stop start YAMAHA VX 2009 Owners Manual

Table of contents
General and important labels ........... 1
Identification numbers .................... 1
Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number ........................................... 1
Craft Identification Number (CIN) ...... 1
Engine serial number ........................ 1
Model information ........................... 2
Builder’s plate .................................... 2
Important labels .............................. 3
Warning labels ................................... 4
Other labels ....................................... 7
Safety information ............................. 9
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft .............................. 9
Cruising limitations ....................... 10
Operation requirements ............... 11
Recommended equipment ........... 13
Hazard information ....................... 14
Watercraft characteristics ............. 14
Water-skiing ................................. 16
Safe boating rules ........................ 17
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................ 18
Features and functions ................... 19
Location of main components ...... 19
Operation of controls and other
functions .................................... 23
Seat ................................................. 23
Hood ................................................ 23
Fuel tank filler cap ........................... 24
Remote control transmitter
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 24
Engine stop switch .......................... 25
Engine shut-off switch ..................... 25
Start switch ...................................... 26
Throttle lever ................................... 26
Cooling water pilot outlet ................. 26
Steering system ............................... 27
Shift lever
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 27
Handgrip .......................................... 27Reboarding step (for VX Cruiser) .... 28
Bow eye ........................................... 28
Stern eyes ....................................... 28
Yamaha Engine Management
System (YEMS) ........................... 28
Yamaha Security System
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 29
Multifunction information center ...... 31
Storage compartments .................... 35
Operation ......................................... 38
Fuel and oil .................................. 38
Fuel ................................................. 38
Engine oil ......................................... 39
Pre-operation checks ................... 40
Pre-operation check list ................... 40
Pre-operation check points .............. 42
Operation ..................................... 48
Engine break-in ............................... 48
Launching the watercraft ................. 48
Starting the engine .......................... 48
Stopping the engine ........................ 49
Shifting
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 50
Leaving the watercraft ..................... 50
Operating your watercraft ............ 51
Getting to know your watercraft ....... 51
Learning to operate your
watercraft ..................................... 51
Riding with passengers ................... 52
Starting the watercraft ..................... 52
Boarding and starting in deep
water ............................................ 53
Capsized watercraft ......................... 56
Turning the watercraft ..................... 57
Stopping the watercraft ................... 58
Beaching the watercraft ................... 59
Docking the watercraft ..................... 59
Reverse on waterways
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 59
Operating in weeded areas ............. 60
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Safety information
14
EJU30870
Hazard information

Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area. Exhaust
fumes contain carbon monoxide, a color-
less, odorless gas that may cause loss of
consciousness and death within a short
time. Always operate the watercraft in an
open area.

Do not touch the hot oil tank, muffler, or en-
gine during or immediately after engine op-
eration; they can cause serious burns.
EJU30930
Watercraft characteristics

Jet thrust turns the watercraft. Releasing
the throttle lever completely produces only
minimum thrust. If you are traveling at
speeds above trolling, you will have rapidly
decreasing ability to steer without throttle.
This model is equipped with the Yamaha
Engine Management System (YEMS) that
includes an off-throttle steering (OTS) sys-
tem. It will activate at planing speeds should
you attempt to steer the watercraft after re-
leasing the throttle lever. The OTS system
assists in turning by continuing to supply
some thrust while the watercraft is deceler-
ating, but you can turn more sharply if you
apply throttle while turning the handlebars.
The OTS system does not function below
planing speeds or when the engine is off.
Once the engine slows down, the watercraft
will no longer turn in response to handlebar
input until you apply throttle again or you
reach trolling speed.
Practice turning in an open area without ob-
stacles until you have a good feel for this
maneuver.

This watercraft is water-jet propelled. The
jet pump is directly connected to the engine.
This means that jet thrust will produce some
movement whenever the engine is running.
There is no “neutral” position. You are in ei-
ther “forward” or “reverse”, depending upon
the shift lever position (for VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser).

For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
Do not use the reverse function to slow
down or stop the watercraft as it could
cause you to lose control, be ejected, or im-
pact the handlebars.
This could increase the risk of back/spinal
injury (paralysis), facial injuries, and broken
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Features and functions
21
Control system
1Start switch
2Engine shut-off switch
3Clip
4Multifunction information center
5Rearview mirrors
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
6Shift lever (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
7Throttle lever
8Glove compartment
9Remote control transmitter
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
10Engine stop switch
11Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
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Features and functions
26
EJU31192Start switch
Push the start switch (green button) to start
the engine.
The engine will not start under any of the fol-
lowing conditions:

Lock mode of the Yamaha Security System
has been selected (for VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser). (See page 29 for Yamaha Securi-
ty System lock and unlock mode selection
procedures.)

Clip is removed from the engine shut-off
switch.

