stop start YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 2009 Owners Manual

4-4
4 Odometer and tripmeter modes
Pushing the “SELECT” button switches the display
between the odometer mode “ODO” and the trip-
meter mode “TRIP” in the following order:
ODO → TRIP → ODO
To reset the tripmeter, select it by pushing the “SE-
LECT” button, and then push the “SELECT” button
for at least three seconds. The tripmeter can be
used to estimate the distance that can be traveled
with a full tank of fuel. This information will enable
you to plan future fuel stops.
TIPPushing in the “SELECT” button, then turning the
key to “ON”, and keeping them in this position for
at least two seconds switches the display between“mph” and “km/h”.
EBU18061Handlebar switches EBU18080Engine stop switch“/”
Set this switch to“” before starting the engine.
The engine stop switch controls the ignition and
stops the engine when it is running. Use this switch
to stop the engine in an emergency situation. The
engine will not start or run when this switch is set
to“”.1. Light switch“//OFF”
2. Engine stop switch“/”
3. Start switch“”
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4-5
4
EBU18100Start switch“”
Push this switch to crank the engine with the start-
er.NOTICEECB00050See the starting instructions on page 6-1 priorto starting the engine.EBU18151Light switch“//OFF”
Set this switch to“” to turn on the low beams
and the taillight. Set the switch to“” to turn on
the high beams and the taillight. Set the switch to
“OFF” to turn off all the lights.NOTICEECB00040Do not use the headlights with the engine
turned off for an extended period of time, oth-
erwise the battery may discharge to the point
that the starter motor will not operate properly.
If this should happen, remove the battery andrecharge it.
EBU28221On-Command four-wheel-drive switch
“2WD”/“4WD”
This ATV is equipped with a switch to change from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and vice versa.
Select the appropriate drive according to the ter-
rain and the conditions.
“2WD” (two-wheel drive): Power is supplied to
the rear wheels.
“4WD” (four-wheel drive): Power is supplied to
the rear and front wheels.
To change from two-wheel drive to four-wheel
drive, stop the ATV and push the switch in to the
“4WD” position. Then, the four-wheel-drive
indicator“” comes on in the speedometer unit
display.
To change from four-wheel drive to two-wheel
drive, stop the ATV and push the switch in to the
“2WD” position.
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4-6
4
WARNING
EWB00162Always stop the ATV before changing from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and vice-
versa. The ATV handles differently in two-
wheel drive than in four-wheel drive in some
circumstances. Changing from two-wheel
drive to four-wheel drive or vice versa while
moving may cause the ATV to unexpectedly
handle differently. This could distract the oper-
ator and increase the risk of losing control andof causing an accident.
EBU18280Throttle lever Once the engine is running, movement of the throt-
tle lever will increase the engine speed.
Regulate the speed of the ATV by varying the
throttle position. Because the throttle is spring-
loaded, the ATV will decelerate, and the engine will
return to an idle any time the hand is removed from
the throttle lever.
Before starting the engine, check the throttle to be
sure it is operating smoothly. Make sure it returns
to the idle position as soon as the lever is released.
1. On-Command four-wheel-drive switch “2WD”/“4WD”
1. Throttle lever
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6-1
6
EBU19880
OPERATION
EBU19900Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV.
WARNING
EWB00630Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls in order to help pre-
vent any loss of control, which could cause an
accident or injury. If there is a control or func-
tion you do not understand, ask your Yamahadealer.EBU26542Starting a cold engine
WARNING
EWB00640Always make sure all control cables work
smoothly before you begin riding in cold
weather. If the control cables are frozen or do
not work smoothly, you could be unable to
control the ATV, which could lead to an acci-dent or collision.
NOTICEECB00150See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-5prior to operating the engine for the first time.
1. Turn the fuel cock to “ON”.
2. Turn the main switch to “ON” and the engine
stop switch to“”.
3. Shift the drive select lever into the neutral or
park position. The corresponding indicator
light should come on, if it does not come on,
have a Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.TIPThe engine can be started under the following con-
ditions:
The drive select lever is in the neutral or park po-
sition.
The rear brake lever is applied with the drive se-
lect lever in any position. However, it is recom-
mended to shift into the neutral or park positionbefore starting the engine.
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6-3
6
TIPThe engine is warm when it responds normally tothe throttle with the starter (choke) turned off.EBU20291Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for starting a cold
engine, with the exception that the starter (choke)
is not required when the engine is warm. Instead,
start the engine with the throttle slightly open.EBU20460Operating the drive select lever and
driving in reverse NOTICEECB00170Before shifting, stop the ATV, otherwise thetransmission may be damaged.
Shifting: Neutral to Forward
1. Bring the ATV to a complete stop.
2. Apply the brake pedal, and then shift by mov-
ing the drive select lever along the shift guide.
TIPMake sure that the drive select lever is completelyshifted into position.
3. Release the brake pedal, and then open the
throttle lever gradually.1. Drive select lever
2. F (Forward)
3. N (Neutral)
4. R (Reverse)
5. P (Park)
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6-4
6 Shifting: Neutral to Reverse and Reverse to
Park
TIPThe drive select lever cannot be shifted into or fromreverse or park without applying the brake pedal.
1. Bring the ATV to a complete stop.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift from neutral to reverse or from reverse to
park and vice versa by moving the drive select
lever along the shift guide.
TIP
When in reverse, the reverse indicator light
should come on. If the indicator light does not
come on, have a Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit.
