Can Am Defender Power Steering Not Working

You’re out on the trail, navigating a tricky rock garden, and suddenly your steering wheel feels like it’s set in concrete. Wrestling with a Can-Am Defender that’s lost its power steering is a workout you never signed up for, turning a fun ride into a frustrating, arm-burning ordeal. We’ve all been there, and that sudden loss of control can be jarring.

I agree, it’s one of the most annoying issues to face, especially when you’re far from the garage. But don’t load it on the trailer just yet.

I promise that in most cases, this is a problem you can diagnose and even fix yourself with some basic tools and a little know-how. This article is your comprehensive can am defender power steering not working guide, designed to walk you through the entire troubleshooting process, from the simplest checks to the more advanced diagnostics.

We’ll preview the common culprits like fuses and wiring, dive into a step-by-step diagnostic plan, and help you pinpoint exactly why your can am defender power steering not working so you can get back to effortless navigating on the trail.

Why Your Defender’s DPS is More Than Just a Luxury

First, let’s understand what we’re dealing with. Can-Am calls its system Dynamic Power Steering, or DPS. It’s not like the hydraulic systems in older cars; it’s a sophisticated electronic unit that makes steering incredibly easy at low speeds and firms up for stability as you go faster.

The benefits of a working DPS system are huge, especially for off-roaders.

Reduced Steering Effort: Maneuvering through tight woods, muddy ruts, or rocky sections becomes almost effortless.
Less Driver Fatigue: Fighting the wheel all day is exhausting. DPS lets you ride longer and stay more alert.
Minimized Kickback: When a front tire hits a rock or stump, the DPS unit absorbs much of the jarring force that would otherwise rip the wheel from your hands.

When it fails, you’ll know it. The most common symptom is obviously heavy, difficult steering. You might also see a “DPS” warning light on your dashboard or experience intermittent power assist that comes and goes. This is your machine telling you something needs attention.

First Things First: Simple Checks Before You Panic

Before you start tearing things apart, let’s cover the basics. More often than not, the solution is surprisingly simple. These initial checks can save you a ton of time and frustration. Think of this as the start of your can am defender power steering not working care guide.

Check the Obvious: The DPS Fuse

The DPS is an electric motor, and it’s protected by a fuse. This is the #1 culprit when power steering suddenly quits entirely.

Grab your owner’s manual and locate the fuse box (it’s typically under the hood or dash). Identify the fuse labeled for the DPS system. Pull it out and inspect the small metal filament inside. If it’s broken, you’ve found your problem. Replace it with a new fuse of the exact same amperage. Using a higher-rated fuse is a serious fire hazard.

Inspect the Battery and Charging System

Your Defender’s DPS unit is power-hungry. If it doesn’t get consistent, clean voltage, it will shut down to protect itself. A weak battery or a failing charging system is a very common cause of power steering issues.

Pop the hood and look at your battery terminals. Are they clean and tight? Any fluffly blue or white corrosion needs to be cleaned off with a wire brush. A poor connection here can starve the whole system of power. Grab a multimeter and check the battery voltage. A healthy, fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts with the engine off. With the engine running, you should see over 13.5 volts, which indicates your stator/alternator is charging properly.

Look for Dashboard Warning Lights and Error Codes

Your Defender is smart. It often tells you what’s wrong via the instrument cluster. Look for a steering wheel icon or a “DPS” or “CHECK DPS” message. Some models will even display a specific fault code. Write down any codes you see, as they can be a massive help in diagnosing the problem later.

Common Problems with Can Am Defender Power Steering Not Working

If the simple checks didn’t solve it, it’s time to dig a little deeper. These are the next most frequent offenders we see at the shop. This section will give you some key can am defender power steering not working tips for finding the root cause.

Faulty Wiring and Connections

Your Defender lives a hard life. All that bouncing, mud, and water can take a toll on its wiring harness. The main electrical connector going into the DPS unit (located on the steering column) is a prime spot for trouble.

Unplug this main connector and inspect it carefully. Look for any signs of corrosion (green or white powder), moisture, or bent/broken pins. The harness itself can also get rubbed raw against the frame, causing a short. Trace the wires as best you can, looking for any obvious damage.

The Speed Sensor (VSS) Connection

Remember how we said the DPS is “Dynamic”? It adjusts assist based on your speed. It gets this information from the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). If the DPS unit loses the signal from the VSS, it often goes into a fail-safe mode and shuts off.

While a failed VSS is one possibility, it’s more common for its wiring to become damaged or the connector to get filled with mud. Locate the VSS on the transmission and check its plug and wiring just like you did for the DPS unit.

The DPS Motor Itself

This is the one we hope it isn’t, but it happens. The electric motor inside the DPS unit can fail. Symptoms often include the steering working intermittently, especially failing after the machine gets hot. You might also hear a humming or buzzing sound from the unit without any actual steering assist.

