Can Am Commander Start Button Problems

That sinking feeling when you turn the key (or, more accurately, press the button) on your Can-Am Commander and… nothing. Just silence. It’s a common issue, and while it can be frustrating, understanding the potential causes of start button problems on your Can-Am Commander can save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches. We're diving deep into the world of Commander start issues, from simple fixes to more complex diagnoses, so you can get back to conquering the trails.

Why Won't My Commander Start? Let's Investigate!

The first step in troubleshooting any issue is to understand the potential culprits. A non-starting Can-Am Commander could be due to a multitude of factors, ranging from a dead battery to a faulty starter relay. Let’s break down the most common reasons:

Dead or Weak Battery: This is the most frequent offender. Batteries degrade over time, especially with heavy use and extreme temperatures. A weak battery might not have enough juice to crank the engine, even if the lights and display turn on.
Loose or Corroded Battery Connections: Even a fully charged battery won't work if the connections are loose or corroded. Corrosion acts as an insulator, preventing the flow of electricity.
Faulty Starter Relay: The starter relay acts as a switch, sending power from the battery to the starter motor. If the relay fails, the starter won't engage.
Bad Starter Motor: The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over. If it's worn out or damaged, it won't be able to do its job.
Wiring Issues: Damaged or frayed wires can interrupt the flow of electricity, preventing the starter from engaging.
Faulty Start Button: Ironically, the start button itself can be the problem. Dirt, moisture, or wear and tear can cause it to malfunction.
Neutral Safety Switch Problems: Most UTVs have a neutral safety switch that prevents the engine from starting unless the transmission is in neutral or park. If this switch is faulty, it can prevent the engine from starting, even if everything else is working correctly.
Fuel System Issues: While less directly related to the start button, a lack of fuel can certainly prevent the engine from firing up after it cranks. We'll touch on this briefly.
Security System Problems: Some Can-Am Commanders have factory or aftermarket security systems that can prevent the engine from starting if they are malfunctioning.

The Quick Checks: Easy Things to Try First

Before you start tearing into your Commander, try these simple checks:

Check the Battery Connections: Make sure the battery terminals are clean and securely connected. Use a wire brush to remove any corrosion.
Ensure the Transmission is in Neutral or Park: Try shifting between neutral and park a few times to ensure the neutral safety switch is engaged.
Check the Fuses: Locate the fuse box (usually under the seat or in the glove compartment) and check the fuses related to the starter and ignition system. Replace any blown fuses with the correct amperage.
Listen for a Click: When you press the start button, listen for a click coming from the starter relay (usually located near the battery). A click indicates the relay is working, but the starter motor might be the problem. No click suggests a problem with the relay or the wiring leading to it.
Battery Voltage Test: Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. If it's significantly lower, the battery is likely the issue. Also, check the voltage while pressing the start button. A significant voltage drop indicates a weak battery that can't handle the load.

Diving Deeper: Diagnosing the Trickier Problems

If the quick checks don't solve the problem, it's time to get a little more technical.

Testing the Starter Relay:

Location, Location, Location: Find the starter relay. Consult your owner's manual for its exact location.
The Jumper Test: With the key off, carefully remove the starter relay. Use a jumper wire to connect the two large terminals in the relay socket. Be careful! This bypasses the relay and sends direct power to the starter. If the engine cranks, the starter motor and its wiring are likely good, and the relay is the problem.
Relay Swap: If you have another identical relay (for example, a horn relay), you can try swapping them. If the problem goes away, you've confirmed the relay is faulty.
Multimeter Test: You can also test the relay with a multimeter. Check for continuity between the terminals when the relay is activated (you'll need to apply voltage to the control terminals).

Inspecting the Starter Motor:

Visual Inspection: Check the starter motor for any obvious damage, such as broken wires or a cracked housing.
Direct Power Test: Carefully remove the starter motor (disconnect the battery first!). Connect a jumper cable directly from the battery's positive terminal to the starter motor's positive terminal. Ground the starter motor's housing to the battery's negative terminal. If the starter motor spins, it's working. If it doesn't, it's likely faulty. Important Safety Note: This test can produce sparks and heat. Wear eye protection and gloves.
Professional Testing: If you're not comfortable performing these tests, take the starter motor to an auto electric shop for professional testing.