Due to the synchronizing mechanism in the en-
gine, the indicator light may not come on until theATV starts moving.
4. Check behind for people or obstacles, and
then release the brake pedal.
5. Open the throttle lever gradually and continue
to watch to the rear while backing.
WARNING
EWB00720Improper operation in reverse could make you
hit an obstacle or even a person behind you,
resulting in serious injury. When you shift into
reverse, make sure there are no people or ob-
stacles behind you. When it is safe to proceed,go slowly.
1. Drive select lever
2. F (Forward)
3. N (Neutral)
4. R (Reverse)
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7-12
7 Select a large, flat, unpaved area to become famil-
iar with your ATV. Make sure that this area is free
of obstacles and other riders. You should practice
control of the throttle, brakes, and turning tech-
niques in this area before trying more difficult ter-
rain. Always avoid riding on paved surfaces: the
ATV is designed for use on unpaved surfaces only,
and handling maneuvers are more difficult to per-
form on pavement.
Shift to the park position and follow the instruction
on page 6-1 to start the engine. Once it has
warmed up you are ready to begin riding your ATV.
Remember that the engine and exhaust pipe will
be hot when riding and afterwards; do not allow
skin or clothing to come in contact with these com-
ponents.With the engine idling, return the starter (choke) to
the closed position, and shift the drive select lever
into the forward position. Apply the throttle slowly
and smoothly. The centrifugal clutch will engage
and you will start to accelerate. If the throttle is ap-
plied too abruptly, the front wheels may lift off the
ground, resulting in a loss of directional control.
Avoid higher speeds until you are thoroughly famil-
iar with the operation of your ATV.
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. Im-
proper use of the brakes can cause the tires to lose
traction, reducing control and increasing the possi-
bility of an accident.
TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es, the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one
axle and turn together at the same speed. There-
fore, unless the wheel on the inside of the turn is al-
lowed to slip or lose some traction, the ATV will
resist turning. A special turning technique must be
used to allow the ATV to make turns quickly and
easily. It is essential that this skill be learned first at
low speed.
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7-16
7 If your ATV has stalled or stopped and you believe
you can continue up the hill, restart carefully to
make sure you do not lift the front wheels which
could cause you to lose control. If you are unable
to continue up the hill, dismount the ATV on the up-
hill side. Physically turn the ATV around and then
descend the hill.
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT apply either
brake abruptly. If you are in 2WD, apply only the
front brake. If you are in 4WD, because all wheels
are interconnected by the drive train, applying ei-
ther brake will brake all wheels, therefore, avoid
sudden application of either the front or rear brake
as the wheels on the uphill side could come off theground. The ATV could easily tip over backwards.
Apply both the front and rear brakes gradually, or
dismount the ATV immediately on the uphill side.
WARNING
EWB01811Maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill.
If you lose all forward speed:
Keep weight uphill.
Apply the brakes.
Shift to the park position after you are
stopped.
If you begin rolling backwards:
Keep weight uphill.
2WD: Never apply the rear brake while rolling
backwards. Apply the front brake. When fully
stopped, shift to the park position.
4WD: Apply both front and rear brakes grad-
ually. When fully stopped, shift to the park
position.
Dismount on uphill side or to a side if pointed
straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and re-
mount, following the procedure described inthe Owner’s Manual.
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7-23
7With practice, over a period of time, skill at con-
trolled sliding can be developed. The terrain
should be chosen carefully before attempting such
maneuvers, since both stability and control are re-
duced. Bear in mind that sliding maneuvers should
always be avoided on extremely slippery surfaces
such as ice, since all control may be lost.
WARNING
EWB01661Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain.On extremely slippery surfaces, such as ice,
go slowly and be very cautious in order to re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of
control.
WHAT TO DO IF...
This section is designed to be a reference guide
only. Be sure to read each section on riding tech-
niques completely.
WHAT TO DO...
If your ATV doesn’t turn when you want it to:
Bring the ATV to a stop and practice the turning
maneuvers again. Be sure you are putting your
weight on the footboard to the outside of the
turn. Position your weight over the front wheels
for better control. (See page 7-12.)
If your ATV begins to tip while turning:
Lean more into the turn to regain balance. If nec-
essary, gradually let off the throttle and/or steer
to the outside of the turn. (See page 7-12.)
If your ATV starts to slide sideways:
Steer in the direction of the slide if you have the
room. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the
slide. (See page 7-22.)
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7-24
7

If your ATV can’t make it up a hill you are trying
to climb:
Turn the ATV around if you still have forward
speed. If not, stop, dismount on the uphill side of
the ATV and physically turn the ATV around. If
the ATV starts to slip backwards, DO NOT USE
THE REAR BRAKE IF THE ATV IS IN 2WD –
the ATV may tip over on top of you. Dismount
the ATV on the uphill side. (See page 7-14.)
If your ATV is traversing a sloping surface:
Be sure to ride with your weight positioned to-
wards the uphill side of the ATV to maintain
proper balance. If the ATV starts to tip, steer
down the hill (if there are no obstacles in your
way) to regain balance. If you discover that the
ATV is going to tip over, dismount on the uphill
side. (See page 7-18.)
If your ATV encounters shallow water:
Ride slowly and carefully through slow moving
water, watching for obstacles. Be sure to let wa-
ter drain from the ATV and CHECK YOUR
BRAKES FOR PROPER OPERATION when
you come out of the water. Do not continue to
ride your ATV until you have regained adequate
braking ability. (See page 7-19.)
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