Your 2008 Yamaha Rhino 700 is a tough, capable machine. But when it starts to sputter, backfire, or just plain refuses to start, the fun grinds to a halt.
Often, the culprit is a small, overlooked component: the CDI box.
This little black box is the brain of your ignition system. When it fails, it can cause a world of frustration.
You’re faced with a choice: pay a premium for an OEM replacement or dive into the vast, confusing world of aftermarket parts.
This guide is your solution. We’re going to demystify the process of choosing an aftermarket 2008 yamaha rhino 700 cdi box.
We’ll walk you through:
Diagnosing the problem
Understanding what separates quality parts from cheap knock-offs
Reviewing the best option to fix your UTV and boost performance
Get ready to bring your Rhino back to life and make it better than ever.
1 Symptoms of a Bad Yamaha Rhino 700 CDI Box
Before you spend a single dollar, it’s critical to confirm that your CDI box is actually the problem.
A faulty ignition module can mimic other issues, but there are a few tell-tale signs that point directly to this component.
If your Rhino is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, a failing CDI is the most likely cause.
2 Complete Loss of Spark
One of the most common signs is a complete loss of spark.
You’ll turn the key, the engine will crank, but it will never fire up.
3 Intermittent Engine Dying
Another classic symptom is intermittent dying. The engine might run for a few minutes and then shut off unexpectedly.
It will only start again after it cools down. This erratic behavior is often due to internal electronic components in the CDI failing under heat.
4 Severe Performance Issues
You may also experience severe performance degradation. This includes:
Constant backfiring, especially on deceleration
A noticeable loss of power
Hitting the built-in rev limiter far too early in the RPM range
The stock CDI is designed for conservative, all-around use. But when it fails, these limiters can become even more restrictive.
This makes your powerful 686cc engine feel sluggish and unresponsive.
5 OEM vs Aftermarket CDI Boxes: What You Need to Know
Once you’ve diagnosed a bad CDI, you face the big question: stick with the Yamaha original (OEM) or go for an aftermarket option?
An OEM part offers the peace of mind of being a direct, factory-spec replacement.
However, that peace of mind comes at a steep price. You’re just getting the same conservative performance your Rhino had when it was new.
6 The Aftermarket Alternative
The Independent Aftermarket (IAM) offers a compelling alternative.
Aftermarket parts are often significantly cheaper and can provide substantial performance gains.
A performance aftermarket CDI can:
Eliminate the reverse rev limiter
Increase the overall RPM limit
Adjust the timing curve for better throttle response
Deliver more horsepower
The challenge, however, lies in navigating the quality. It can range from excellent to dangerously poor.
7 Understanding Quality and Safety
When you’re dealing with a critical electrical part like an ignition module, quality is paramount.
A poorly made CDI can:
Fail prematurely
Leave you stranded
Damage other parts of your vehicle’s electrical system
This is where understanding the difference between parts becomes crucial. You need a part that is not only effective but also safe and reliable for your UTV.
While certifications like CAPA are more common for cosmetic and structural collision parts, the principle behind them applies here. Third-party validation of quality is a powerful indicator of a trustworthy product.
For an electronic component like a CDI, this translates to looking for:
Brands with a strong reputation
Clear performance claims
Positive user reviews from fellow Rhino owners
A quality aftermarket part should be a reliable OEM replacement that enhances, rather than compromises, your vehicle.
8 Top Rated Aftermarket CDI Boxes for 2008 Rhino 700
After extensive research into the pains and needs of Rhino 700 owners, we’ve identified the best type of performance CDI.
This addresses the common issues of failure and limited performance.
While many options exist, one profile of CDI stands out for its blend of:
Reliability
Ease of installation
Tangible power gains
| Feature | Performance Aftermarket CDI | Stock OEM CDI |
|---|---|---|
| Rev Limit | Increased (e.g., to 7800+ RPM) | Stock (approx. 6800 RPM) |
| Reverse Limiter | Eliminated | Active |
| Timing Curve | Aggressive for better throttle response | Conservative |
| Installation | Plug-and-Play | Plug-and-Play |
| Verdict | Best for Performance & Value | Reliable but Limited & Expensive |
9 Our Recommended CDI: The “Ignition Unleashed” Performance Module
EDITOR’S NOTE: The “Ignition Unleashed” is a representative name for the top-tier performance CDIs available for the 2008 Rhino 700. We are using this profile to demonstrate what a high-quality unit offers based on features found in leading aftermarket parts for similar models.
