Can Am Ds 90 Air Filter Location – A Complete DIY Guide For Peak

There’s nothing better than watching your young rider rip around on their Can-Am DS 90. But there’s also nothing more frustrating than when that little quad starts to bog down, sputter, or refuse to start, especially after a great day on the dusty trails.

You’ve checked the fuel, you’ve checked the spark, but the engine still seems to be gasping for air. Sound familiar? I promise you, you’re not alone, and the fix is often simpler and cheaper than you think.

In this complete guide from FatBoysOffroad, we’re going to solve that problem for good. We’ll show you the exact can am ds 90 air filter location, walk you through a bulletproof step-by-step process for cleaning and replacing it, and share some pro tips that will protect that little engine and keep it running at peak performance for years to come.

Why Your DS 90’s Air Filter is the Engine’s Unsung Hero

Think of your ATV’s air filter as its lungs. For an engine to create power, it needs a precise mix of fuel and clean air. The air filter’s one and only job is to stop dust, dirt, sand, and water from getting sucked into the engine’s sensitive internal parts.

Off-roading, by its very nature, is a dusty business. A clean air filter is the single most important line of defense for your engine’s health.

The Benefits of a Clean Air Filter

Keeping this simple part clean isn’t just about preventing catastrophic failure. The benefits of a clean can am ds 90 air filter are immediate and noticeable.

Restored Power and Throttle Response: A clogged filter suffocates the engine, making it feel sluggish. A clean filter lets it breathe freely, restoring that snappy performance.
Improved Fuel Efficiency: When an engine can breathe easily, it doesn’t have to work as hard, which means it uses fuel more efficiently.
Longer Engine Life: This is the big one. Dirt is the #1 enemy of an engine. Even microscopic particles of sand act like sandpaper on pistons, rings, and cylinder walls, causing premature wear and costly damage.
Easier Starting: A proper air-fuel mixture is critical for starting. A clogged filter can throw this mixture off, leading to hard starts or a complete no-start situation.

Common Problems from a Dirty Air Filter

Ignoring the air filter can lead to a host of issues. If you’re experiencing any of these, the air filter should be the first thing you check.

Engine bogs down under acceleration.
Noticeable loss of power.
Black smoke from the exhaust (a sign of a rich fuel mixture).
Difficulty starting the engine.
The engine idles roughly or stalls.

Pinpointing the Can-Am DS 90 Air Filter Location: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. The good news is that Can-Am made this job incredibly easy. Finding the can am ds 90 air filter location doesn’t require tearing the whole machine apart. This is a perfect 10-minute maintenance task for any DIYer.

Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need to roll out the big toolbox for this one. Gather these simple items:

A Phillips or flathead screwdriver (depending on your model year).
A clean, lint-free rag.
Safety glasses (always a good idea).
A pair of nitrile or latex gloves (optional, but filter oil is sticky).

Step 1: Remove the Seat

The air filter lives inside a protective housing called the airbox. On the Can-Am DS 90, this airbox is conveniently located directly under the seat.

To remove the seat, move to the rear of the ATV. You should find a latch or lever right below the back edge of the seat. Pull this latch and lift the rear of the seat up and back. It should come right off. Set it aside in a clean spot.

Step 2: Identify and Open the Airbox

With the seat removed, you’ll see a black plastic box. That’s your target—the airbox. This is the official can am ds 90 air filter location.

The lid of the airbox is typically held on by several metal spring clips or a few screws. If you have clips, simply pop them open with your fingers or a flathead screwdriver. If you have screws, use your Phillips screwdriver to remove them. Pro Tip: Place the screws in a magnetic tray or a cup so you don’t lose them!

Once the clips are undone or the screws are out, you can lift the airbox lid off. Inside, you’ll see the foam air filter element. You’ve found it!

How to Service Your DS 90 Air Filter: A Complete Care Guide

Now that you’ve accessed the filter, you need to decide what to do with it. Do you clean it or replace it? This section will serve as your complete can am ds 90 air filter location care guide.

Inspection: Time for a Clean or a New Filter?

Gently pull the foam filter out of the airbox. Take a moment to inspect the inside of the airbox itself. Wipe out any dust or debris with your clean rag before it has a chance to fall into the engine’s intake boot.

Now, look closely at the filter. Here’s what to check for:

Heavy Contamination: Is it caked in mud or completely saturated with dark, gritty dirt?
Physical Damage: Look for any rips, tears, or spots where the foam seams are coming apart.
Deterioration: Is the foam brittle, stiff, or crumbling when you squeeze it?

The Rule of Thumb: If the filter has any tears or is starting to fall apart, do not reuse it. A new filter is cheap insurance against a thousand-dollar engine rebuild. If it’s just dirty but otherwise in good shape, it’s time for a cleaning.

