There’s nothing that kills the mood of a twilight trail ride or a late-day work session faster than flipping a switch and getting… nothing. You hit the headlight switch on your Can-Am Commander, but the trail ahead remains stubbornly dark. It’s a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation.
We’ve been there, and we get it. But don’t start dialing your dealer just yet. When you find your can am commander headlights not working, the fix is often simpler than you think, and you can likely handle it yourself with a few basic tools and a little guidance.
At FatBoysOffroad, we believe in empowering owners like you. This guide is our promise to walk you through the entire diagnostic process, from the 2-minute checks to the more detailed electrical troubleshooting. We’ll preview how to check your fuses and relays, test your bulbs, inspect your wiring, and safely pinpoint the root of the problem. Let’s shed some light on this issue and get you back out there.
Before You Grab the Tools: The Simple Stuff First
Before you dive into the toolbox, let’s eliminate the simple oversights. You’d be surprised how often the “problem” is just a missed step in the startup sequence. This is the foundation of any good diagnostic process—start easy.
Step 1: The “Is It Plugged In?” Check
This might sound silly, but it catches everyone at some point. Make sure your key is turned to the “ON” position. On most Commander models, the headlights will only operate when the engine is actually running to conserve battery power.
So, fire up your machine. If the lights come on, you’re golden! If not, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: High Beams vs. Low Beams
Flick your headlight switch between the low beam and high beam settings. Do either of them work? If one works and the other doesn’t, you’ve already narrowed down the problem significantly.
If only the high beams work, it often points to burnt-out low beam filaments in the bulbs or a specific issue in the low-beam side of the switch or wiring. If neither works, it’s likely a problem that affects the entire circuit, like a fuse or relay.
Step 3: The Wiggle Test
This is a classic old-school mechanic trick. With the machine running and the headlight switch on, gently wiggle the wiring harness and connectors leading to the back of each headlight. Also, give the fuse box and the headlight switch itself a little jiggle.
If the lights flicker or pop on, you’ve found your culprit: a loose connection. This is one of the most common problems with Can Am Commander headlights not working, especially after a rough ride.
Digging In: Common Problems with Can Am Commander Headlights Not Working
Okay, the simple checks didn’t solve it. It’s time to get our hands a little dirty. These next steps cover the most frequent failure points in your Commander’s lighting system. For this, you’ll likely need a fuse puller (or needle-nose pliers) and your owner’s manual.
The Fuse Box: Your First Line of Defense
The fuse is designed to be the weakest link in an electrical circuit. It blows to protect more expensive components from power surges. It’s the first place you should look for a complete power failure.
- Locate the Fuse Box: On most Can-Am Commanders, the fuse box is located under the hood, near the battery, or under the dash. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location.
- Identify the Headlight Fuse: The inside of the fuse box cover usually has a diagram. Look for the fuse labeled “Lights,” “Headlights,” or with a headlight symbol.
- Inspect the Fuse: Pull the fuse out. Hold it up to the light and look at the small metal strip inside. If that strip is broken or looks burnt, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
- Replace with the Correct Amperage: Crucially, you must replace the blown fuse with a new one of the exact same amperage rating. Using a higher-rated fuse can cause a fire.
The Headlight Relay: The Circuit’s Traffic Cop
A relay is an electrically operated switch. It uses a small amount of power from your headlight switch to close a bigger, more powerful circuit that actually turns on the lights. If the relay fails, the lights won’t get the power they need.
A great diagnostic tip is to find another relay in the fuse box with the same part number (often for the horn or accessories) and swap them. If your headlights now work (and the horn doesn’t), you’ve found the bad relay. Simply buy a new one and pop it in.
Burnt-Out Bulbs: The Obvious Suspect
It’s rare for both headlight bulbs to burn out at the exact same time, but it’s not impossible, especially if they were installed together. If one light is out, the bulb is the most likely suspect.
