There’s nothing more frustrating than wheeling out your kid’s ATV for a day of fun, only to be met with silence when you hit the start button. You see the hopeful look on their face fade, and your weekend plans suddenly grind to a halt. We’ve all been there. That dreaded can am ds 90 no power issue can turn a perfect trail day into a garage-bound headache.
But don’t throw in the towel and call the shop just yet. We promise that with a little patience and a systematic approach, you can diagnose and often fix this problem yourself, saving you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything, from the laughably simple oversights to the more involved checks. We’ll cover fuel, spark, air, and safety systems to get that little ripper back on the dirt where it belongs. Let’s get those hands dirty!
First Things First: The Simple Checks That Solve 50% of Problems
Before you start tearing into the carburetor or ordering parts, let’s cover the basics. More often than not, the solution to a can am ds 90 no power problem is staring you right in the face. Taking a moment to check these simple things can save you hours of work.
Is the Kill Switch or Tether Engaged?
This is, without a doubt, the number one culprit. The red kill switch on the handlebar is designed to be an emergency shut-off, and it’s easy to bump it into the “off” position. Make sure it’s set to “run” or the circle icon.
Similarly, the DS 90 has a rear tether cord kill switch. This safety feature is designed to be clipped to the rider, so if they fall off, the plug pulls out and kills the engine. Ensure this plug is fully seated in its housing. It can look like it’s in, but if it’s not making contact, you’ll get no spark and no power.
Checking the Battery and Fuses
A weak or dead battery is another common issue, especially if the ATV has been sitting for a while. If you turn the key and get nothing—no lights, no click—your battery is the first place to look. Use a multimeter to check the voltage; a healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts or higher.
If the battery is low, charge it. If it won’t hold a charge, it’s time for a replacement. While you’re there, locate the main fuse (usually in a small plastic holder near the battery). Pull it out and visually inspect the small metal strip inside. If it’s broken, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced with one of the exact same amperage.
Is the Key On and the ATV in Neutral?
It sounds silly, but it happens to the best of us. Double-check that the key is turned all the way to the “ON” position. The Can-Am DS 90 also has a neutral safety switch, meaning it won’t start if it’s in gear. Make sure the gear selector is firmly in the neutral position and the neutral indicator light (if equipped) is illuminated.
The Holy Trinity of Combustion: Troubleshooting Fuel, Spark, and Air
If the simple checks didn’t solve your can am ds 90 no power issue, it’s time to dig into the three things every engine needs to run: fuel, spark, and air. We’ll tackle them one by one. This is a core part of any effective can am ds 90 no power guide.
Fuel System Diagnosis: Is Your Engine Starving?
A lack of fuel is a frequent cause of no-start or poor-running conditions. Here’s how to check it:
- Check the Tank: First, ensure there’s actually gas in the tank. If it’s been sitting for more than a few months, the fuel could be bad. Old gasoline loses its combustibility and can clog up the fuel system. If it smells like varnish, you’ll need to drain it and add fresh fuel.
- Inspect the Petcock: The fuel petcock is the valve under the gas tank. Make sure it’s turned to the “ON” or “RES” (reserve) position, not “OFF”. These can also get clogged with debris. You can test flow by disconnecting the fuel line from the carburetor and turning the petcock on for a second (have a container ready to catch the gas).
- The Carburetor: The carburetor is the heart of the fuel system, and its tiny passages (called jets) are notoriously easy to clog with old fuel residue. If the ATV will start with starting fluid but dies immediately, you almost certainly have a clogged pilot jet in the carburetor. Cleaning a carb can be a DIY job if you’re patient, requiring a can of carb cleaner and some small brushes.
Spark System Check: Is There a Fire in the Hole?
Without a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture, your engine is just a fancy air pump. Here’s how to see if you have spark:
- Test the Spark Plug: Get a spark plug socket and remove the spark plug. Keep it connected to the plug wire, and hold the threaded part of the plug firmly against a metal part of the engine block. Have someone crank the engine. You should see a consistent, bright blue spark jump across the gap.
- Inspect the Plug: If there’s no spark or it’s weak and yellow, the plug might be bad. Check if it’s wet with fuel (flooded) or covered in black soot (fouled). A new spark plug is a cheap and easy part to replace. Make sure it’s gapped correctly using a feeler gauge.
- Check the Wire and Coil: Ensure the spark plug wire (or “boot”) is securely snapped onto the plug and the ignition coil. Look for any cracks or damage to the wire.
Air System Inspection: Can Your DS 90 Breathe?
