7 Major Coleman UTV 400 Problems and Solutions

The Coleman UTV 400—a rugged workhorse that conquers trails, hauls loads, and navigates the wild with gusto. But hold on, even the strongest have their weaknesses!

So don’t worry; here we will discuss the 7 most common Coleman UTV 400 problems and their easy solutions. Fear not! Each issue comes with a practical solution, ensuring your trusty UTV roars back to life.

7 Coleman UTV 400 Problems and Solutions

Now we are going to discuss the most common Coleman 400 UTV problems along with their easy solutions.

1. Difficulty Starting

Let’s simplify how to fix some common issues with the Coleman UTV 400, especially if it’s hard to start or having other troubles. Here’s a user-friendly guide:

Starting Problems Because of Spark Plug:

• What’s Wrong: Your UTV might not start well because the spark plug is dirty or damaged.
• How to Fix: Check the spark plug for dirt or damage. If it looks bad, get a new one and replace it following the guide that came with your UTV.

Battery and Ignition Troubles:

• What’s Wrong: The UTV won’t start if the battery is weak or dead, or if there’s an issue with the ignition system.
• How to Fix:
  • Battery: Make sure it’s fully charged and in good shape.
  • Ignition System: Check that it’s working right.
  • Tip: Don’t hook up too many extra gadgets; they can drain the battery fast.

Shaky Wheels:

• What’s Wrong: The UTV might shake if the wheels aren’t lined up right or if there’s a problem with the wheel bearings.
• How to Fix: It’s best to take your UTV to a shop to get the wheels aligned and balanced properly.

Brakes Locking Up:

• What’s Wrong: Brakes can lock up for several reasons, like using the wrong brake fluid, parts getting too hot, a stuck parking brake, or damaged parts.
• How to Fix:
  • Check how the parking brake is set.
  • Look at the brake disks for any damage.
  • Check the brake calipers, especially the parts that move; you might need new ones if they’re stuck.

Weak Brakes:

• What’s Wrong: If the brakes feel weak or the pedal sinks, there could be a few reasons.
• How to Fix:
  • Worn-Out Brake Pads: You might need new ones.
  • Air in the Brake Lines: You need to get rid of the air (bleed the lines).
  • Leaking Brake Fluid: Look for any leaks.
  • Bad Master Cylinder: You might need to replace it.

Also read Coleman UTV 550 Problems

2. Coleman UTV 400 Overheating Problems 

Let’s break down why your Coleman UTV 400 might be getting too hot and how to cool things down, in simple terms:

Radiator Trouble:

• What’s Wrong: If your radiator gets clogged with dirt, leaves, or rust, it can’t keep the engine cool.
• How to Fix: Clean your radiator regularly to make sure air can flow through it easily, keeping things cool.

Stuck Thermostat:

• What’s Wrong: If the thermostat doesn’t work right, it can mess up the cooling system.
• How to Fix: Check the thermostat and get a new one if the old one is broken or stuck.

Leaks in the Cooling System:

• What’s Wrong: Any leaks in the hoses, gaskets, or radiator mean the coolant can’t do its job.
• How to Fix: Look for any leaks and fix or replace any parts that are leaking.

Fan Problems:

• What’s Wrong: If the radiator fan isn’t working, the radiator won’t get enough air to cool down.
• How to Fix: Test the fan and replace it if it’s not working.

Water Pump Woes:

• What’s Wrong: A bad water pump means coolant isn’t moving through the engine like it should.
• How to Fix: Check the water pump for any leaks or damage and replace it if needed.

Battery Voltage Low:

• What’s Wrong: If the battery is weak, it can affect the electrical parts, including the cooling system.
• How to Fix: Keep your battery charged and healthy. It should be between 12 and 14 volts.

Damaged Radiator Fins:

• What’s Wrong: If the fins on the radiator are bent or damaged, they can’t help cool the engine efficiently.
• How to Fix: Straighten bent fins or replace the radiator if it’s damaged to improve cooling.

Hot Weather:

• What’s Wrong: Really hot days can make it hard for your UTV to stay cool.
• How to Fix: Make sure there’s enough coolant and think about ways to keep your UTV cooler when it’s very hot outside.

