Can-Am DEFENDER MAX Series 2021 Manual

WARNING
OPERATOR’S
GUIDE
219 002 120 Original Instructions
2021
Includes
Safety, Vehicle and
Maintenance Information
Read this guide thoroughly. It contains important safety information.
Minimum age: Operator: 16 or older with a valid driver's license. Keep this Operator’s Guide in the vehicle.
The removal or modification of evaporative emission-related parts on this OHRV is illegal.
Violators may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties under California and federal law.
DEFENDERTM MAXTM Series
(excluding European Union)
TRAXTER®MAXTM Series

WARNING
YOUR VEHICLE CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. A collision or rollover
can occur quickly, if you fail to take proper precautions, even during routine
maneuvers such as turning and driving on hills or over obstacles.
For your safety, understand and follow all the warnings contained in this
Operator's Guide and on the labels on your vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH!
Keep this Operator's Guide with the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
Disregarding any of the safety precautions and instructions contained in
this Operator's Guide,
SAFETY VIDEO and on-product safety labels could
result in severe injury including the possibility of death!
WARNING
This vehicle may exceed the performance of other vehicles you may have
ridden in the past. Take time to familiarize yourself with your new vehicle.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
WARNING: Operating, servicing and maintaining
a passenger vehicle can expose you to chemicals including
engine exhaust, carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead,
which are known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize
exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine
except as necessary, service your vehicle in a well-ventilated
area and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently
when servicing your vehicle. For more information go to
www.p65warnings.ca.gov/products/passenger-vehicle.
In Canada, products are distributed by Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
(BRP).
In USA, products are distributed by BRP US Inc.
The following trademarks are the property of Bombardier Recreational Prod-
ucts Inc.:
Can-Am®DPS™ TTI™
DESS™ Rotax®XPS™
This document contains the trademark of the following company:
–†Visco-Lok is a trademark of GKN Viscodrive GmbH.
219002120 en COJT
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
©2020 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. All rights reserved.

FOREWORD
Deutsch
Dieses Handbuch ist möglicherweise in Ihrer Landessprache
verfügbar. Bitte wenden Sie sich an Ihren Händler oder besuchen Sie:
www.operatorsguides.brp.com
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go to: www.operatorsguides.brp.com
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distribuidor o visite: www.operatorsguides.brp.com
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о его наличии у дилера или на странице по адресу
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Congratulations on your purchase of
a new Can-Am®side-by-side vehicle.
It's backed by the BRP limited warranty
and a network of authorized Can-Am
Off-Road dealers ready to provide the
parts, accessories or service you may
require.
At delivery, you were informed of the
warranty coverage and signed the
PREDELIVERY CHECK LIST to ensure
your new vehicle was prepared to your
entire satisfaction.
Your dealer is committed to your satis-
faction. If you need more information,
please ask your dealer.
_______________ 1

FOREWORD
Know Before you Go
To learn how to reduce the risk of ac-
cident for you or bystanders, read this
Operator's Guide before you operate
the vehicle.
Also, read all safety labels on your
vehicle and watch the
SAFETY VIDEO
located at:
https://can-am.brp.com/off
road/safety
or use the following QR code.
Failure to follow the warnings con-
tained in this Operator's Guide can
result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH.
Safety Messages
The types of safety messages, what
they look like and how they are used in
this guide are explained as follows:
The safety alert symbol indicates a
potential injury hazard.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard which,
if not avoided, could result in seri-
ous injury or death.
CAUTION Indicates a haz-
ardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE Indicates an instruction
which, if not followed, could result
in severely damaged vehicle com-
ponents or other property.
About this Operator's
Guide
This Operator's Guide has been pre-
pared to acquaint the owner/operator
of a new vehicle with the various ve-
hicle controls, maintenance and safe
operating instructions. It is indispens-
able for the proper use of the product.
Keep this Operator's Guide in the vehi-
cle as you can refer to it for things such
as maintenance, troubleshooting and
instructing others.
Note that this guide is available in sev-
eral languages. In the event of any dis-
crepancy, the English version shall pre-
vail.
Ifyouwanttoviewand/orprintanextra
copy of your Operator's Guide, simply
visit the following website:
www.operatorsguides.brp.com
The information contained in this doc-
ument is correct at the time of publi-
cation. BRP, however, maintains a pol-
icy of continuous improvement of its
products without imposing upon itself
any obligation to install them on prod-
ucts previously manufactured. Due
to late changes, some differences be-
tween the manufactured product and
the descriptions and/or specifications
in this guide may occur. BRP reserves
the right at any time to discontinue or
change specifications, designs, fea-
tures, models or equipment without
incurring any obligation upon itself.
This Operator's Guide should remain
with the vehicle when it is sold.
2_______________

