There’s nothing quite like seeing a young rider’s face light up on their Can-Am DS 90. It’s a fantastic little machine for introducing the next generation to the joys of off-roading. But that trail-riding excitement can quickly turn to garage-bound frustration when it refuses to start, bogs down, or just won’t run right.
We’ve been there. You’ve checked the gas, kicked the tires, and now you’re scratching your head. Agreeing that this is a common headache is the first step. We promise to help you solve it. We’re here to walk you through the most frequent can am ds 90 problems, turning that wrench time into more ride time.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from simple no-start fixes and carburetor cleaning to tracking down electrical gremlins and performing the essential maintenance that keeps this little beast running strong. Let’s get those wheels turning again.
The Big Three: Common Can Am DS 90 Problems That Stop the Fun
When you’re dealing with a small engine like the one in the DS 90, problems usually fall into a few key categories. Before you start throwing parts at it, understanding these core areas will save you time and money. This is the first step in our can am ds 90 problems guide.
The most common problems with can am ds 90 problems almost always trace back to one of three systems:
- Fuel System Issues: The carburetor is tiny and its passages (jets) are even tinier. Modern ethanol-blended fuel can wreak havoc, leaving behind deposits that clog these jets and starve the engine of fuel. This often leads to no-start conditions or severe bogging under throttle.
- Starting & Electrical Faults: From a dead battery to a faulty safety tether, the electrical system has several simple points of failure that can prevent the engine from ever turning over or creating a spark.
- Lack of Basic Maintenance: A dirty air filter, a fouled spark plug, or old gas can mimic more serious issues. Often, the solution is found in the simple upkeep that was overlooked.
We’ll break down how to diagnose and fix issues in each of these areas, starting with the most common culprit: a machine that just won’t start.
Troubleshooting Starting Issues: Spark, Fuel, and Air
An engine needs three things to run: a spark to ignite the fuel, a proper fuel/air mixture, and compression. Since compression issues are rare on these engines unless they’ve been severely abused, we’ll focus on the first two. Always start with the simplest checks first.
Checking for Spark: The Easiest First Step
Before you dive into the fuel system, let’s see if you’re even getting a spark. This test takes two minutes and can save you a huge headache.
- Safety First: Make sure the ATV is in neutral and on level ground.
- Access the Plug: Pull the black spark plug wire (the “boot”) off the top of the engine. Use a spark plug socket and ratchet to carefully remove the spark plug.
- Test for Spark: Re-connect the spark plug to the boot. Hold the metal base of the spark plug against a metal part of the engine frame. (Pro Tip: Use insulated pliers to hold it to avoid a shock). Have a helper crank the engine.
- Look for the Spark: You should see a consistent, bright blue spark jump across the gap at the tip of the plug. If you see a weak orange spark or no spark at all, you have an ignition problem. A new NGK CR7HSA spark plug is a cheap first step.
Fuel System Woes: From the Tank to the Carb
If you have a good spark, the next likely culprit is fuel delivery. Let’s make sure gas is actually getting to the engine.
First, check the basics. Is there fresh fuel in the tank? Old gas loses its combustibility and can cause all sorts of issues. If the fuel is more than a few months old, drain it and start with fresh 87 octane.
Next, check the petcock (the fuel valve under the tank). Ensure it’s turned to the “ON” or “RES” position. Sometimes these can get clogged. You can test for flow by disconnecting the fuel line from the carburetor, placing it in a clear jar, and turning the petcock on. You should see a steady stream of fuel.
Don’t Forget Air: A Clogged Filter Can Choke Your Engine
The final piece of the puzzle is air. The air filter on the DS 90 is located in a black box, usually on the left side of the machine. Open it up and inspect the foam filter.
If it’s caked in dirt, oily, or falling apart, it’s choking your engine. You can clean the foam filter with soap and water, let it dry completely, and then re-oil it with proper foam filter oil. If it’s damaged, replace it. A clean air filter is one of the easiest ways to ensure reliable performance.
Solving Carburetor Conundrums: The Heart of Your Fuel System
If you have spark and you’ve confirmed fuel is flowing to the carburetor, but the ATV still won’t start or bogs down heavily, the carb is your prime suspect. This is often the answer to how to can am ds 90 problems can be solved permanently.
Why Ethanol Fuel is Your Carb’s Worst Enemy
Pump gas contains ethanol, which attracts water. When an ATV sits for a while, this water and ethanol mixture separates and settles in the bottom of the carburetor float bowl. It creates a gummy varnish that clogs the microscopic passages inside the pilot jet and main jet.
The pilot jet controls the fuel mixture at idle and low speeds. If it’s clogged, the ATV will be extremely hard to start and won’t idle. The main jet controls fuel at higher speeds. A clog here will cause it to bog down and die when you give it throttle.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean the DS 90 Carburetor Jets
Cleaning a carburetor sounds intimidating, but it’s manageable with patience. You’ll need basic hand tools, a can of carb cleaner, and some small-gauge wire or a jet cleaning tool.
- Remove the Carb: Turn off the fuel. Loosen the clamps holding the carb to the engine and airbox. Disconnect the throttle cable and fuel line. Remove the carburetor from the ATV.