Throttle lever is squeezed.EJU31210Throttle lever
Squeeze the throttle lever to increase engine
speed.
Release the throttle lever to decrease engine
speed or to return it to the idle position.
EJU35971Cooling water pilot outlet
This watercraft is equipped with a cooling wa-
ter pilot outlet.
When the engine is running, cooling water is
circulated in the engine, and then it is dis-
charged from the pilot outlet.
To check for proper operation of the cooling
system, check that water is being discharged
from the pilot outlet. If water is not being dis-
charged from the outlet, cooling water may
not be circulating in the engine. When this oc-
curs, stop the engine and check for the cause.
(See pages 33 and 78 for more information.)
TIP:

If the cooling water passages are dry, it will
take about 60 seconds for the water to
reach the outlet after the engine is started.

Water discharge may not be constant at
idle, therefore, open the throttle a little to
check that water discharges properly.
1Start switch
1Throttle lever
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Features and functions
29
EJU36761Yamaha Security System (for VX
Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
The Yamaha Security System functions to
help prevent unauthorized use or theft of the
watercraft. The engine cannot be started if the
security system is in the lock mode. The en-
gine can only be started in the unlock mode.
The lock and unlock modes of the security
system are selected using the remote control
transmitter that is included with this water-
craft.
TIP:
Since the watercraft is programmed to recog-
nize the internal code from this transmitter
only, the security system setting can only be
changed with this transmitter. If you lose the
remote control transmitter or if it does not op-
erate properly, contact a Yamaha dealer.
(See page 24 for information on using the re-
mote control transmitter.)
EJU36104Yamaha Security System settings (for VX
Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
The Yamaha Security System settings are se-
lected by pressing the lock or unlock button
on the remote control transmitter briefly.Depending on the selected Yamaha Security
System setting, the “SECURITY” indicator
light will come on or go off.
TIP:
The lock and unlock modes of this system can
only be selected while the engine is stopped.
LOCK
When the lock button on the remote control
transmitter is pressed briefly, the beeper
sounds once and the “SECURITY” indicator
light goes off. This indicates the lock mode is
selected and the engine cannot be started.
UNLOCK
When the unlock button on the remote control
transmitter is pressed briefly, the beeper
sounds two or three times and the “SECURI-
TY” indicator light comes on. This indicates
1Remote control transmitter
1Lock button
2Unlock button
1“SECURITY” indicator light
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Features and functions
30
the unlock mode is selected and the engine
can be started.
TIP:
The beeper sounds two times for the normal
mode or three times for the low-RPM mode.
(See the items in “Selecting the operation
mode” for operation mode information.)
If neither the start switch nor the remote con-
trol transmitter is operated within 25 seconds
after the unlock button is pressed to select the
unlock mode, the multifunction information
center will turn off and enter a standby state.
To turn the multifunction information center
back on, press the lock button on the transmit-
ter briefly to select the lock mode, and then
press the unlock button briefly to select the
unlock mode.
TIP:
If the engine is started while the multifunction
information center is in the standby state, the
“SECURITY” indicator light and “L-MODE” in-
dicator light will not come on regardless of the
setting.
EJU31413Selecting the operation mode
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
There are two operation modes in the unlock
mode of the Yamaha Security System: the
normal mode and the low-RPM mode. The
normal mode and low-RPM mode can only be
selected when the engine is stopped in the
unlock mode. Press the unlock button on the
remote control transmitter for more than 4seconds to switch between the normal mode
and the low-RPM mode.
Normal mode
The watercraft can be ridden normally in this
mode.
If the beeper sounds two times, the normal
mode is activated.
Low-RPM mode
Maximum engine speed (r/min) in this mode is
limited to approximately 90% of the maximum
engine speed in the normal mode.
If the beeper sounds three times, the low-
RPM mode is activated and the “L-MODE” in-
dicator light comes on.
Number
of beepsYamaha Security Sys-
tem modeEngine
can be
started
1 beep Lock NO
2 beepsUnlock
(normal mode)YES
3 beepsUnlock
(low-RPM mode)YES
1“L-MODE” indicator light
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Features and functions
31
EJU31453Multifunction information center
This meter contains the following functions for
help and convenience in operating the water-
craft.
When the engine is started, all displays light
up for 2 seconds, and then the meter starts to
operate normally.
The current display will continue to operate for
25 seconds after the engine stops.
EJU31461Tachometer
The engine speed (r/min) is displayed by seg-
ments. Each segment indicates a 250 r/min
increment.
EJU31500Speedometer
The meter shows the watercraft speed
against water.
TIP:
To switch the speedometer display between
kilometers and miles, push the select button
for at least 1 second, within 10 seconds after
the meter is displayed.
EJU31512Fuel level meter
The fuel level meter is provided for convenient
fuel level checking while riding.
The fuel level meter has eight segments
which show the amount of fuel remaining in
1Tachometer
2Speedometer
3Hour meter/voltmeter
4Fuel level meter
5“L-MODE” indicator light (for VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser)
6“WARNING” light
7Fuel level warning indicator
8Oil pressure warning indicator
9Engine overheat warning indicator
10Check engine warning indicator
11Select button
