When you see fault codes flashing on your ATV or UTV display, it can be both annoying and scary. However, when you see fault codes flashing on the dash display, it signifies a problem with one or multiple components or systems in your vehicle.
Ignoring the error code will not resolve the issue. One of the most common errors that may flash on your dash display is the Can Am Defender PPS Fault. This problem can prevent your vehicle from starting or even bring it to a stop.
Want to know how you can identify the causes and resolve the PPS fault?
Keep reading!
What Is a PPS Fault?
A Pedal Position Sensor fault is a problem that tells you your Pedal Position Sensor is faulty. When the PPS is faulty, an error code will flash across your vehicle’s dash display. Besides the error code, your vehicle will fail to start and you’ll probably hear clicking sounds from the engine but it won’t start.
What you ought to know is that this problem may also occur when driving. If it does so, your ATV will lose power and shut down. This may be accompanied by some backfire. Additionally, you may not be able to start the ATV.
Experts point out that a PPS fault is a result of a low battery. How serious is the Can Am Defender PPS Fault? Well as aforementioned, the problem signifies a low battery issue that can be rectified easily.
However, on some occasions, the PPS fault points to a failure of another component which means you’ll have to identify and replace this component. The good news is, that the faulty part is inexpensive and easy to replace.
What Causes Can Am Defender PPS Fault & How to Fix Them?
Weak Battery
A dead or weak battery is one of the leading causes of PPS faults in your vehicle. As you already know, most components rely on electrical power just like PPS to provide steering assistance.
So, if the battery is dead or weak, then the battery will be unable to supply the required power. As such, this will cause no or reduced power steering assistance in your vehicle.
Solution
We recommend that you buy a multimeter. This will enable you to measure the battery’s voltage. When you take a reading, compare them with those of the manufacturer’s specifications. If the voltage readings are below the recommended level, then you can either replace or recharge the battery.
To prevent such problems in the future, we recommend:
- Regularly testing the battery’s voltage
- Keeping the battery terminals clean
- Replacing or recharging the battery when it’s weak
Damaged Battery Cables
Besides a weak or damaged battery, faulty battery cables can also cause the Can Am Defender PPS Fault. Loose connections or cracks on the battery cables can hinder the proper transmission of electrical power to components such as the PPS. As a result, this will cause reduced or no power steering.
Solution
Start by examining the battery cables for cracks, signs of wear and fraying. If discovered, buy new battery cables according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Replace the damaged battery cables and this should resolve the PPS fault.
To prevent this problem from arising in the future:
- Regularly inspect the battery cables for signs of damage
- Always replace the damaged battery cables immediately
- Tighten all battery cable connections to ensure proper electrical power transmission.
Corroded Battery Terminals
If the battery terminals or cables are corroded, the rust will create a barrier preventing the proper transmission of electrical power to the PPS system. This usually leads to a voltage drop and interruptions of electrical power flow to the PPS and components. As such, this will affect the functionality and performance of your vehicle.
Solution
We recommend inspecting the battery terminals regularly for signs of corrosion or dirt build-up. If found, prepare a mixture of baking soda and water then add the mixture in a spray bottle. Take a wire brush, spray the mixture on the terminals and scrub away. Repeat until the terminals are dirt or corrosion-free.
Read also: Can Am Defender Top Speed (All Models!)
Parasitic Drain
When you leave the lights of your vehicle on for an extended period and the engine is turned off, the lights will continue to draw power from the battery. Since the battery is not charging, it will continue to lose power. That’s called a parasitic drain or draw.
If the PPS system experiences voltage draw, this will surely result in PPS faults.
Solution
To identify a parastic drain issue, disconnect the negative battery terminal then connect an ammeter in series. If the device detects a parasitic drain, then investigate and resolve the issue to prevent a parasitic draw.
To prevent the parasitic drain issue, we recommend:
- Perfoming regular checks to identify parasitic drains in your vehicle’s electrical system
- Rectify the issues causing parasitic drain
- If planning on parking your vehicle for an extended period, disconnect the battery.
Other Causes of PPS Faults
Sensor Wiring Issues
Loose or damaged wiring connected to your vehicle’s steering sensors can disrupt the normal flow of electrical power to the ECU. As a result, there will be communication issues that will affect your PPS system. As such, it will be unable to respond accordingly to the steering inputs.
To fix the issue, we recommend that you inspect all connections and wiring to the PPS system sensors. Check for corrosion or damage. If you discover any loose connections, you can tighten, repair or replace them as required.
Software Glitches
The PPS system in your vehicle relies on the ECU to control the motor. ECU software glitches can cause PPS faults and may trigger the error code to flash on your dash display. To resolve the issue, disconnect the battery for a few minutes. This action will reset the ECU.
Now, reconnect the battery terminals and check if the issue persists.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, Can Am Defender PPS Fault and how to fix them. The good news is you can prevent the problem. All you have to do is carry out regular or periodic checks of your vehicle’s battery, battery cables and terminals. If the cables are damaged or the terminals are corroded, replace or clean them.