- Open the Float Bowl: On a workbench, flip the carb over and remove the screws holding the bottom metal bowl (the float bowl) on. Be careful, as it may still contain some fuel.
- Identify and Remove Jets: You will see two brass jets screwed into the center. The smaller one is the pilot jet, and the larger, central one is the main jet. Carefully unscrew them with a flathead screwdriver.
- Clean Thoroughly: Hold the jets up to a light. You should be able to see a perfect circle through the hole. If not, it’s clogged. Spray carb cleaner through them and use a single bristle from a wire brush or a proper jet tool to gently clear the obstruction. Do not force anything and enlarge the hole.
- Reassemble: Once the jets are clear, spray out all other passages in the carb body, re-install the jets, and put the float bowl back on. Re-install the carb on the ATV and test it out.
Electrical Gremlins: Your Can Am DS 90 Problems Guide to Wiring
If you have no spark, the issue lies in the electrical system. These problems can seem complex, but they often come down to a few simple components. This part of our can am ds 90 problems guide will help you track them down.
The Battery: More Than Just a Box
Start with the battery. Is it charged? A voltage below 12.4V is a sign of a weak battery that may not have enough power to create a strong spark. Check the terminals for corrosion and ensure they are clean and tight.
The Tether Cord and Kill Switch: Simple but Critical Safety Checks
These are the most overlooked electrical issues. The DS 90 has a tether cord on the rear grab bar that must have its cap in place to complete the ignition circuit. If that cap is missing or the tether is damaged, you will get no spark.
Similarly, check the handlebar-mounted kill switch. These can fail or get stuck. Try flicking it back and forth several times to ensure it’s making a good connection in the “RUN” position.
Testing the Stator and CDI Box (And When to Call a Pro)
If the battery, plug, tether, and kill switch are all good, you might be looking at a failed CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) box or stator. The stator generates the power for the ignition, and the CDI tells the spark plug when to fire.
Testing these components requires a multimeter and a factory service manual to check for the correct resistance (ohm) values. If you’re not comfortable with electrical diagnostics, this is the point where taking it to a qualified technician is your best bet.
Preventative Maintenance: The Best Practices to Avoid Future Headaches
The best way to fix problems is to prevent them from happening. Following a few can am ds 90 problems best practices will dramatically increase reliability and your kid’s ride time. This is the ultimate can am ds 90 problems care guide.
A Regular Maintenance Checklist
- Before Every Ride: Check tire pressure, check oil level, and inspect the chain for proper tension.
- After Every Few Rides: Clean and re-oil the air filter. This is especially important in dusty conditions.
- Seasonally: Change the engine oil and clean the spark plug. Consider using a fuel stabilizer in the gas tank if the ATV will sit for more than a month. This is key to preventing carb issues.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Fluid Changes
Part of responsible ownership is handling fluids correctly. When you change the oil, use a drain pan to catch every drop. Most auto parts stores will accept used motor oil for recycling free of charge. This is a simple but effective eco-friendly can am ds 90 problems tip that protects the environment.
Proper maintenance is also inherently a sustainable can am ds 90 problems practice. A well-cared-for machine lasts longer, requires fewer replacement parts, and stays out of the landfill.
The Benefits of Proactive Care vs. Reactive Repairs
The benefits of can am ds 90 problems are, of course, non-existent. However, the benefits of solving and preventing them are huge. You gain confidence as a DIY mechanic, save hundreds on shop labor, and most importantly, you ensure the machine is safe and reliable for your young rider. A weekend of maintenance can prevent a weekend of disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am DS 90 Problems
Why does my Can-Am DS 90 bog down when I give it gas?
This is a classic symptom of a clogged main jet in the carburetor. The engine idles fine off the pilot jet, but when you open the throttle, the clogged main jet can’t deliver enough fuel, causing it to bog down and die. A thorough carburetor cleaning will almost always solve this.
How do I adjust the throttle limiter on a DS 90?
The throttle limiter is a screw located on the throttle housing on the right handlebar. Turning the screw inwards (clockwise) will limit how far the throttle lever can be pushed, reducing the ATV’s maximum speed. Turning it outwards (counter-clockwise) will increase the available speed. It’s a great feature for matching the machine’s performance to your child’s skill level.
Is the Can-Am DS 90 a 2-stroke or 4-stroke?
The Can-Am DS 90 is a 4-stroke engine. This means you do not need to mix oil with the gasoline. It has a separate oil reservoir for the engine, just like a car, which you check with a dipstick.
What kind of oil does a Can-Am DS 90 take?
The DS 90 uses a 10W-40 4-stroke motorcycle oil that is rated for wet clutch use (look for the JASO MA or MA2 rating on the bottle). Do not use regular car oil, as the friction modifiers can cause the clutch to slip.
Final Lap: Keeping Your Young Rider on the Trail
Working on your kid’s ATV can be a rewarding experience. While the can am ds 90 problems can seem daunting at first, they are almost always solvable with basic tools and a bit of patience. By focusing on the fundamentals of spark, fuel, and air, you can diagnose nearly any running issue you encounter.
Remember to prioritize preventative maintenance—it’s the secret to a machine that starts every time. Now, get those tools out, get that engine running, and get your young rider back on the trail where they belong. Stay safe and have fun!
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