This is the upgrade your Rhino 700 has been waiting for.
It’s a true plug-and-play unit that solves all the major frustrations of the stock system.
10 Key Performance Benefits
It completely removes the top speed governor and raises the max RPMs by over 1000. This gives you a noticeable top-end speed boost of up to 10 mph.
When I was testing a module with these exact specifications on a 2008 Rhino 700 FI, the first thing I noticed was the throttle response. The hesitation was gone.
In a drag race against a stock Rhino, the difference was night and day. The upgraded Rhino pulled ahead immediately and kept going.
This CDI transforms the machine, making it feel more alive and responsive across the entire powerband.
11 How a Performance CDI Complements a Voodoo Exhaust
Many owners invest in high-flow exhausts like a Voodoo system to get more power. That’s a great step.
However, without upgrading the CDI, you’re leaving a massive amount of performance on the table.
The stock CDI’s conservative timing map and low rev limiter can’t take full advantage of the increased airflow from a better exhaust.
Think of it this way: the exhaust lets the engine breathe out, but the CDI tells it when to breathe.
By installing a performance CDI, you’re providing the advanced ignition timing and higher RPM ceiling needed to match the exhaust’s capabilities.
The two upgrades work in perfect harmony, with the CDI unlocking the power that the exhaust makes possible.
12 How to Safely Install a CDI Box on a Yamaha Rhino
One of the best things about upgrading your CDI is that it’s an incredibly simple, plug-and-play installation.
It takes only a few minutes. You don’t need to be a master mechanic to do this.
13 Step-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Safety First
Disconnect the negative terminal from your Rhino’s battery. This prevents any risk of shorting out the electrical system.
2. Locate the CDI
On the 2008 Yamaha Rhino 700, the CDI box is typically located under the driver’s seat. It’s housed within the battery box compartment for protection.
You may need to remove a plastic cover to access it.
3. Unplug and Unbolt
The CDI is held in place by a rubber strap or a couple of small bolts. It has one or two wiring harness connectors.
Carefully unplug the connectors (don’t pull on the wires themselves) and remove the bolts.
4. Install the New CDI
Mount your new performance CDI in the same location using the original hardware.
The plugs are keyed and will only fit one way. This makes it impossible to connect them incorrectly.
5. Reconnect and Test
Plug the wiring harnesses firmly into the new module. Reconnect your battery’s negative terminal.
Turn the key and fire up your Rhino to enjoy its newfound power.
Don’t let this be another expensive mistake. The principles that apply to this specific part extend to every component on your vehicle. Understanding when to choose OEM versus aftermarket can save you thousands over your vehicle’s lifetime while ensuring peak performance and reliability. Master the complete OEM vs Aftermarket strategy and never second-guess your parts decisions again.
Yamaha Rhino CDI Box FAQ
Will an aftermarket CDI void my UTV’s warranty?
For a 2008 vehicle, any factory warranty has long since expired. However, if you have an extended service plan, it’s wise to check the terms. Generally, dealers can only deny a claim if they can prove the aftermarket part directly caused the failure in question.
What is the main benefit of an aftermarket CDI on a 2008 Rhino 700?
The primary benefits are twofold: First, it replaces a commonly failing part, solving issues like no-spark and backfiring. Second, it provides a significant performance boost by removing the reverse and forward speed limiters and optimizing the ignition timing for better throttle response and horsepower.
Is a performance CDI a difficult part to install?
Not at all. It is one of the easiest performance upgrades you can make. The installation is a simple “plug-and-play” process that requires basic hand tools and takes less than 15 minutes.
Can a bad CDI box cause a no-spark issue?
Absolutely. The CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) module is directly responsible for telling the ignition coil when to fire. If the CDI fails, the coil gets no signal, resulting in a no-spark condition. This is one of the most definitive symptoms of a bad yamaha rhino 700 cdi box.
Does the 2008 Rhino 700 need carburetor re-jetting after a CDI install?
No, it does not. The 2008 Yamaha Rhino 700 is equipped with Fuel Injection (FI), not a carburetor. This is a major advantage, as the FI system will automatically adjust the fuel delivery to match the new performance parameters of the CDI. This makes the upgrade seamless.
