The Can-Am DS 70 is a fantastic little ATV for getting the next generation of riders hooked on the trail. It’s tough, reliable, and the perfect size for youngsters. But when it sputters, stalls, or flat-out refuses to start, that fun-filled day can turn into a real garage-bound headache.
We’ve all been there. You’ve got an excited kid ready to ride, and the machine just won’t cooperate. The good news is, you’ve come to the right place. We promise to walk you through the most common can am ds 70 problems, giving you the confidence and know-how to get that quad running smoothly again, saving you a trip to the dealer.
In this comprehensive can am ds 70 problems guide, we’ll cover everything from simple starting issues and carburetor woes to electrical gremlins and the routine maintenance that prevents trouble in the first place. Let’s get those hands dirty and solve this.
The “Won’t Start” Conundrum: Diagnosing Common Starting Issues
A non-starting engine can feel daunting, but it almost always comes down to three things: spark, fuel, or air. We’ll tackle this systematically, so you can pinpoint the culprit without just throwing parts at it. This is how to approach can am ds 70 problems like a pro.
Is it Getting Spark? (The Ignition System Check)
The ignition system creates the spark that ignites the fuel. No spark, no go. It’s one of the easiest things to check first.
- Check the Kill Switch and Tether: This is the number one oversight. Ensure the handlebar kill switch is in the “RUN” position and that the rear safety tether cord cap is firmly in place. If that tether is missing or loose, you’ll get no spark.
- Perform a Spark Test: Carefully unscrew the spark plug from the cylinder head using a spark plug socket. Plug it back into the spark plug boot. Rest the metal threads of the plug against a metal part of the engine block. Crucially, keep your hands clear. Have a helper crank the engine and look for a consistent, blue spark jumping the gap.
- Analyze the Results: If you see a strong blue spark, your ignition system is likely fine. If the spark is weak, orange, or non-existent, you could have a bad spark plug, a faulty ignition coil, or a CDI box issue. Start by replacing the NGK CR7HSA spark plug—it’s cheap and a common failure point.
Is it Getting Fuel? (The Fuel System Check)
If you’ve confirmed you have spark, the next stop is the fuel system. Modern gasoline, especially with ethanol, can wreak havoc on small carburetors if the ATV sits for too long.
First, the obvious: is there fresh fuel in the tank, and is the petcock (fuel valve) turned to “ON” or “RES”? Don’t just trust the gauge; look inside the tank. Old, gummy fuel is a primary cause of can am ds 70 problems.
Next, check for flow. Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor inlet and place the end in a clear jar. Turn the petcock to “ON.” You should see a steady stream of fuel. If it just trickles or nothing comes out, you could have a clogged petcock or a blocked fuel filter.
What About Air? (Checking the Air Filter)
The engine needs to breathe. A filthy, clogged air filter can choke the engine, preventing it from starting or causing it to run extremely rich (you’ll smell gas and see black smoke).
Access the airbox, remove the foam air filter, and inspect it. If it’s caked in dirt, oily, or falling apart, it needs to be cleaned or replaced. A clean filter is one of the easiest and most beneficial maintenance tasks you can perform.
Sputtering & Stalling: Taming the Carburetor
If your DS 70 starts but runs poorly—sputtering, bogging down under throttle, or only running with the choke on—the carburetor is almost certainly your problem. The tiny jets inside get clogged with varnish from old fuel.
The Telltale Signs of a Dirty Carb
- Engine will only run with the choke engaged.
- Hesitation or bogging when you give it gas.
- ATV stalls when it comes to an idle.
- Black smoke from the exhaust (running too rich).
- Requires excessive cranking to start.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your DS 70 Carburetor
Cleaning a carb sounds intimidating, but it’s a straightforward job. The key is to be methodical and clean.
- Removal: Turn off the fuel. Loosen the clamps holding the carburetor to the engine intake and the airbox boot. Disconnect the throttle cable and fuel line. Carefully remove the carb from the ATV.
- Disassembly: Work on a clean bench with a rag. Remove the four screws on the bottom float bowl. Be gentle, as there’s a gasket you’ll want to reuse if it’s in good shape.
- Jet Cleaning: Inside, you’ll see the brass jets (a main jet and a pilot jet). Carefully unscrew them with a flathead screwdriver. Do not use a metal pick to clean them, as you can damage the precise opening. Use a can of carburetor cleaner with a straw to spray through the jets until you can see clear daylight through the hole. Also, spray out all the other passages in the carb body.
