There’s no feeling quite like gearing up for a trail ride, hopping on your rig, turning the key on your Can-Am Outlander 850, and hearing that soul-crushing… click… click… silence. A dead battery can stop an epic adventure before it even begins, leaving you stranded in the garage instead of kicking up mud on the trail.
We’ve all been there, and at FatBoysOffroad, we believe that a little knowledge goes a long way in preventing that frustration. We promise this guide will arm you with everything you need to understand, maintain, and replace your can am outlander 850 battery with the confidence of a seasoned pro.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through choosing the right battery for your riding style, provide a safe, step-by-step replacement process, and share our best pro tips for making your battery last as long as possible. Let’s get your machine powered up and ready to ride.
Understanding Your Can-Am Outlander 850 Battery: More Than Just a Box
Before you can properly care for or replace your battery, it helps to know exactly what you’re working with. The battery in your Outlander 850 isn’t just a generic power source; it’s a specific piece of equipment designed to handle the vibrations, demands, and charging cycles of a high-performance ATV.
Key Specs to Know
When you’re shopping for a new battery, you’ll see a few key terms. Understanding them is crucial for making the right choice.
- CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): This is the big one. CCA measures the battery’s ability to start your engine in cold temperatures (0°F / -18°C). A higher CCA means more starting power, which is vital for those chilly morning starts.
- Ah (Amp Hours): This tells you about the battery’s capacity. A higher Ah rating means it can deliver a lower amount of current for a longer period. This is important if you run accessories like a winch, light bars, or heated grips.
- Type (AGM vs. Lithium): Most Outlanders come with an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery. These are sealed, spill-proof, and vibration-resistant—perfect for off-road abuse. Lithium batteries are a popular upgrade, offering less weight and a longer lifespan.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: The Great Debate
Should you stick with the BRP-branded original equipment manufacturer (OEM) battery or explore the aftermarket? There’s no single right answer, but here’s the breakdown.
An OEM battery is a guaranteed fit and meets the exact specifications your ATV was designed for. It’s the safe, easy choice.
Aftermarket batteries, however, can offer significant advantages. Brands like Yuasa, Odyssey, or Antigravity often provide higher CCA, better longevity, or advanced technology like lithium-ion at a competitive price. This is where you can truly tailor the power source to your specific needs.
Choosing the Best Can Am Outlander 850 Battery for Your Needs
The best battery for you depends on how you ride, where you ride, and your budget. This simple can am outlander 850 battery guide will help you decide.
Standard AGM Batteries: The Reliable Workhorse
For the vast majority of riders, a high-quality AGM battery is the perfect choice. It offers a fantastic blend of performance, durability, and value. They handle vibrations well, require zero maintenance (no topping off with water), and provide reliable starting power in most conditions.
Look for a reputable brand with a CCA rating equal to or, ideally, slightly higher than your stock battery. This is a solid, no-fuss solution that will keep you on the trail.
Lithium Batteries: The Lightweight Powerhouse
If you’re a performance-focused rider looking to shed weight or want the longest possible service life, a lithium battery is a killer upgrade. These can be up to 70% lighter than their lead-acid counterparts, which is a noticeable difference on a nimble machine like the Outlander.
The benefits of a can am outlander 850 battery upgrade to lithium include an incredibly low self-discharge rate (they hold a charge for months) and a much longer lifespan, often 2-3 times that of an AGM. The main downsides are a higher upfront cost and potentially reduced performance in sub-freezing temperatures.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Can Am Outlander 850 Battery Options
Being an off-roader means respecting the environments we play in. When it comes to your battery, a sustainable can am outlander 850 battery choice is twofold. First, always recycle your old lead-acid battery. Most auto parts stores will take them for free and may even give you a small credit.
Second, investing in a longer-lasting battery like a high-end AGM or a lithium unit is an eco-friendly can am outlander 850 battery choice. By replacing your battery less frequently, you reduce waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing and shipping new units.
How to Can Am Outlander 850 Battery Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide
Swapping out the battery on your Outlander 850 is a straightforward job you can absolutely tackle in your own garage. Follow these steps for a safe and successful installation. This section details how to can am outlander 850 battery replacement works.
Tools and Safety Gear You’ll Need
Get your gear together before you start. You don’t need much:
- Socket wrench set (typically 10mm)
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Wire brush or battery terminal cleaner tool
- A rag or paper towels
Step 1: Locate and Access the Battery
On most Can-Am Outlander 850 models, the battery is located under the seat. Remove the seat by pulling up on the rear latch. You’ll see the battery secured by a hold-down bracket. It’s right there in the open, making this job much easier than on many other machines.
Step 2: Disconnect the Old Battery (The Safe Way)
This is the most critical step for safety. Always, always, always disconnect the negative terminal first.
