On a Can-Am, DPS stands for Dynamic Power Steering, the electric power steering. When it quits, you feel it right away: the steering gets heavy and a warning usually comes on. Outlander, Defender and Maverick owners then go looking for the DPS error code. Here are the codes the official BRP list ties to the power steering.
What BRP says about the DPS codes
The official BRP fault code list (DiagApi 25.13.0) has these codes related to the power steering:
| Code | DPS-related meaning per BRP |
|---|---|
| P0550 | Power steering torque sensor redundancy failure |
| P0551 | Power steering torque sensor, open line |
| P0552 | Power steering torque sensor, shorted to ground (one of several meanings) |
| P0553 | Power steering torque sensor, shorted to battery (one of several meanings) |
| P0601 | DPS calibration fault (one of several meanings) |
| P0602 | DPS flash or RAM memory internal error (one of several meanings) |
| P0605 | DPS specific calibration or serial memory corrupted or not programmed (one of several meanings) |
| P0635 | DPS torque sensor calibration |
| P0636 | DPS motor current tracking error (one of several meanings) |
| P0666 | DPS temperature high (one of several meanings) |
| P0667 | Warning: DPS low temperature operating limitation (one of several meanings) |
| P1F01 | DPS motor overcurrent (one of several meanings) |
| P1F0B | DPS field range sensor, overvoltage |
| U0131 | Loss of communication with the DPS |
| U2131 | Invalid message counter DPS |
| U220D | Invalid checksum in a DPS message |
Important: many of these codes have several meanings in the list. P0601, P0602, P0605 and P0667, for example, also apply to the ECM or other modules. The DPS meaning only applies when the code comes from the power steering. You can tell by the plain text and the module.
Common causes
- Battery and power supply: power steering draws a lot of current. A weak battery, loose terminals or poor grounds set off current, voltage and communication codes.
- DPS connectors: water, mud and corrosion. A classic after deep water crossings or a pressure wash.
- Overload: lots of steering under load at low speed heats up the unit, which fits P0666 or P1F01.
- Torque sensor or its wiring with P0550 to P0553.
- Work on the steering or a module: calibration and memory codes like P0601, P0605 or P0635 tend to appear after modifications or a part swap.
Check order
- Read every code and note the module.
- Check the status. Active codes first.
- Battery, terminals, grounds. Watch voltage in live data, including while steering at a standstill.
- DPS connectors. Unplug, clean, dry, reconnect.
- With temperature codes, let it cool down and see whether the fault returns.
- Clear, test ride, read again.
What the app does and what stays with the dealer
With M-JET DIAGNOSTIC you read the fault memory over Bluetooth on your phone. Beyond the ECM and cluster, the app reads other modules depending on the vehicle, and every code shows in plain language with its status. Live data shows you battery voltage among other values.
To be straight with you: setting the DPS torque sensor offset is one of the dealer functions in BUDS, BRP's diagnostic software. If your vehicle reports a torque sensor calibration issue, you need the dealer for that. BRP, Can-Am and BUDS are trademarks of BRP, and M-JET is independent.
If the DPS quits and the vehicle also cuts power, see Can-Am Outlander and Renegade in limp mode. If the problem comes with a speed code, read Can-Am VSS error.
When to see a shop
With DPS calibration and memory faults, with P0635, and any time the steering stays heavy even with good power. Steering is a safety item, so no experiments.
Frequently asked questions
What does DPS mean on a Can-Am?
DPS stands for Dynamic Power Steering, Can-Am's electric power steering.
Why is my DPS not working when there is no code?
Check the battery, terminals and grounds first, then read every module, not just the ECM. If nothing is stored at all, the steering belongs in a shop.
Can I clear DPS codes myself?
Yes, with the app. Clearing is not a repair though. Torque sensor calibration stays with the dealer.
