody? Thanks for your feedback!

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Hi Everyone,

I have a problem with my 2016 zforce 500. I live in Quebec city, Canada. In winter, the temperature can be really cold and the side by side doesn't want to start easily. I let the sxs outside in my trailer and when it's about or minus 0 degree celsius, it's really hard to start. I checked the starter relay, the starter and the battery. Everything works fine. Spark plug is ok. For the fuel I didn't check it but when it's running I've no problem. This weekend, I'm gonna check the valve adjustment. Maybe it could be the problem... I've read that the latest models of CF MOTO as a ECM than wouldn't start well at low temperature. Now, the engine can start easily because the ECM has a programmation that allows it to start well at lower temperatures. But this problem happen only at the first start! When I let him run for about 3 minutes then shut off, it start very well every time. Did anyone have an issue, or does it happen to somebody? Thanks for your feedback!

There are several reasons for an engine to become harder to start in cold temperatures and many were eliminated with the introduction of EFI. Still, there are several factors that still come into play. One is- oil viscosity becomes denser the colder it gets and that makes it harder for the starter to rotate the engine. That in it's self makes the starter pull ore amps which drops the line voltage on the system...which includes the ECM and coils. Below about 11.7 volts all that has a problem working. Next the starting RPM is lower which can effect compression and vacuum. So yes do check the valves..that is the #1 reason for hard starts..winter or not. You should also be running a 5 or 0W40 oil and that can be all the time. You should also always keep the battery on a tender or smart charger so it has maximum CCAs when it's needed most. Next, it's true engines need a little more fuel to start in the very cold but..the EFI system, although very good about getting it close, isn't always enough. A baby-shot or starting fluid in the intake isn't a bad thing.. but first you will want to check and clean if necessary of any oil coating on the intake air temp sensor. That may help a lot.  Remember to only use mass airflow sensor spray cleaner..nothing else. 

Hi Everyone,

I have a problem with my 2016 zforce 500. I live in Quebec city, Canada. In winter, the temperature can be really cold and the side by side doesn't want to start easily. I let the sxs outside in my trailer and when it's about or minus 0 degree celsius, it's really hard to start. I checked the starter relay, the starter and the battery. Everything works fine. Spark plug is ok. For the fuel I didn't check it but when it's running I've no problem. This weekend, I'm gonna check the valve adjustment. Maybe it could be the problem... I've read that the latest models of CF MOTO as a ECM than wouldn't start well at low temperature. Now, the engine can start easily because the ECM has a programmation that allows it to start well at lower temperatures. But this problem happen only at the first start! When I let him run for about 3 minutes then shut off, it start very well every time. Did anyone have an issue, or does it happen to somebody? Thanks for your feedback!

There are several reasons for an engine to become harder to start in cold temperatures and many were eliminated with the introduction of EFI. Still, there are several factors that still come into play. One is- oil viscosity becomes denser the colder it gets and that makes it harder for the starter to rotate the engine. That in it's self makes the starter pull ore amps which drops the line voltage on the system...which includes the ECM and coils. Below about 11.7 volts all that has a problem working. Next the starting RPM is lower which can effect compression and vacuum. So yes do check the valves..that is the #1 reason for hard starts..winter or not. You should also be running a 5 or 0W40 oil and that can be all the time. You should also always keep the battery on a tender or smart charger so it has maximum CCAs when it's needed most. Next, it's true engines need a little more fuel to start in the very cold but..the EFI system, although very good about getting it close, isn't always enough. A baby-shot or starting fluid in the intake isn't a bad thing.. but first you will want to check and clean if necessary of any oil coating on the intake air temp sensor. That may help a lot.  Remember to only use mass airflow sensor spray cleaner..nothing else.

I own a 2019 zforce 500 trail and
I found out that my cold start issues were because the valves needed to be adjusted. It starts and runs like a new machine now. Check your compression if it low that might be the issue.