- Using your 10mm wrench, loosen the nut on the black Negative (-) terminal. You don’t need to remove the nut completely, just loosen it enough to wiggle the cable off the post. Tuck the cable aside so it can’t accidentally touch the terminal again.
- Now, loosen the nut on the red Positive (+) terminal and remove the cable.
- With both cables disconnected, remove the hold-down bracket. You can now lift the old battery straight out of the ATV.
Step 3: Clean and Prepare for the New Battery
Before you drop the new battery in, take a moment to clean the cable terminals with a wire brush. Remove any white or greenish corrosion. A clean connection is essential for good performance. This is one of the most important can am outlander 850 battery best practices.
Step 4: Install the New Battery
Installation is the reverse of removal, with one crucial difference in the connection order.
- Carefully place the new battery into the battery tray and secure it with the hold-down bracket.
- Connect the red Positive (+) cable first. Place it on the post and tighten the nut securely. You want it snug, but don’t overtighten and strip it.
- Now, connect the black Negative (-) cable to its terminal and tighten it.
- Give both cables a gentle tug to ensure they are secure and won’t vibrate loose on the trail.
Pro Tip: Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease or a dedicated battery terminal protector spray to the terminals after installation. This will help prevent future corrosion.
Common Problems with Can Am Outlander 850 Battery and How to Fix Them
Even with a new battery, you can run into issues. Here are some common problems with can am outlander 850 battery systems and what to look for.
Symptom: The Dreaded “Click” (No Start)
If you turn the key and hear a single click or a rapid clicking sound, your battery is likely too weak to turn the starter. First, check that your terminal connections are clean and tight. If they are, you’ll need to charge the battery or test its voltage with a multimeter. A healthy, fully charged battery should read around 12.6-12.8 volts.
Symptom: Weak Cranking or Dim Lights
If the engine turns over slowly or your headlights are dim, it’s a classic sign of a dying battery. It might still have enough juice to start, but its capacity is fading. This is your warning sign to start shopping for a replacement before it leaves you stranded.
Symptom: Battery Drains While Parked
If you have a good battery that constantly dies after a few days of sitting, you may have a “parasitic draw.” This means something on your ATV is drawing power even when the key is off. This can be caused by faulty wiring or an accessory that’s wired incorrectly. Tracking this down can be tricky and may require the help of a professional.
The Ultimate Can Am Outlander 850 Battery Care Guide for Longevity
Want to get the most life out of your battery? A little proactive maintenance goes a long way. This can am outlander 850 battery care guide is your key to years of reliable starts.
The Magic of a Battery Tender
The single best thing you can do for your battery’s health, especially during the off-season, is to use a smart battery charger, often called a battery tender or maintainer. Unlike a traditional charger, a tender monitors the battery’s voltage and delivers a slow, small charge only when needed. This prevents overcharging and keeps the battery in optimal condition for months at a time.
Regular Inspections
Every few rides, pop the seat off and take a quick look at your battery. Check for tight connections and look for any signs of corrosion building up on the terminals. Catching it early makes cleaning it a 2-minute job.
Can Am Outlander 850 Battery Tips for Cold Weather
Cold weather is the enemy of all batteries. If you ride in the winter, keeping your ATV in a garage (even an unheated one) is better than leaving it outside. If you know a deep freeze is coming, connecting your battery tender is the best insurance policy for a quick start.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can Am Outlander 850 Battery
What type of battery does a Can-Am Outlander 850 use?
The Can-Am Outlander 850 typically comes from the factory with a sealed AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery. The exact size and part number is usually a YTX20L-BS. Always confirm the specs in your owner’s manual or by looking at your existing battery before purchasing a replacement.
How long should my Outlander 850 battery last?
With proper care and regular use of a battery tender, a quality AGM battery should last 3 to 5 years. A lithium battery can last even longer, often 5 to 8 years or more. Factors like extreme temperatures, deep discharges, and the number of accessories you run will affect its lifespan.
Can I use a car battery charger on my ATV battery?
You should be very careful. Most car battery chargers have an amperage rate that is too high for a smaller powersports battery and can damage or destroy it. Only use a charger specifically designed for motorcycles or ATVs, and preferably one with a “smart” maintenance mode.
What are the signs my Can Am Outlander 850 battery is failing?
The most common signs are slow or weak engine cranking, headlights that dim when you try to start the engine, the battery’s inability to hold a charge for more than a few days, and a clicking sound when you turn the key. If your battery is over 3 years old and you experience any of these, it’s likely time for a replacement.
Your Outlander’s battery is the heart of its electrical system. By understanding how to choose the right one, install it safely, and perform simple maintenance, you’re not just replacing a part—you’re ensuring countless future adventures.
Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to keep your Outlander firing up on the first try, every time. Stay safe, ride hard, and get that machine dirty!
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