So, you brought home a Can-Am Commander 700. It’s a solid, capable machine built for work and play. But like any piece of hardworking equipment, even the toughest side-by-sides can hit a snag, leaving you wondering what that new noise is or why it’s suddenly feeling sluggish.
You’re in the right place. At FatBoysOffroad, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to give you the straight scoop from one enthusiast to another. We understand that dealing with can am commander 700 problems can be frustrating, but many common issues are manageable with a little know-how and the right approach.
This guide promises to walk you through the most frequent hiccups these machines face. We’ll cover electrical gremlins, drivetrain quirks, and essential maintenance tips that can prevent major headaches. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to diagnose and tackle many issues yourself, saving you time, money, and getting you back on the trail faster.
Understanding the Most Common Can Am Commander 700 Problems
The Commander 700 is a robust platform, but certain areas tend to show issues more than others, especially after some hard miles on the trail. Here’s a breakdown of the usual suspects we see in the shop and hear about from fellow riders. This section will serve as your initial diagnostic guide.
Electrical Gremlins: Fuses, Wiring, and the Dreaded Limp Mode
Modern UTVs are packed with electronics, which means more potential points of failure. If your Commander is acting up, the electrical system is often the first place to look.
A common complaint is the machine unexpectedly entering “limp mode,” where power is drastically reduced. This is a self-preservation feature, but it can be triggered by something as simple as a faulty sensor or a loose connection. Before you panic, start with the basics.
- Check Your Battery: Ensure the terminals are clean and tight. A loose or corroded connection can cause a world of intermittent issues. Use a multimeter to check for at least 12.4 volts with the machine off.
- Inspect Fuses: Pop open the fuse box (check your owner’s manual for the location) and visually inspect each fuse. A blown fuse is an easy fix but often points to a deeper issue, like a short in the wiring.
- Examine Wiring Harnesses: Look for any chafed, pinched, or melted wires, especially around the engine and exhaust where heat is intense. Vibrations can wear through insulation over time, causing shorts.
Drivetrain & Clutch Quirks: Noises, Slipping, and Shifting Issues
The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is the heart of your Commander’s drivetrain. It’s brilliant but requires attention. Problems here often manifest as strange noises, a burning smell, or poor acceleration.
The CVT belt is a primary wear item. A glazed, frayed, or worn belt will slip, causing poor performance and eventually breaking, leaving you stranded. If you notice a shudder on takeoff or a loss of top speed, your belt is the first suspect.
Another area to watch is the clutch itself. The primary and secondary clutches can get gummed up with belt dust and debris, causing them to stick. This leads to jerky engagement or difficulty shifting. Regular cleaning with compressed air is one of the best practices to keep it operating smoothly.
Starting & Fuel System Hiccups
You turn the key, and… nothing. Or maybe it cranks but won’t fire up. Starting issues are classic can am commander 700 problems that can often be traced back to the fuel system or a simple electrical component.
Start by listening. When you turn the key to the “on” position, you should hear a faint whirring sound for a couple of seconds. That’s the fuel pump priming. If you don’t hear it, you could have a bad pump, a blown fuse, or a faulty relay.
If the pump sounds fine, consider the fuel itself. Has the machine been sitting for a long time with untreated fuel? Stale gas can clog injectors and foul spark plugs. It’s always a good idea to use a fuel stabilizer if you’re not riding frequently.
Suspension and Steering Woes: Aches from the Trail
Off-roading puts immense stress on suspension and steering components. Over time, you might notice new clunks, a sloppy feeling in the steering wheel, or the machine pulling to one side.
Regularly inspect your A-arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. Grab a wheel at the top and bottom and try to wiggle it. Any significant play indicates worn parts that need replacement. Ignoring these can lead to unsafe handling and more expensive repairs down the line.
Proactive Maintenance: Your Can Am Commander 700 Problems Care Guide
The absolute best way to deal with problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. A consistent maintenance routine is non-negotiable for any off-road vehicle. This is the ultimate can am commander 700 problems care guide for long-term reliability.
The Pre-Ride Checklist That Saves You Headaches
Before every single ride, take five minutes to perform a quick walk-around. This simple habit can help you spot minor issues before they become trail-ending failures.
- Tires & Wheels: Check for proper air pressure and look for any cuts or damage. Grab the lug nuts to ensure they’re tight.
- Fluids: Quickly check the engine oil and coolant levels. Look for any drips or leaks on the ground underneath your machine.
- Controls: Test your brakes, throttle, and steering to ensure they feel right.
- Lights & Electrical: Turn on your headlights and check that your brake lights work.
Fluid Checks: More Than Just Oil
Engine oil is critical, but don’t forget about the other vital fluids. Your front and rear differentials and the transmission all have their own oil that needs to be checked and changed per the service schedule in your owner’s manual.
Using the correct fluids is extremely important. Don’t just grab any gear oil off the shelf; use the specific type recommended by BRP/Can-Am to ensure proper lubrication and prevent damage to internal components.
Keeping the Drivetrain Happy: Belt and Clutch Inspection
Your CVT belt’s life depends heavily on how you ride and how well you maintain it. Periodically remove the CVT cover to blow out any belt dust with compressed air. While you’re in there, inspect the belt for glazing, cracks, or missing cogs.