3. Coleman 400 UTV Clutch Problems

let’s simplify those clutch issues in your Coleman UTV 400 and figure out how to get you back to smooth riding:

Problems with Sticky Gears and a Slipping Clutch:

• What You Might Notice: Your UTV doesn’t pick up speed the way it should when you rev it, or the clutch doesn’t hold its grip when you speed up.
• Why It Happens: This usually means the clutch shoes are worn out or damaged.
• How to Fix It:
  • Look at the Clutch Shoes: Check them for any signs of wear or damage. If they’re not in good shape, you’ll need to replace them.
  • Check the Springs: Make sure the clutch springs are strong and not broken. If they’re weak or damaged, it’s time for new ones.
  • Adjust the Clutch: Sometimes, you just need to tweak the point where the clutch starts to grab to make sure it engages correctly and doesn’t slip.

Keeping Your Clutch in Top Shape:

• How to Do It:
  • Keep It Lubed: Your UTV’s clutch needs to stay lubricated since it runs in oil. Always use the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer and keep it at the right level.
  • Keep It Cool: The oil also keeps your clutch cool. So, make sure your engine doesn’t get too hot, as that heat can mess with your clutch.
  • Regular Checks: Take a look at the clutch parts (like the shoes, springs, and the part that holds it all together) now and then for any signs of wear or damage.
  • Belt Check: If your UTV uses a belt for the clutch, inspect it for any signs of wear, cracks, or a shiny surface (glazing). Get a new one if the old belt looks bad.

By keeping an eye on these areas and doing regular maintenance, you can avoid clutch problems and keep your Coleman UTV 400 running smoothly.

4. Coleman 400 UTV Suspension Problems

Let’s break down the suspension issues you might face with your Coleman UTV 400 and how to sort them out in a way that’s easy to understand:

Shaking Wheels Problem:

• What’s Going On: If your UTV feels like it’s wobbling or shaking, it could be because the wheels aren’t lined up right or there’s an issue with the wheel bearings.
• How to Fix: The best move is to take your UTV to a shop where they can set the wheels straight and balance them. Getting the wheels aligned makes your ride steadier and smoother.

Suspension Comfort vs. Performance:

• What’s Happening: You want your ride to be comfy without losing how well your UTV handles.
• Solutions:
  • Adjust Your Suspension: The Coleman 400 has a cool suspension setup (double wishbone independent suspension) on all four wheels. You can adjust the shocks to make the ride softer or firmer, depending on where you’re driving.
  • Check Your Shocks: Keep an eye on your suspension parts like shocks, springs, and bushings for any signs of wear or leaks, and replace anything that’s worn out.
  • Right Tire Pressure: Having the correct tire pressure is key for the best suspension performance.

Noise and Vibration Issues:

• What You Might Notice: Hearing odd sounds or feeling more shakes than usual when you’re riding.
• Fixes:
  • Bushings: Look at the suspension bushings to see if they’re worn out and replace them if necessary.
  • Lubrication: Make sure all the moving parts in your suspension are well-lubricated.
  • Bolts: Tighten any bolts or fasteners that have gotten loose.

Ground Clearance and Bottoming Out:

• The Problem: Driving over rough terrain without enough clearance can cause your UTV to hit the ground.
• Solutions:
  • Adjust Shocks: If you’re hitting the ground too much, you might need to tweak the shock preload. This helps your UTV not squish down too far.
  • Pick Your Path Wisely: Try to choose routes that won’t smack the underside of your UTV too hard.
  • Regular Checks: Stick to the maintenance schedule:
    • Grease: Make sure to grease the suspension fittings as suggested.
    • Inspect: Regularly look over the suspension arms, joints, and any linkages for wear.
    • Replace When Needed: If you find any parts that are wearing out or damaged, don’t wait to fix them.