The Right Way to Clean a Foam Air Filter

Cleaning a foam filter is easy, but there’s a right way and a wrong way. The wrong way can damage the filter, rendering it useless. Never use gasoline or harsh chemical solvents! They will dissolve the foam and its glue seams.

Remove Loose Dirt: Gently tap the filter against the palm of your hand to knock off any large, loose pieces of dirt and debris.
Wash the Filter: Submerge the filter in a bucket of warm, soapy water or, even better, a dedicated foam air filter cleaner. Gently squeeze the filter while it’s submerged to work the cleaner through the foam. You’ll see the dirt and old oil release into the water.
Rinse Thoroughly: Once the filter looks clean, rinse it under clean, cool water until the water runs clear and all the soap is gone.
Dry Completely: Gently squeeze the excess water out. Important: Do not twist or wring the filter like a dishrag! This can tear the foam. After squeezing, blot it with a clean towel and set it aside to air dry completely. This can take several hours, so plan ahead.
Oil the Filter: This is the most critical step. A dry foam filter will stop bugs and leaves, but it won’t stop the fine dust that kills engines. You must re-oil it with a dedicated foam air filter oil. Pour a small amount of oil onto the filter and work it in with your hands (this is where gloves come in handy), ensuring every part of the foam is evenly and lightly coated. The filter should be tacky to the touch but not dripping with oil.

Installing the New or Cleaned Filter

Installation is just the reverse of removal. Make sure the clean, oiled filter is seated correctly in the airbox. It should fit snugly against the sealing surface. Replace the airbox lid, secure the clips or screws, and reinstall the seat. That’s it!

Best Practices and Pro Tips for Air Filter Maintenance

Knowing how to can am ds 90 air filter location is one thing, but adopting pro habits takes your maintenance game to the next level. Follow these can am ds 90 air filter location best practices for maximum protection.

How Often Should You Check It?

There’s no magic number. It depends entirely on your riding conditions.

Extremely Dusty or Muddy Conditions: Check it after every single ride.
Moderately Dusty Trails: Check it every 5-10 hours of ride time.
Riding in the Grass/Yard: You can likely go 15-20 hours, but a quick check is always a good idea.

The “Grease the Rim” Pro Trick

For the ultimate seal, here’s a trick straight from the race pits. Take a small dab of waterproof grease on your finger and run a thin bead around the rim of the air filter where it presses against the airbox. This creates a sticky, impenetrable barrier that ensures no fine dust can sneak around the edges of the filter.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Air Filter Care

Being an off-roader means respecting the trails we ride on. You can apply that same mindset to your maintenance routine. Pursuing a sustainable can am ds 90 air filter location service plan is easier than you think.

By choosing to clean and reuse your high-quality foam filter, you’re already reducing waste compared to disposable paper filters. To take it a step further, opt for a biodegradable foam filter cleaner. These cleaners are tough on dirt and oil but easier on the environment.

When you dispose of old cleaning solutions or used filters, do so responsibly according to your local regulations. This is a key part of being an eco-friendly can am ds 90 air filter location DIYer.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am DS 90 Air Filter Location

What are the symptoms of a clogged air filter on a DS 90?

The most common signs are a loss of power, the engine bogging down when you give it throttle, difficulty starting, and sometimes black smoke from the exhaust. It will feel like the quad is struggling to breathe.

Can I use a K&N or other aftermarket air filter?

You can, but for the dusty and wet conditions of off-roading, a properly oiled foam filter is often considered superior for particle filtration. Gauze filters like K&N flow more air but may not trap the finest dust particles as effectively unless meticulously maintained with the correct oil.

I lost a screw for the airbox lid. What should I do?

Do not run the machine with an unsealed airbox! This is a direct path for dirt to enter your engine. Take one of the remaining screws to your local hardware or powersports store to find a matching replacement. It’s critical that the lid is sealed tightly.

Why is my filter wet with gasoline?

If you pull your air filter and it’s soaked in raw fuel, this is a sign of another problem, likely a stuck float or a needle-and-seat issue in the carburetor. This causes the carb to overflow into the airbox. The air filter itself isn’t the problem, but it’s a symptom you should not ignore. This requires investigating the carburetor.

Keep That Little Ripper Breathing Easy

You’ve done it. You now know the can am ds 90 air filter location like the back of your hand, and more importantly, you know how to service it correctly to protect your investment and ensure maximum fun on the trails.

This simple, 10-minute check is one of the most effective pieces of preventative maintenance you can perform. It saves you money, prevents headaches, and keeps your young rider’s machine running the way it was meant to.

So get in the garage, pop that seat off, and give that filter a look. Your DS 90’s engine will thank you for it. Now, get back out there and ride safe!

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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.