Learning how to change a belt on the trail is a crucial skill. Always carry a spare belt and the simple tools needed to swap it out. It can turn a catastrophic failure into a minor inconvenience.
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Tips: How to Tackle Can Am Commander 700 Problems
So, you’ve identified a symptom. Now what? Here’s how to can am commander 700 problems can be diagnosed with a methodical approach. Don’t just start replacing parts randomly; that gets expensive fast.
Reading the Signs: What Is Your Commander Trying to Tell You?
Your machine communicates through sounds, smells, and feelings. Pay attention to them. A new high-pitched whine could be a wheel bearing. A clunk when you hit a bump could be a worn-out bushing. A burning rubber smell is almost always your CVT belt crying for help.
When a problem starts, make a mental note of the conditions. Does it only happen when the engine is hot? Only when turning left? These details are crucial clues that will help you or your mechanic pinpoint the root cause.
Essential Tools for Your DIY Toolkit
You don’t need a full professional shop, but having a few key tools makes diagnostics and basic repairs much easier.
- A good quality socket and wrench set (metric).
- A set of Torx bits (Can-Am loves using these).
- A digital multimeter for electrical testing.
- A tire pressure gauge.
- A grease gun for suspension zerks.
- A basic CVT belt changing tool kit.
When to Throw in the Towel and Call a Pro
Being a DIYer is empowering, but it’s also important to know your limits. If you’re dealing with internal engine or transmission work, complex electrical diagnostics involving the ECU, or any repair you don’t feel 100% confident about, it’s time to call a qualified technician.
Your safety is paramount. A mistake on a brake job or a critical suspension component isn’t worth the risk. A good mechanic is a partner in keeping your machine running right.
The Benefits of Addressing Can Am Commander 700 Problems Early
It can be tempting to ignore that small rattle or slight hesitation, but procrastinating on repairs is a bad idea. Understanding the benefits of can am commander 700 problems being addressed quickly will save you trouble and money.
Enhancing Safety on the Trail
A worn tie rod end or a failing brake component isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a serious safety hazard. Addressing these issues promptly ensures you and your passengers are safe when you’re miles from anywhere.
Protecting Your Investment for the Long Haul
A small coolant leak that’s ignored can lead to an overheated engine and catastrophic failure. A noisy differential that’s left unchecked can grenade itself, costing thousands to repair. Timely maintenance and repairs protect the value and lifespan of your Commander.
Maximizing Performance and Fun
Let’s be honest: you bought this machine to have fun. A properly running UTV is more powerful, more responsive, and more enjoyable to drive. Staying on top of maintenance ensures you get the peak performance you paid for every time you hit the trail.
Exploring Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Can Am Commander 700 Problems Solutions
Being a responsible off-roader extends to how we maintain our vehicles. Adopting some sustainable can am commander 700 problems best practices is good for the environment and often good for your machine, too.
Proper Fluid Disposal and Recycling
Never, ever dump used oil, coolant, or other automotive fluids on the ground or down a drain. Collect all used fluids in a sealed container and take them to your local auto parts store or municipal recycling center. Most will accept them for free.
Choosing Quality Parts for Longevity
It might be tempting to buy the cheapest replacement part you can find, but this is often a false economy. High-quality parts from reputable brands last longer, perform better, and reduce the amount of waste you generate from repeated repairs. This is an eco-friendly can am commander 700 problems approach that pays off.
Trail Etiquette and Minimizing Impact
A well-maintained machine is less likely to leak fluids on the trail. By keeping your Commander in top shape, you’re helping to preserve the natural environments we all love to explore. Stay on designated trails and follow Tread Lightly! principles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Commander 700 Problems
Why is my Can-Am Commander 700 going into limp mode?
Limp mode is most often triggered by an electrical fault. Common culprits include a faulty throttle position sensor (TPS), a bad speed sensor, or even a low battery voltage. Check all wiring connections for tightness and corrosion before digging deeper.
How often should I inspect the CVT belt on my Commander 700?
A visual inspection is a good idea every 25-50 hours of use, depending on your riding style. If you do a lot of slow, technical riding, ride in heavy mud, or tow loads, check it more frequently. Always check it before a long trip.
What are the first things to check if my Commander 700 won’t start?
Follow the “F-A-S-T” rule: Fuel, Air, Spark, and Timing. First, ensure you have fresh fuel and the fuel pump is priming. Second, check that your air filter isn’t completely clogged. Third, pull a spark plug to check for a strong, blue spark. (Timing is rarely an issue unless you have major internal engine problems).
Is it normal for the Commander 700 to make a clunking noise when shifting?
A mild “clunk” when shifting between Park, Reverse, Neutral, and High/Low is fairly common in UTVs due to the way the drivetrain engages. However, a loud, harsh clank could indicate an issue with the clutch, a worn U-joint, or an idle speed that is set too high.
Tackling can am commander 700 problems is part of owning a machine that works and plays hard. By arming yourself with knowledge, a few basic tools, and a proactive mindset, you can handle most of what your Commander throws at you. Listen to your machine, stick to a maintenance schedule, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.
Now get out there, stay safe, and have fun on the trails!
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