FOREWORD
Covered Models
This operator's guide covers the
following models:
MODEL PACKAGE ENGINE
Base HD8
DPS HD8, HD10
Limited HD10
Lone Star HD10
Defender
MAX
XT HD8, HD10
Traxt e r
MAX DPS HD8
_______________ 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD .......................................................................... 1
Know BeforeyouGo............................................................. 2
SafetyMessages................................................................. 2
About this Operator's Guide .................................................... 2
Covered Models. ................................................................. 3
SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERALPRECAUTIONS......................................................... 10
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ............................................ 10
Avoid Gasoline Fires andOther Hazards ...................................... 10
AvoidBurns from HotParts .................................................... 10
AccessoriesandModifications ................................................ 10
SAFE OPERATION -RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................ 11
Owner - Be Responsible........................................................ 11
Operator - Be Qualified and Responsible. ..................................... 11
RidingCarefully.................................................................. 12
OccupantRestraintSystem.................................................... 12
Terrain Condition ................................................................ 12
PRE-RIDEINSPECTION ............................................................ 14
Pre-Ride InspectionCheckList ................................................ 14
PREPARETORIDE .................................................................. 17
Beforeyou Ride ................................................................. 17
RidingGear ...................................................................... 17
AVOIDACCIDENTS ................................................................ 19
Avoid Rollovers and Tipovers................................................... 19
AvoidCollisions.................................................................. 20
RIDINGYOURVEHICLE............................................................ 21
PracticeExercises .............................................................. 21
Off-Road Operation............................................................. 22
General Riding Techniques ..................................................... 22
MOVINGLOADSANDDOINGWORK........................................... 27
WorkingwithyourVehicle...................................................... 27
CarryingLoads .................................................................. 27
HaulingaLoad................................................................... 29
PullingaTrailer................................................................... 30
IMPORTANT ON-PRODUCT LABELS (CANADA/UNITED STATES)......... 31
HangTag......................................................................... 31
Safety Labels .................................................................... 34
TechnicalInformationLabels................................................... 46
ComplianceLabels.............................................................. 47
IMPORTANT ON-PRODUCT LABELS (ALL COUNTRIES EXCEPT
CANADA/UNITED STATES)....................................................... 48
HangTag......................................................................... 48
Safety Labels .................................................................... 50
4_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT ON-PRODUCT LABELS (ALL COUNTRIES EXCEPT
CANADA/UNITED STATES) (cont’d)
TechnicalInformationLabels................................................... 64
ComplianceLabels.............................................................. 65
REPORTINGSAFETYDEFECTS .................................................. 66
VEHICLE INFORMATION
PRIMARYCONTROLS ............................................................. 68
1)SteeringWheel............................................................... 68
2)AcceleratorPedal............................................................. 69
3)BrakePedal ................................................................... 69
4)ShiftLever .................................................................... 69
SECONDARYCONTROLS......................................................... 71
1)IgnitionSwitch andKeys..................................................... 72
2) 2WD/4WD Switch............................................................ 73
3) Rear Differential Switch (If Equipped) . . .................................... 74
4)Keypad(IfEquipped) ......................................................... 74
5)ClimateControls.............................................................. 74
6) Horn Switch (On applicable models)........................................ 74
7) Winch Switch (If Equipped).................................................. 75
8)HeadlightDimmerSwitch ................................................... 75
9) Power Window Switches.................................................... 75
4.5"DIGITALDISPLAY ............................................................. 76
Multifunction Display ........................................................... 76
WarningLampsandIndicators................................................. 77
Settings.......................................................................... 78
7.6"DIGITALDISPLAY ............................................................. 80
Basic Functions . ................................................................ 80
Settings.......................................................................... 83
EQUIPMENT......................................................................... 85
1)TiltSteering ................................................................... 87
2)CupHolders................................................................... 88
3) Passengers Handhold........................................................ 88
4)StorageCompartments...................................................... 89
5)ToolKit......................................................................... 91
6)Footrests...................................................................... 91
7)SideNets...................................................................... 91
8)Shoulder Guards.............................................................. 92
9)SeatBelts ..................................................................... 92
10)Driver'sSeat................................................................. 93
11) PassengerSeats ............................................................ 93
12)FuelReservoirCap.......................................................... 93
13) Winch (If Equipped) . ........................................................ 94
14)CargoBox.................................................................... 94
15)CargoBoxTiltReleaseHandles............................................ 94
_______________ 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
EQUIPMENT (cont’d)
16)AnchoringHooks............................................................ 95
17)Tailgate....................................................................... 95
18)TrailerHitch.................................................................. 95
19) 12-Volt Power Outlets ...................................................... 95
20) USB Power Outlet (If Equipped) ........................................... 96
21) Roof (If Equipped)........................................................... 96
22) Rock Sliders (If Equipped) .................................................. 96