- Reassembly: Put everything back together in the reverse order you took it apart. The benefits of solving these can am ds 70 problems yourself are immense, both in cost savings and satisfaction.
Unraveling Electrical Gremlins
Beyond a simple no-spark condition, electrical issues can be frustrating. But on the DS 70, the system is relatively simple. Always start with the basics before assuming a major component has failed.
Testing the Battery and Charging System
A weak or dead battery is a common issue. Use a multimeter set to DC volts. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6V. If it’s below 12.2V, it needs a charge. While the engine is running, the voltage should jump to 13.5V-14.5V. If it doesn’t, your ATV’s stator or voltage regulator might not be charging the battery properly.
Inspecting the Safety Tethers and Kill Switches
We mentioned these for a no-start, but they can also cause intermittent issues. A faulty kill switch or a loose tether connection can cause the engine to cut out randomly while riding. Wiggle the wires leading to these components to see if you can replicate the problem. A dab of dielectric grease on the connections can help ensure a solid, water-resistant contact.
Common Problems with Can Am DS 70 ATVs: Beyond the Engine
Keeping the machine safe and reliable involves more than just the engine. These common problem areas are crucial checks in your maintenance routine. Addressing these is a key part of our can am ds 70 problems tips.
Brake System Checks and Adjustments
The DS 70 uses drum brakes. Over time, the cables can stretch, leading to a mushy feel at the lever and reduced stopping power. Use the barrel adjusters on the brake levers and the adjustment nuts down at the brake drums to remove slack from the cables until the brakes engage firmly.
Chain and Sprocket Maintenance
A loose, dry, or rusty chain is not only unsafe but also robs power. Check the chain tension—it should have about 1 inch of slack midway between the sprockets. Clean the chain with a chain-safe cleaner and a soft brush, then lubricate it with a quality chain lube. While you’re there, inspect the sprocket teeth for any “shark-finning” or hooking, which indicates they are worn and need replacement.
A Proactive Can Am DS 70 Problems Care Guide: Prevention is Key
The best way to fix problems is to prevent them from happening. Following a few can am ds 70 problems best practices will dramatically increase your ride time and reduce your wrench time.
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes
The small engine in the DS 70 works hard. Clean oil is its lifeblood. Change the engine oil and clean the oil screen regularly per the owner’s manual schedule. Use a quality 10W-40 oil specifically designed for wet clutches in powersports applications.
Fuel Stabilizer: Your Carburetor’s Best Friend
If the ATV is going to sit for more than a few weeks, treat the fuel with a stabilizer. This prevents the gasoline from breaking down and gumming up that tiny pilot jet in the carburetor. This single step can prevent 90% of fuel-related starting issues.
For a more sustainable can am ds 70 problems solution, consider using non-ethanol recreational fuel if it’s available near you. It’s more stable and better for small engines. Also, when cleaning parts, using a biodegradable degreaser is an easy, eco-friendly can am ds 70 problems practice to adopt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am DS 70 Problems
What kind of fuel should I use in a Can-Am DS 70?
The DS 70 is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. If possible, use ethanol-free gasoline to prevent fuel system issues, especially during storage.
How often should I clean the air filter on my DS 70?
You should inspect the air filter before every ride. Clean and re-oil it whenever it appears dirty. In very dusty conditions, you may need to clean it after every single ride. A clean filter is cheap insurance for engine health.
Why does my DS 70 only run with the choke on?
This is the classic symptom of a clogged pilot jet in the carburetor. The choke circuit is providing the extra fuel the engine isn’t getting from the clogged idle circuit. The carburetor needs to be removed and thoroughly cleaned, paying special attention to the small pilot jet.
Can I use car oil in my Can-Am DS 70?
No. You should never use standard automotive engine oil. The DS 70 has a wet clutch, meaning the engine and transmission share the same oil. Car oils contain friction modifiers that will cause the clutch to slip and fail. Always use a motorcycle or ATV-specific 4-stroke oil with a JASO MA or MA2 rating.
Tackling these can am ds 70 problems yourself is incredibly rewarding. By following this guide, you can diagnose the issue, perform the repair, and teach the young rider in your life a valuable lesson about mechanics and maintenance. Now get those tools out, get that little quad running like new, and get back on the trail where you belong.
Ride safe and have fun!
- 2006 Honda Accord Serpentine Belt Diagram – Your Ultimate DIY - December 18, 2025
- 2008 Honda Accord 3.5 Serpentine Belt Diagram – Your Ultimate DIY - December 18, 2025
- 2005 Honda Accord Fuse Box Location – Your Complete Guide To - December 18, 2025