Tracing Wiring Issues:

Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect the wiring harness for any damaged, frayed, or corroded wires. Pay close attention to the wires leading to the starter relay and starter motor.
Continuity Testing: Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the wires. Disconnect the battery before performing this test. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting (usually indicated by a beep symbol). Touch one probe to one end of the wire and the other probe to the other end. If the multimeter beeps, the wire is good. If it doesn't, the wire is broken and needs to be replaced.
Wiring Diagrams: Consult your Can-Am Commander's wiring diagram to help you trace the wires and identify any potential problem areas.

Start Button Inspection and Cleaning:

Disassembly: Carefully disassemble the start button assembly. Take pictures as you go, so you know how to put it back together.
Cleaning: Clean the contacts with electrical contact cleaner. Use a small brush to remove any dirt or corrosion.
Testing: Use a multimeter to test the start button for continuity. With the button pressed, the multimeter should show continuity between the terminals. If it doesn't, the button is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Neutral Safety Switch Diagnosis:

Location: Find the neutral safety switch. It's typically located on the transmission.
Testing: Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. With the transmission in neutral or park, the multimeter should show continuity between the terminals. With the transmission in gear, the multimeter should not show continuity. If the switch doesn't behave as expected, it's faulty and needs to be replaced.
Bypass (For Testing Purposes Only): As a temporary diagnostic measure only, you can try bypassing the neutral safety switch. Never operate the vehicle with the neutral safety switch bypassed, except for testing purposes, as it can be a safety hazard. Locate the wires leading to the neutral safety switch and connect them together. If the engine starts, the neutral safety switch is the problem.

Fuel System Considerations:

While less directly related to the start button, a fuel issue can prevent the engine from firing after cranking. Ensure you have fuel in the tank, the fuel pump is working (listen for it when you turn the key), and the fuel filter isn't clogged.

Security System Intervention:

If your Commander has a security system, consult the system's manual for troubleshooting steps. The system might have a kill switch or immobilizer that is preventing the engine from starting.

Preventing Future Start Button Problems

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help prevent start button problems on your Can-Am Commander:

Regular Battery Maintenance: Keep the battery clean and fully charged. Use a battery tender when the vehicle is not in use for extended periods.
Protect Electrical Connections: Apply dielectric grease to electrical connections to prevent corrosion.
Keep the Start Button Clean: Regularly clean the start button and surrounding area to prevent dirt and moisture from accumulating.
Inspect Wiring Regularly: Periodically inspect the wiring harness for any signs of damage.
Proper Storage: Store your Can-Am Commander in a dry, sheltered location to protect it from the elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My Commander clicks when I press the start button, but it won't start. What's wrong?

A: This usually indicates a weak battery or a faulty starter relay. Try jump-starting the vehicle or testing the starter relay.

Q: My Commander starts sometimes, but not others. What could be the cause?

A: This could be due to a loose battery connection, a faulty starter relay, or a worn-out starter motor. Check all connections and test the components.

Q: How do I know if my starter relay is bad?

A: You can test the starter relay by swapping it with another identical relay or by using a multimeter to check for continuity.

Q: Can I bypass the neutral safety switch?

A: Yes, for testing purposes only. Never operate the vehicle with the neutral safety switch bypassed, as it can be a safety hazard.

Q: Where is the fuse box located on my Can-Am Commander?

A: The fuse box is typically located under the seat or in the glove compartment. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location.

In Conclusion

Troubleshooting start button problems on your Can-Am Commander can seem daunting, but by systematically checking the potential causes and following the steps outlined in this article, you can often diagnose and fix the problem yourself. Remember to prioritize safety and consult a qualified mechanic if you're not comfortable performing any of the repairs. With a little patience and know-how, you'll be back on the trails in no time. Consider investing in a good multimeter and a wiring diagram for your specific model to make future troubleshooting easier.