5. Electrical Problems

Let’s simplify those electrical gremlins in your Coleman UTV 400 and find some straightforward fixes:

Dim or Non-Working Lights:

• What’s Up: Sometimes the headlights and taillights might not shine as bright or not work at all.
• Possible Fixes:
  • Bulbs Gone Bad: First, see if the bulbs are the problem and swap them out if they’re burnt out or broken.
  • Wiring Woes: Make sure all the wires connected to your lights are tight and not loose.
  • Charging System Check: Your UTV’s charging system keeps the battery juiced up; if it’s not working right, your lights might suffer. Give it a check to ensure it’s all good.

UTV Won’t Start:

• What’s Happening: If turning the key does nothing or your UTV acts like it’s out of power, here’s what to look at:
  • Valve Issues: Sometimes the intake and exhaust valves can get too tight or too loose, messing with how they open and close. This needs a mechanic’s touch to adjust correctly.
  • Battery Check: Your battery should be around 12.5 volts. If it’s lower, it might need charging or replacing.
  • Spark Plug Trouble: Take a look at the spark plugs for any dirt buildup or rust and replace them if they look bad.
  • Old Gas: Gas that’s been sitting in the tank for too long can lead to starting troubles. It might be time for fresh fuel.

No Brake Lights, Turn Signals, or Gear Indicator:

• What to Do:
  • Brake Lights Not Showing: Test out the brake light switch to make sure it’s working. If it’s not, that’s your culprit.
  • Turn Signals Giving You the Silent Treatment: Dive into the turn signal system, checking the bulbs, wiring, and circuit to find any faults.
  • Gear Indicator Ghosted You: The gear position sensor or its wiring might be having issues. It’s worth taking a closer look to see if something’s disconnected or broken.

Tackling Coleman UTV 400 electrical problems one by one can help keep it running smoothly and ensure you’re safe and visible on your off-road adventures. Plus, it’s always satisfying to solve a problem and get back to riding without a hitch!

6. Brake Problems

Let’s tackle those brake issues on your Coleman UTV 400 with some easy-to-follow advice. Keeping your brakes in top shape is key for a safe ride, so here’s what you need to know:

Brakes Locking Up:

• What’s the Problem: Sometimes, your brakes might just decide to lock up unexpectedly, which can be pretty scary. This can happen for a few reasons like using the wrong type of brake fluid, parts of the brake system getting too hot, a stuck parking brake, or damaged parts like rotors, brake pads, or calipers.
• How to Fix:
  • Parking Brake Check: First, make sure you didn’t leave the parking brake on by accident.
  • Brake Discs Inspection: Look at the brake discs to see if they’re warped or damaged in any way.
  • Caliper Check: The calipers’ hydraulic cylinders can get stuck. If they are, you might need to replace them to get things moving smoothly again.

Diminished Brake Performance:

• What’s Going On: If pressing the brake pedal doesn’t feel right—like if it sinks to the floor or the brakes just don’t seem to respond as they should—it’s a sign your braking performance isn’t up to par.
• Possible Fixes:
  • Worn Brake Pads: These guys do the heavy lifting when it comes to stopping your UTV, so if they’re worn out, you’ll need to swap them for new ones.
  • Air in the Lines: Air bubbles in your brake lines can mess with your braking power. Bleeding the lines to get rid of the air can help restore brake function.
  • Leaky Brake Fluid: Any leaks in your brake system can lead to poor brake performance. Check for leaks and fix them up.
  • Master Cylinder Trouble: If the master cylinder is faulty, replacing it can get your brakes back in shape.

Upgrading for Better Performance:

• What to Consider: If you’re looking for even better stopping power or if you just want to make sure your brakes can handle more intense use, upgrading parts of your brake system can be a great move.
• How to Do It:
  • High-Performance Parts: Switching to high-performance brake pads and rotors can make a big difference. They’re designed to handle heat better, which means less brake fade (when brakes lose effectiveness because of heat).
  • Driving Tips: Try to avoid slamming on the brakes too hard, especially when you’re going downhill. This can build up a lot of heat and make your brakes wear out faster.

By keeping an eye on these areas and making upgrades where necessary, you’ll ensure your Coleman UTV 400 stops on a dime, keeping you and everyone around you safe during your off-road adventures.

