How to Change the Oil on a Can-Am Maverick X3?

For many Can-Am Maverick X3 models, a typical engine oil and filter change uses around 3.7 US quarts (3.5 L) of oil, but the exact Can-Am X3 oil capacity can vary by model year and engine configuration. Always confirm the specification in the Operator’s Guide for your exact X3 and verify the final level with the dipstick rather than relying on capacity alone. Changing the oil is a manageable DIY maintenance job: warm the engine, drain the old oil, replace the filter and seals, refill with the recommended oil, then check the level and inspect for leaks.

Can-Am X3 Oil Capacity at a Glance

The original procedure was based on a Maverick X3 application using approximately 3.7 quarts with a filter change. Because specifications can change between years and configurations, your model-specific Operator’s Guide should take priority.

Tools & Materials Needed

Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools and materials on hand.

Oil:

• XPS 10W-50 Synthetic Oil, or the oil specified for your exact Maverick X3
• XPS 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil if you are also servicing the transmission

Tools:

• Funnel
• Drain pan
• Ratchet and socket set
• Form-a-Funnel or similar flexible drain aid
• Clean shop towels or absorbent mat
• New oil filter element
• New O-rings and sealing washers as required
• Torque wrench

Optional:

• Work gloves
• Flashlight
• Hose for easier refilling

You may also want absorbent material nearby in case of spills.

The most important preparation step is confirming the correct oil type, filter, seals, capacity, and torque specifications for your exact Maverick X3 year and trim before starting.

Preparing the Vehicle

Before changing the oil, park your Maverick X3 on level ground and make sure you have enough room to work safely.

Parking and Safety

Park the vehicle on a flat surface, shift into PARK, and engage the parking brake.

Engine oil generally drains more effectively when the engine has been warmed first. Allow the engine to idle briefly as directed by the service procedure, then shut it off and allow the oil and surrounding components to cool enough to work safely.

Do not work around extremely hot engine oil or exhaust components.

Positioning Tools

Gather your drain pan, oil filter, sockets, funnel, replacement seals, and fresh oil before beginning.

Keeping everything close by makes the oil change cleaner and prevents you from leaving the vehicle partially disassembled while searching for a tool.

Location Check

Before draining the oil, inspect the underside and engine area for:

• Existing oil leaks
• Loose fasteners
• Damaged hoses
• Cracked components
• Unusual fluid residue

If you find an active leak or damaged component, address it rather than assuming an oil change alone will solve the issue.

Draining the Old Oil & Replacing the Oil Filter

Once the vehicle is prepared, you can drain the old engine oil and replace the oil filter.

Accessing the Engine Oil Drain

Locate the oil fill cap and dipstick near the engine.

Remove the dipstick or fill cap according to the service procedure to help the oil drain properly.

Position a drain pan beneath the engine drain points before removing any plugs.

Draining the Oil from the Drain Bolts

Locate the engine oil drain plugs specified for your Maverick X3.

The original version of this guide suggested cutting a small opening in the skid plate with an air saw to improve access. For routine maintenance, it is safer to use the vehicle’s intended service-access points or remove the required skid plate section according to the service procedure rather than modifying the skid plate unless you specifically understand the consequences.

Remove the required drain plugs and allow the oil to drain completely.

Inspect magnetic plugs for unusual metal debris and clean them before reinstalling.

Replace sealing washers, gasket rings, or O-rings where specified. Do not reuse single-use seals if the service documentation calls for replacement.

Reinstall and torque the drain plugs according to the specifications for your exact model.

Replacing the Oil Filter

The oil filter housing is located on the passenger side of the engine area.

Clean around the housing before opening it so dirt does not enter the lubrication system.

Remove the filter cover and old filter, then inspect and clean the housing.

Install:

• A new oil filter
• New O-rings or seals as specified
• A light coating of clean engine oil on the new O-ring where required

Reinstall the filter cover and tighten its fasteners to the torque specification listed for your exact Maverick X3.

Avoid simply tightening bolts “a little more” if you see a leak later. Incorrect torque can damage threads, covers, seals, or housings.