The final piece of the puzzle is air. An engine needs a clean, steady supply of air to mix with fuel. This is one of the easiest can am ds 90 no power tips to follow.
Locate the airbox and remove the cover. Pull out the foam air filter. If it’s caked in dirt, mud, or oil, it’s suffocating your engine. A dirty air filter can absolutely cause a no-power or poor-running condition. Clean it with a proper filter cleaner and re-oil it with filter oil, or simply replace it if it’s damaged.
Digging Deeper: Advanced Issues and Safety Features
If you’ve confirmed you have good fuel, a strong spark, and a clean air filter, but still have no power, there are a few other systems to check before calling in a professional.
Compression Test: The Heartbeat of Your Engine
Compression is the engine’s ability to squeeze the fuel-air mixture before ignition. Without it, you’ll have no power. You can test this with a compression tester, which screws into the spark plug hole.
With the throttle held wide open, crank the engine over several times. While specs can vary, you generally want to see a reading above 90-100 PSI. If it’s significantly lower, it could indicate a serious internal engine problem like worn piston rings or a valve issue, which is likely a job for a mechanic.
The Rev Limiter and Safety Switches
The DS 90 is a youth ATV, so it’s packed with safety features. The throttle has an adjustable screw that can limit how far it can be pressed, effectively governing the top speed. Make sure this hasn’t been screwed all the way in, which would prevent the engine from getting enough gas to even start.
Additionally, some models have a safety switch connected to the parking brake, preventing the engine from revving if the brake is engaged. Check that the parking brake is fully disengaged.
A Proactive Approach: The Can Am DS 90 No Power Care Guide
The best way to fix a problem is to prevent it from happening. Following some can am ds 90 no power best practices will keep the machine reliable and ready for fun. The benefits of properly diagnosing your ‘can am ds 90 no power’ problem extend beyond just fixing it; you learn valuable skills and save money.
Routine Maintenance for Reliable Power
- Use Fresh Fuel: Always use fresh gasoline (87 octane is fine). If the ATV is going to sit for more than a month, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent the gas from going bad and gumming up the carb.
- Battery Tender: During the off-season, connect the battery to a smart charger or battery tender. This will maintain its charge and dramatically extend its life.
- Clean the Air Filter: After every few rides, especially in dusty conditions, inspect and clean the air filter. It’s the lungs of your engine.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Best Practices
Being a responsible off-roader is part of the fun. When performing maintenance, adopt some eco-friendly can am ds 90 no power habits. Always dispose of old oil, coolant, and gasoline at a designated recycling facility. Use a drip pan to catch spills and opt for biodegradable degreasers and cleaners when washing your machine. This is a key part of sustainable can am ds 90 no power maintenance.
When to Put Down the Wrench: Knowing Your Limits
While this guide covers many common problems, it’s important to know when to call a professional. If you’ve done all these checks and are still stumped, or if a compression test reveals a major internal issue, it’s time to seek help.
Complex electrical diagnostics (like testing a CDI box or stator) or any job requiring a full engine teardown is best left to an experienced mechanic. There’s no shame in it—the goal is to get the machine running safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am DS 90 No Power
Why does my DS 90 bog down when I give it gas?
This is a classic symptom of a fuel delivery problem. Most often, it means the main jet in your carburetor is partially clogged. It can idle okay on the small pilot jet, but when you demand more fuel by opening the throttle, the clogged main jet can’t deliver, causing the engine to bog down and die.
Can old gas really cause a no-start issue?
Absolutely. Over time, the volatile compounds in gasoline evaporate, leaving behind a thick, varnish-like substance. This residue can clog the tiny, precise passages in a carburetor, completely blocking fuel flow and preventing the ATV from starting.
How do I know if the CDI box is bad?
Diagnosing a faulty CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) box is typically a process of elimination. If you have meticulously checked the kill switches, tether, spark plug, plug wire, and ignition coil and are still getting no spark, the CDI or stator could be the culprit. Testing them requires special tools and knowledge of electrical resistance values, so this is often when it’s best to consult a service manual or a professional.
What’s the easiest thing to check first for no power?
Always, always, always check the kill switch and the rear tether pull-cord first. These two safety items are responsible for an incredible number of “no power” complaints and take only five seconds to verify.
Tackling a can am ds 90 no power issue doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following a logical, step-by-step process, you can systematically rule out potential causes and pinpoint the real problem. Start with the simple stuff, then move to the holy trinity of fuel, spark, and air. Remember that regular maintenance is your best defense against future breakdowns.
Now you have the knowledge and the roadmap. Get out to the garage, stay safe, and get that little ripper back on the trail where it belongs!
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