7. Coleman 400 UTV Shifting Problems

Tackling gear-shifting problems in your Coleman 400 UTV can make a big difference in how smooth your ride feels. Let’s break down the issues you might face with shifting and how to fix them in simple terms:

Sticking Gears and Grinding Noise:

• What’s Happening: Shifting gears can be tough, you might find gears sticking, or hear a grinding noise when you try to change gears.
• Why It Happens:
  • The shift cable might need adjusting, though this doesn’t always fix the issue.
  • The shift lever might not move far enough to fully engage the gears.
• How to Fix:
  • Extend the Shift Lever: Adding a piece of flat iron (about 3/4 inch) to the shift lever can give it enough movement to properly engage the gears.
  • Modified Shift Lever: Coleman has provided modified shift levers with longer travel for this exact problem. Check if you can get one.

Routine Maintenance Tips:

Keeping up with regular maintenance can also help prevent shifting problems and other issues:

• Grease All Zerks: Make sure to lubricate all grease fittings regularly. This keeps everything moving smoothly.
• Check the Air Filter: The air filter must be installed correctly. Putting it in backward can cause problems.
• Inspect Wiring Harnesses: Look for any wires that might be rubbing against parts that move. This can prevent electrical issues.
• Brake Hose Routing: Ensure the brake hoses aren’t touching the exhaust, as this can cause damage due to heat.
• General Inspection: Give your UTV a thorough check-up now and then to catch any potential issues early.

Benefits of owning a Coleman UTV 400

Owning a Coleman UTV 400 is pretty awesome for a bunch of reasons. Let me break it down into simple, helpful bits:

1. Affordable Fun:

• Great Price: It’s one of the cheapest recreational UTVs out there. This means more people can afford to buy one without breaking the bank.
• Bang for Your Buck: You get a lot of cool features for what you pay, making it a great deal.

2. Easy for Everyone:

• Simple to Drive: Thanks to its automatic CVT transmission and throttle-by-wire, it’s super easy to drive, even if you’re just starting.

3. Comfort on the Go:

• Smooth Rides: The suspension system is designed to handle bumpy and rough paths, so you can enjoy a comfy ride no matter where you go.

4. Adventure Ready:

• Tough and Ready: Built for the wild, the Coleman 400 UTV loves challenging terrain like sand, mud, and hills.
• Strong and Sturdy: With a powerful engine and solid build, it’s perfect for both fun adventures and tough jobs.

5. Make It Yours:

• Customizable: It comes ready with some neat features, but you can also add various accessories to make it fit your needs and style perfectly.

6. Wise Investment:

• Holds Its Value: Looking to sell it down the road? It’s got a good resale value, especially if you’re looking for something under $5,000.

Coleman UTV 400 Top Speed

The Coleman UTV 400 has a top speed of approximately 25 to 30 miles per hour (40 to 48 kilometers per hour). Keep in mind that the actual speed may vary based on factors such as terrain, load, and weather conditions. 

Conclusion:

As you see here we discuss the 7 most common Coleman UTV 400 problems along with their easy solutions. So whenever you face any of these problems you can solve it easily.

FAQs

Is the Coleman UTV 400 suitable for beginners?

Answer: Yes, the Coleman UTV 400 is user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners. Its automatic CVT transmission and straightforward controls offer an easy learning curve for new riders.

3. Can the Coleman UTV 400 handle rough terrain?

Answer: The Coleman UTV 400 is designed with off-roading in mind. It features a suspension system and tires suited for various types of terrain, including mud, sand, and gravel. However, like any vehicle, its performance will depend on the severity of the terrain and how well the vehicle is maintained.

Are there customizable options for the Coleman UTV 400?

Answer: Yes, the Coleman UTV 400 can be customized with a variety of accessories to suit different needs and preferences. Options include storage solutions, lighting upgrades, winches, and protective gear. Check with Coleman or authorized dealers for compatible accessories.

Does the Coleman UTV 400 have a warranty?

Answer: Yes, the Coleman UTV 400 comes with a limited warranty that covers certain parts and labor for a specified period. The terms and conditions of the warranty can be found in your owner’s manual or by contacting Coleman directly. Always ensure you understand the warranty coverage to take full advantage of it.