23) Front Bumper (If Equipped) ................................................ 96
24) Brake Holding Mechanism (If equipped) . . ................................ 96
25) Side Mirrors (On applicable models) ...................................... 97
26) Full Doors With Electric Windows (Limited Models)..................... 97
27) Full Glass Windshield with Wiper (If equipped)........................... 98
28) Climate Control System (Limited Models) ................................ 99
29)RearDeflector(IfEquipped).............................................. 101
TUNE YOURRIDE ................................................................ 103
SuspensionAdjustmentGuidelines......................................... 103
SuspensionFactorySettings................................................. 103
SuspensionAdjustments..................................................... 103
DPSFunction.................................................................. 104
FUEL................................................................................ 105
Fuel Requirements. . .......................................................... 105
VehicleFueling Procedure.................................................... 105
Fueling a Gasoline Container................................................. 106
BREAK-INPERIOD................................................................ 107
OperationDuringBreak-In.................................................... 107
BASIC PROCEDURES ............................................................ 108
StartingtheEngine............................................................ 108
OperatingtheShift Lever..................................................... 108
Choosing the Correct Range (Low or High) ................................. 108
Stopping theEngineandParkingthe Vehicle ............................... 109
Tips for Maximizing DriveBelt Durability.................................... 109
SPECIAL PROCEDURES ......................................................... 110
Whattodo ifWaterisSuspected tobeintheCVT ......................... 110
Whattodo ifBattery isDrainedout.......................................... 110
Whattodo ifVehicle Rolled Over............................................ 110
Whattodo ifVehicle isSubmerged.......................................... 110
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE ................................................ 111
Usingvehicle powertoclimbontotraileringequipment................... 111
Using a winch to pull vehicle onto trailering equipment.................... 112
Securingvehiclefortransport................................................ 112
Gettingvehicle outof trailer.................................................. 113
LIFTING AND SUPPORTING THE VEHICLE................................... 114
FrontofVehicle................................................................ 114
RearofVehicle................................................................. 114
6_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE.................................................... 116
SEVEREDUSTY CONDITIONS .............................................. 116
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULELEGEND ..................................... 117
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ................................................ 117
MAINTENANCEPROCEDURES ................................................ 120
Engine AirFilter ............................................................... 120
CVT AirFilter................................................................... 121
Evaporative Emission System Pre-Filter (If Equipped) ..................... 122
Engine Oil...................................................................... 122
OilFilter ........................................................................ 124
Radiator........................................................................ 125
Engine Coolant ................................................................ 126
Heating/AirConditioningAirFilter(ifequipped) ............................ 128
MufflerandSparkArrester ................................................... 130
Gearbox Oil .................................................................... 131
DifferentialOil................................................................. 133
SparkPlugs .................................................................... 134
CVT Cover ..................................................................... 135
CVT CoverInstallation ........................................................ 136
DriveBelt ...................................................................... 136
DriveandDriven Pulleys...................................................... 137
Battery ......................................................................... 137
Fusesand FusibleLinks ...................................................... 138
Lights........................................................................... 140
DriveShaftBellowsand Protector........................................... 141
Wheel Bearing................................................................. 142
Wheels and Tires .............................................................. 142
Suspensions................................................................... 143
Brakes.......................................................................... 145
Seat Belts...................................................................... 145
Cage............................................................................ 145
VEHICLE CARE.................................................................... 147
Post-OperationCare .......................................................... 147
VehicleCleaningand Protection ............................................. 147
STORAGE AND PRESEASON PREPARATION................................ 148
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION ...................................................... 150
Vehicle Identification Number................................................ 150
Engine IdentificationNumber................................................ 150
ComplianceLabel ............................................................. 151
EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM.............................. 152
_______________ 7

TABLE OF CONTENTS
NOISE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM REGULATION ...................... 153
EC-DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ......................................... 154
EAC DECLARATION OFCONFORMITY........................................ 155
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 156
TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTINGGUIDELINES ........................................... 168
MESSAGESIN MULTIFUNCTIONGAUGE ................................... 172
WARRANTY
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY USA AND CANADA: 2021 CAN-AM®SSV. ... 174
US EPA EMISSION-RELATED WARRANTY................................... 178
CALIFORNIA EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROL WARRANTY
STATEMENT....................................................................... 180
BRP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY: 2021 CAN-AM®SSV ...... 182
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA, THE
COMMONWEALTH OF THE INDEPENDENT STATES AND TURKEY: 2021
CAN-AM®SSV .................................................................... 186
MAINTENANCERECORDS ..................................................... 191
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
PRIVACY INFORMATION........................................................ 196
CONTACTUS...................................................................... 197
CHANGEOFADDRESS/OWNERSHIP......................................... 198
8_______________