common problems with can am defender

Read the article and learn about some common problems with the can-am defender so you can figure out whether it’s worth investing in or not.

Can-Am defender is one of the most popular utility vehicles that is used to transport heavy material and navigate through rugged terrain. With its robust build and state-of-the-art durability, this vehicle can handle all types of rides and riding conditions. However, it is still a machine that may show some issues over time.

So today, we’re going to enlist some common problems with can-am defenders and how you can fix them quickly. So stick with the article and prepare yourself for every scenario you might face with this utility vehicle shortly. Let’s begin!

Common problems with can am defender

As a vehicle ages, it starts showing various problems, either due to overworking or not working at all. Luckily, most of these problems are solvable and can be prevented if the vehicle is taken to routine service and maintenance. Let’s have a detailed look at the performance issues a Can-Am defender tends to show over time.

Starting issue

Besides utility vehicles, some consumers also use this can-am defender to plow snow. Some of those users have reported that it sometimes stops automatically when running for a long period. Likewise, some people said that the engine begins to stall on chilly days and needs several tries to restart.

According to the experts, the common causes behind these starting issues are either a dead battery or an inappropriate fuel-to-oil ratio. As we all know, an engine needs fuel to run, and to inject fuel into the engine, a machine comes with fuel injectors that combine air and fuel and push this mixture toward the engine.

So when this fuel delivery system malfunctions, it either produces a way too-lean fuel-air mixture or a way too-thick mixture. Resultantly, the engine shows stalling, sputters, hard starts, backfiring, and many other problems. The only solution to fix this error is to replace the fuel pump which may cost around $70-$100.

Another common cause behind starting issues is the stock battery that grows dead way too fast. It mostly occurs due to parasite sources which drain the battery super quickly. People who modify their Can-Am defenders by installing machinery speakers, electronics, and light bars make their vehicles more prone to such battery problems.

Therefore, it’s advised to take your ATV to a qualified mechanic for modification otherwise incorrectly installed accessories will drastically reduce the service life of the battery. Also, stick to strict wiring maintenance and inspection to diagnose any potential issues in the initial stage.

Overheating issue

Overheating issues occur in almost all heavy automobiles since their engines are designed to work harder and generate more power. Can-Am defender is no exception here. The HD8 engine installed in the Can-Am defender may get overheated due to various reasons like a malfunctioning thermostat, faulty cooling fan, insufficient airflow, and clogged water pump.

Whatever the cause behind this temperature elevation, if not treated on time, it may lead to severe engine damage like ruptured head gaskets. Such damages are not only super difficult to repair but also cost thousands of dollars. Therefore, it’s important to never ignore such overheating issues and take your vehicle for a detailed check-up to diagnose and fix the main problem.

The good news here is that most of the causes behind these overheating issues can be fixed at home, without the need for any professional help or specialized tools. For example, if your engine gets heated up due to a clogged radiator, get a water hose and clean the fins of the radiator thoroughly. If you drive too often on muddy, sandy, or grass terrains, clean the radiator regularly. If the clog is too extreme, remove the radiator grills and dip them in an all-purpose cleaner.

Shifting issue

Shifting issues are also quite commonly found in Can-Am defenders. Various users have reported that the shift gears give off irritating grinding noises when being pressed whereas some other users have reported the faulty working of gear indicators.

The worst shifting trouble which some people have faced in their Can-Am defenders is the stuck shifting gears. It usually happens when you try to switch between gears or change gears on an incline or stop. Most of these shifting troubles are caused by incorrectly adjusted shift linkage. This improper linkage may either be resulted in incorrect factory assembly or loosely attached lock nuts that hold the shifting gears in place.

In both scenarios, you need to adjust the shift linkage properly by loosening the back nut to 1.5-2 inches. Once done, fasten the front nuts according to the new direction. To ensure that you adjusted the shift linkage correctly, shift the gears back and forth frequently.

4. Unusual noise issue

This is most probably the most frustrating issue reported by the users of Can-Am defender. According to them, their vehicles give off loud squeaky sounds when their brakes are pressed. These squeaky noises are loud enough to embarrass you in public. The most common cause behind this noisy braking is a lack of lubrication on the components of the brake system.

Luckily, this issue can be easily fixed with a good quality lubricant or grease. If you notice that the components are way too dry, take all the parts apart, remove all the pins & calipers, and lubricate them thoroughly. Don’t forget the brake pads and clips which hold these pads together. Doing so will give you much better results.

Besides lack of lubrication, squeaky brakes may also be caused by the accumulation of dirt and debris in the braking system. It mostly happens when the vehicle owner drives his Can-Am defender too often on dusty terrains.

The only way to minimize the intensity of negative consequences of such undesirable driving settings is to wash the brake pads regularly (especially after driving the car in an overly dusty setting). You may also consider cleaning the brake components with specialized brake cleaners or a solution of soap and water. This will significantly help reduce the brake noises.

Not only do the brakes emit strange noises during operation but the rattling sounds are also way too loud in Can-Am defenders. Many owners have complained about the belt squealing and windshield rattling.

Safety switch issue

The biggest design flaw in Can-Am defender is the placement of its safety switch. This switch is used to prevent damage to the defender and attached machinery, like a snow blower. It works by acting as a controller. However, the manufacturer has integrated this safety switch under the hood instead of somewhere inside the cabin or within hand reach.

This faulty placement not only puts the safety of consumers at risk but puts a limit on work efficiency. Luckily, there’s a solution to this problem; rewiring. By doing some simple rewiring, you can relocate this safety switch within the hand reach or inside the cabin. Anyone who has some basic knowledge about car mechanics and handling electrical components can do the job.

Some owners have also complained about the fragility of this safety switch. They confirmed that any mere error or mishandling may lead to the improper or failed functioning of this safety switch. Considering this, the safety switch of the Can-Am defender will be of no use unless you know its proper use.

Tire issues

Can-Am Defender is a utility and all-terrain vehicle and that’s exactly why owners expect them to come with highly rugged and durable tires. Sadly, many consumers have reported their disappointing experience with the tires of Can-Am defender as these wheels tend to wear way too quickly.

Reasons behind this quick tire wear could be numerous ranging from insufficient inflation pressure to worn-out axle, faulty wheel bearings to overloading. The only solution to this trouble is to upgrade your vehicle’s tire with a more robust option, as per your driving style. Also, pay close attention to maintaining proper inflation pressure and keeping axles & bearings in the best possible condition.

FAQs

Wrapping up 

Of course, there’s not any machinery that doesn’t come with any flaw or drawback and Can-Am defender is not an exception. Despite being one of the best utility vehicles, it tends to show some issues regarding design and performance but still, these problems don’t lower the vehicle’s specialty or value. Instead, learning about these issues and their solutions helps use this vehicle in the most productive way.