How to Troubleshoot Your Can Am Defender Power Steering Not Working: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This step-by-step process will help you systematically figure out how to can am defender power steering not working gets fixed. Follow these steps in order.

Safety First! Park your Defender on level ground, put it in park, and set the parking brake. It’s always a good idea to disconnect the negative battery terminal before unplugging major electrical components.
Complete the Basic Checks. Don’t skip this! Seriously, check the DPS fuse and test your battery voltage first. This solves the problem 50% of the time.
Perform a “Wiggle Test”. This is a classic mechanic’s trick. With the key turned on (engine off), have a friend watch the dashboard light while you gently wiggle the main wiring harness and connector going to the DPS unit. If the power steering kicks on and off or the warning light flickers, you’ve found a bad connection.
Test for Power at the Source. This is a more advanced step but is the definitive way to test the wiring. Using a multimeter set to DC Volts, carefully probe the main connector for the DPS unit (while it’s unplugged). You need a wiring diagram for your specific model year to know which pins are power and ground. You should see full battery voltage at the power pin with the key on. If you don’t, the problem is in the wiring leading to the unit, not the unit itself.
Check for Codes. If you have an OBD-II scanner that’s compatible with Can-Am, now is the time to use it. The codes will point you directly to the faulty circuit or component, taking the guesswork out of the equation.

When to Call in the Pros: Knowing Your Limits

Look, we’re all for DIY here at FatBoysOffroad, but there’s no shame in knowing when to tag in a professional. You should consider taking your Defender to a qualified technician if:

You’ve gone through all the steps above and still can’t find the issue.
The problem requires a specialized diagnostic tool like B.U.D.S. software to communicate with the DPS module.
You’ve confirmed the DPS unit itself has failed. Replacing it can be a complex job that involves removing parts of the steering column.
You’re simply not comfortable working with electrical systems. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Best Practices for Power Steering Maintenance and Longevity

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Following these can am defender power steering not working best practices will help you avoid this headache in the future.

Keep It Clean, But Be Smart

After a muddy ride, it’s tempting to blast everything with a pressure washer. Resist the urge to spray electrical connectors directly. This forces water past the seals and leads to corrosion. Instead, use lower pressure and avoid sensitive areas. For bonus points, occasionally unplug key connectors (like the one for the DPS) and apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the pins to seal out moisture.

Adopt a Sustainable Maintenance Mindset

Thinking about a sustainable can am defender power steering not working solution means focusing on longevity. This includes regular check-ups of your battery’s health and keeping the terminals clean. A strong electrical foundation prevents strain on components like the DPS motor. An eco-friendly can am defender power steering not working approach is simply one that doesn’t require constant replacement of parts due to neglect.

Use Quality Replacement Parts

If you do need to replace a part, whether it’s the DPS unit or just a section of wiring, use high-quality OEM or reputable aftermarket components. Cheap, poorly made parts often fail prematurely, costing you more time and money in the long run and creating unnecessary waste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Defender Power Steering Not Working

Can I still drive my Defender if the power steering fails?

Yes, you can. The steering will still function mechanically, but it will require a great deal of physical effort to turn the wheel, especially at low speeds or when stopped. It is not recommended to operate the vehicle for long periods or in technical terrain without power steering, as it can be unsafe and exhausting.

How much does it cost to fix Can-Am Defender power steering?

The cost varies wildly. If it’s just a blown fuse, you’re looking at a few dollars. If the entire DPS unit needs to be replaced, the part itself can cost over a thousand dollars, plus several hours of labor if you have a shop do the work.

My power steering works sometimes and not others. What’s the likely cause?

Intermittent failure is almost always caused by a poor electrical connection. Start with the “Wiggle Test” described above on the main DPS harness. It could also be a sign of the DPS motor overheating and shutting down, which points to the unit beginning to fail internally.

Does water damage cause power steering failure?

Absolutely. Water is the mortal enemy of electrical systems. If water gets into the DPS motor or its connectors, it will cause corrosion and short circuits, leading to failure. This is why proper cleaning techniques and using dielectric grease are so important.

Is there a power steering fluid to check on a Can-Am Defender?

No. This is a common point of confusion. The Can-Am Defender uses an Electric Power Steering (EPS/DPS) system. There is no fluid, no pump, and no belts to check. The entire system is electronic.

Tackling a power steering issue can seem daunting, but by following a logical process, you can confidently diagnose the problem. Start with the easy stuff—fuses and battery—before moving on to wiring and component checks. Remember to prioritize safety and don’t hesitate to call a professional if you get out of your depth.

Now you have the knowledge and a solid plan to figure out why your can am defender power steering not working. Get those tools out, stay safe, and we’ll see you back on the trail!

Author
Recent Posts

Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.