Refilling with Fresh Oil

Once the drain plugs and new oil filter are installed, you can refill the engine.

A short hose connected to a funnel can make reaching the X3 oil-fill location easier and reduce spills.

Slowly add the recommended oil.

For the X3 application on which the original guide was based, approximately 3.7 quarts was used with an oil-filter change. Treat this as a reference—not a universal fill specification for every Maverick X3.

Do not simply pour in the entire stated capacity and assume the level is correct.

After filling:

1. Install the dipstick/fill cap.
2. Start the engine as directed by the service procedure.
3. Allow oil to circulate.
4. Shut the engine off.
5. Check for leaks.
6. Verify the oil level according to the dipstick-checking procedure for your model.
7. Add oil gradually if needed.

Do not overfill the engine.

Transmission Oil

If you are servicing the transmission at the same time, locate the transmission drain and fill plugs.

Place a drain pan underneath, remove the drain plug, and allow the fluid to drain.

Inspect the magnetic drain plug for unusual metal debris, clean it, and replace the sealing washer if required.

The original X3 application used approximately 1.75 quarts of XPS 75W-140 synthetic gear oil, but transmission capacity and lubricant requirements should also be verified for your exact year and model.

Reinstall the drain and fill plugs using the proper torque specifications.

Final Checks & Cleanup

After refilling, start the engine and let it run as directed by the service procedure.

Inspect the areas around:

• Drain plugs
• Oil filter housing
• Fill cap
• Transmission plugs, if serviced

Look carefully for leaks.

Turn the engine off and recheck the engine oil level according to the manufacturer’s specified procedure.

Wipe away spilled oil and dispose of used oil, filters, and contaminated materials at an approved recycling or collection facility.

Conclusion

Knowing the correct Can-Am X3 oil capacity is important, but the number alone does not guarantee a proper oil change. For the Maverick X3 application discussed in this guide, approximately 3.7 quarts of engine oil with a filter change is a useful reference, but the safest approach is always to confirm the specification for your exact year and trim and finish by checking the dipstick.

A good X3 oil change comes down to five basics: use the correct oil, replace the filter and required seals, allow the old oil to drain properly, torque fasteners correctly, and verify the final oil level before riding.

While you're already working on routine maintenance, it is also a good opportunity to inspect wheel bearings, CV boots, drive belts, air filters, and other wear items. StarknightMT offers model-specific Maverick X3 maintenance tools and accessories for riders who prefer to handle more of their UTV maintenance at home.

FAQs

Q1: What Is the Can-Am X3 Oil Capacity?

A1: Around 3.7 US quarts (3.5 L) with an oil-filter change is a commonly referenced capacity for the Maverick X3 application covered in this guide. However, capacity can vary by year and configuration, so always confirm the specification in the Operator’s Guide for your exact X3.

Q2: What Oil Does a Can-Am Maverick X3 Take?

A2: The original application covered in this article uses XPS 10W-50 synthetic engine oil. Oil requirements can vary by year and operating conditions, so check the lubricant specification for your exact Maverick X3 before purchasing oil.

Q3: How Often Should You Change the Oil on a Can-Am X3?

A3: Follow the maintenance schedule in the Operator’s Guide for your specific year and model. Severe use—including frequent mud, dust, high loads, or extreme operating conditions—may require more frequent inspection or maintenance than normal recreational use.

Q4: Should You Change the Oil Filter Every Time You Change X3 Oil?

A4: When the maintenance procedure specifies an engine oil and filter change, replace the oil filter at the same time. Also replace required O-rings, gasket rings, and sealing washers rather than automatically reusing old seals.

Q5: How Do You Check the Oil Level on a Can-Am X3?

A5: Park the vehicle on level ground and follow the model-specific dipstick procedure after the engine has been run as specified. Do not determine the final oil level solely from how many quarts you poured in.

Q6: Can You Put Too Much Oil in a Can-Am Maverick X3?

A6: Yes. Overfilling can cause lubrication-system problems and should be avoided. Add oil gradually and use the dipstick and the manufacturer’s checking procedure to confirm the final level.

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