12“SECURITY” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)1Tachometer
1Select button
2Speedometer
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Features and functions
33
TIP:
Press the select button on the multifunction
information center to stop the buzzer.
EJU31622Oil pressure warning indicator
If the oil pressure does not rise to specifica-
tion, the “WARNING” light and the oil pres-
sure warning indicator begin to blink, and the
buzzer sounds intermittently. At the same
time, the engine speed is limited to help pre-
vent damage.
If this occurs, reduce the engine speed, return
to shore, and then check the engine oil level.
(See page 42 for engine oil level checking
procedures.) If the oil level is low, add enough
engine oil to raise it to the proper level. If the
oil level is sufficient, have a Yamaha dealer
check the watercraft.
TIP:
Press the select button on the multifunction
information center to stop the buzzer.
EJU31605Engine overheat warning indicator
This model is equipped with an engine over-
heat warning system.
If the engine starts to overheat, the “WARN-
ING” light and the engine overheat warning in-
dicator blink, and then come on. The buzzer
also begins to sound intermittently, and then it
sounds continuously. After the light and indi-
cator start to blink and the buzzer sounds, the
engine speed is limited to help prevent dam-
age.
If this occurs, immediately reduce the engine
speed, return to shore, and then check for wa-
ter discharge at the port (left) cooling water pi-
lot outlet while the engine is running. If there
is no discharge of water, shut the engine off,
1Select button1Select button
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Operation
40
EJU31980
Pre-operation checks EJU31991Pre-operation check list
Before operating this watercraft, perform the checks in the following check list.
WARNING
EWJ00411
Failure to inspect or maintain the watercraft properly increases the possibility of an ac-
cident or damage to the watercraft. Do not operate the watercraft if you find any prob-
lem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in this manual, have
the watercraft inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
BEFORE LAUNCH OR OPERATION
Engine compartmentRemove the seat to ventilate the engine compart-
ment. Check for fuel vapors and loose electrical con-
nections.42
BilgeCheck for water and fuel and drain if necessary. 43
Stern drain plugsCheck for proper installation. 44
Throttle leverCheck that the throttle lever springs back smoothly. 45
Steering systemCheck for proper operation. 45
Shift lever and reverse gate
(VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)Check for proper operation. 45
Fuel and oilCheck the fuel and oil levels and replenish if neces-
sary.
Check the hoses and tanks for leakage.42, 42
Water separatorCheck for water and drain if necessary. 43
BatteryCheck the electrolyte level and battery condition. 44
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 23
SeatCheck that the seat is securely installed. 23
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for cracks and other dam-
age.42
Jet intakeCheck for debris and remove if necessary. 46
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition and replace if necessary. 44
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard)Check the condition and replace if frayed or broken. 46
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.46
AFTER LAUNCH
Cooling water pilot outletCheck that water is discharged while the engine is
running and the watercraft is in the water.47
Multifunction information
centerCheck for warning indications and proper operation. 47
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Operation
42
EJU32280Pre-operation check points EJU32311Engine compartment
WARNING
EWJ00460
Failure to ventilate the engine compart-
ment could result in a fire or explosion. Do
not start the engine if there is a fuel leak or
a loose electrical connection.
Ventilate the engine compartment before
each use.
To ventilate the engine compartment, remove
the seat. (See page 23 for seat removal and
installation procedures.) Leave the engine
compartment open for a few minutes to allow
any fuel vapors to escape.
While the engine compartment is open, check
for loose electrical connections.
EJU32350Hull and deck
Check the hull and deck for cracks and other
damage. If any damage is found, have a
Yamaha dealer repair the watercraft.
EJU32391Fuel level
Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in the
fuel tank before each use.
Also, check the fuel system for leakage,
cracks, and malfunctions. (See page 68 for
check points and correct procedures.)(1) Remove the fuel tank filler cap to release
any pressure that might have built up in
the fuel tank.
(2) Remove the seat. (See page 23 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(3) Check the fuel level in the fuel tank and
replenish if necessary. (See page 38 for
filling procedures.)
(4) Install the fuel tank filler cap and the seat.
EJU32401Engine oil level
Check the engine oil level before each use.
WARNING
EWJ00340
Engine oil is extremely hot immediately af-
ter the engine is turned off. Coming in con-
tact with or getting any engine oil on your
clothes could result in burns.
NOTICE
ECJ00391

Do not run the engine with too much or
not enough oil in the oil tank, otherwise
the engine could be damaged.

Make sure that debris and water do not
enter the oil tank filler hole. Debris and
water in the engine oil can cause serious
engine damage.
To check the engine oil level:
(1) Place the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion or launch the watercraft, and then
start the engine. NOTICE: When check-
ing the engine oil level on land, supply
water to the cooling water passages.
(See page 62 for procedures on sup-
plying water.)
[ECJ01020]
TIP:
When checking the engine oil level on water,
moor the watercraft so that it will not drift
away.
(2) Run the engine at trolling speed for 6 min-
utes or more, and then stop the engine.
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