Can-Am DPS Problems: Everything You Need To know

The Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) of your Can-Am can have a malfunctioning power steering pump, in which case it will whine or grind as it turns. When you spin the wheel, you can also experience delayed steering response or tight steering reaction. This is a solid indicator that your Can Am’s power steering pump is ready to fail if you detect all three of them at once.

There are two possible most occurring reasons that make your DPS not run smoothly. One is the high internal temperatures. The other one is low voltage. If everything is in order, the DPS will turn back on if you turn the key off and restart. 

Nevertheless, there are just too many things to talk about when it comes to Can-Am DPS problems. So in this article, we’ll dive a little deeper and find solutions to these problems. So let’s start.

Can-Am DPS Problems & Solutions at a Glance

Can Am DPS Tear Down Fixing

Before we go into detail, we would like to share one of the most useful charts that you require to understand the problems deeply. Here’s what it looks like.

SymptomsPossible SourceSolution
Delay in steering responseLow voltage Check the battery
Tight steering responseSensorsClean the sensors
Shuts downHigh internal temperatureCheck the connections
Cuts off after a certain RPMSpeed sensorClean the speed sensor/ Replace
“Check DPS” on display when ridingSystem error Restart 

Start with Faulty Engine Codes On Can-Am

One of the best ways to figure out problems in your Can-Am DPS or anywhere is the faulty engine codes. The vehicles are equipped with a digital processing system that actually tells you where the real problem is sitting. Therefore, the DPS problems are not an exception as well.

Apart from feeling the problems yourself, the dashboard display will show a “CHECK DPS” message if you have problems with the dynamic power steering.  This is one of the codes that have meaning to it. It is saying to you that “There has been a problem with the DPS (Dynamic Power Steering). Visit a Can-Am dealer that is approved.”

How Can I Check Can-Am Fault Codes?

Undoubtedly, the user interface can get tricky for some newbies, and not being able to check the codes is absolutely fine however, as you can see that it is quite vital to read those if you are facing problems with your Can-am. 

Well, we are here to assist you in every way to guide you through the process. Here it is;

  1. Set the ignition key to the ON position with the lights on.
  2. Select Engine Hours on the multifunction gauge (EH).
  3. Set the multi-function gauge to the Engine Hour by pressing the M (Mode) button (EH).
  4. For two seconds, firmly hit and hold the M button.
  5. Turn the high beams on and off many times while pushing the M button. Remember that to enter “P Code Mode,” you will need to toggle at least three times in the space of two seconds.
  6. The M and S buttons may browse the available fault codes once you’ve selected the P Code Mode.
  7. You can consider seeing a “CHECK DPS” warning on the screen if there is an active code in the memory.
  8. By holding down the M button, you can leave the P code mode.

However, if you are interested in how your Can-Am DPS looks from the inside, check this video out.

How to Solve A Can-Am DPS Problem?

The first thing you would want to do is check the battery connections. They have a tendency to become a little sloppy, which will botch your DPS. On the other hand, if the speed sensor cannot determine how quickly you are moving, the DPS will also be cut off. Cleaning the speed sensor is the key here.

Secondly, do check out the speed sensors if your connection cuts out after a certain RPM. It turns out that the speed sensor is responsible for sending signals to the DPS. Therefore, the DPS malfunctions if the sensors fail to send a signal to the DPS. It relies on this signal to work properly. 

Is Replacing Worth It?

ATV DPS Replacement

We can tell that after facing such problems, you might want to replace the whole power steering unit. However, do keep in mind that it’s expensive. Moreover, a simple replacement of the sensors is quite cheap and efficient. So why not have a look at it first?

TIP: Try cleaning the sensors before getting a replacement. There is a chance that there is just too much dust for the sensors to pass the message. As a result, cleaning actually works.

Lastly, if you are certain that there is no problem with your Can-Am and the Check DPS signal is not valid, then try restarting. It might be a system error and the error should disappear instantly.

Is It Possible To Determine The Root Of The DPS Issue?

Yes, the “Check DPS” signal certainly helps to let you know that there is a problem in a certain region. However, this could lead to endless possibilities of the source. As a result, spend a ton of time finding it and going to a mechanic as a last resort.

Thankfully, there is a solution that you can apply. There is a Diagnostic Kit available that understands the error codes and digs in deep with them. 

How Does A Can-Am Check DPS Light Reset Work?

There is a possibility that your screen is not back to normal and still showing that annoying “Check DPS” sign. By now, you have probably tried out the restart option. Well, don’t worry as the solution is quite simple.

All you need to do is disconnect the battery and reconnect it after a few moments and start the engine. This should work and if it doesn’t then certainly go to a professional. There is something wrong with your Can-Am.

FAQs

We hope that our question was mentioned above and you got the answers as well. However, we do have some questions on our hands that are commonly asked by a lot of people. Thus, keeping it in a different section. So let’s have a look at it.

Does Can-Am Defender XT have power steering?

Apart from all the latest technology, the Can-Am Defender XT is also equipped with power steering.

What year did Can-Am Outlander get power steering?

Starting from the 2012 version of the Can-Am outlander, you will get power steering available.

What is the best Can-Am error diagnoser?

One of the top ones on the list would be the OEM BRP diagnostic kit. It will help you find the root of the error code.

Conclusion

To conclude, we hope we were able to answer all your questions regarding Can Am DPS problems. It’s quite evident that the DPS problem is one of the most common problems out there and, therefore, easiest as well. We highly recommend you get a diagnosis kit to find the root of it. 

Nevertheless, the most common solution to this problem would be cleaning the sensors and carefully checking the connections in the battery. If you fail to solve it by yourself then checking up with a professional is recommended. 

Mark Williams

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