Accessing the bulbs usually involves reaching behind the headlight housing, twisting the bulb socket, and pulling it out. Check the filament inside the glass bulb. If it’s broken, the bulb is dead. Replace it, and consider replacing them in pairs to ensure even brightness and longevity.
The Next Level: A Wiring and Switch Diagnostics Guide
If the fuses, relays, and bulbs are all good, the problem lies deeper in the wiring or the switch itself. This requires a bit more patience and preferably a tool called a multimeter. This is where we separate the weekend warriors from the pros. This can am commander headlights not working guide will give you the confidence to proceed.
Inspecting the Headlight Harness and Connectors
Your Commander’s wiring takes a beating from mud, water, and vibration. Unplug the main connector at the back of the headlight. Look inside both ends for any signs of corrosion (green or white crust), dirt, or melted plastic.
Clean any dirty connectors with an electrical contact cleaner and a small brush. If you see corrosion, you may need to clean it carefully or replace the connector. Also, trace the wiring back from the headlight as far as you can, looking for any spots where it might be pinched, frayed, or rubbed raw against the frame.
Testing the Headlight Switch
The switch on your dash can also fail internally. To test it, you’ll need to remove the dash panel to access the back of the switch. Using a multimeter set to the continuity or “beep” setting, you can test if the switch is making a connection when you flip it on.
This is a more advanced step. If you’re not comfortable with this level of disassembly, it might be time to consult a professional. A faulty switch is a less common but definite possibility.
Upgrades and Prevention: Best Practices for Headlight Reliability
Once you’ve fixed the issue, you’ll want to prevent it from happening again. Adopting a few can am commander headlights not working best practices can save you a lot of headaches down the road. This is more than a fix; it’s about building a more reliable machine.
The Benefits of Upgrading to LED Headlights
One of the best upgrades you can make is swapping your stock halogen bulbs for a quality LED kit. The benefits of can am commander headlights not working less often are clear:
- Durability: LEDs have no fragile filament, making them far more resistant to the shocks and vibrations of off-roading.
- Longevity: LEDs can last 25 times longer than halogen bulbs. This approach is a more sustainable can am commander headlights not working solution, as you’ll be creating less waste over time.
- Performance: They produce a much brighter, whiter light, dramatically improving your nighttime visibility and safety.
Protecting Your Wiring: A Simple Care Guide
Take preventative measures. When you have connectors apart, apply a small amount of dielectric grease. This non-conductive grease seals out moisture and prevents corrosion, the number one enemy of electrical connections on an off-road vehicle.
Consider wrapping vulnerable sections of your wiring harness in split-loom tubing for an extra layer of protection against abrasion. This is a cheap and effective way to practice good wiring care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Commander Headlights Not Working
Why do only my high beams or low beams work?
This almost always points to the bulb itself. Most Commander bulbs have two separate filaments inside—one for low beams and one for high. It’s very common for one filament to burn out while the other continues to work perfectly. Replace the bulb.
My headlights are flickering. What does that mean?
Flickering is a classic symptom of a poor connection. Start with the “wiggle test” described earlier. Check the main ground wire for the headlights to make sure it’s clean and tight against the frame. A weak ground is a very common cause of flickering and dim lights.
Can a bad battery cause my headlights not to work?
Yes, but it’s unlikely to be the only symptom. If your battery is too weak to power the headlights, it’s probably also too weak to start the engine. If your machine starts and runs fine but the lights don’t work, the battery is likely not the issue.
What are the absolute essential tools for this job?
For the basics, you should have a set of replacement fuses (an assorted kit is great to have), a pair of needle-nose pliers or a fuse puller, and a basic socket or screwdriver set to access the bulbs. To go deeper, a multimeter is your best friend for any electrical work.
Don’t let a dark trail stop your adventure. Troubleshooting your Commander’s headlights is a fantastic way to learn more about your machine and build confidence in your own DIY skills. By following these steps, you can systematically diagnose the problem and implement a lasting solution. Grab your tools, be patient, and light up the night.
Stay safe out there, and happy riding!
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