YAMAHA GRIZZLY 550 2012 Owner's Manual

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5ND-F1558-00
Turning the ATV in 4WD-LOCK (“DIFF.LOCK”)
takes more effort.
WARNING
Improper ATV use can result in SEVERE
INJURY or DEATH.ALWAYS USE
AN APPROVED HELMET ANDPROTECTIVE GEAR NEVER USE
ON PUBLIC ROADS NEVER CARRY
PASSENGERS NEVER USE
WITH DRUGS
OR ALCOHOLNEVER operate :
ALWAYS : without proper training or instruction.
 at speeds too fast for your skills or the
conditions.
 on public roads-a collision can occur
with another vehicle.
 with a passenger-passengers affect
balance and steering and increase risk
of losing control.
 use proper riding techniques to avoid
vehicle overturns on hills and rough
terrain and in turns.
 avoid paved surfaces-pavement may
seriously affect handling and control.
LOCATE AND READ OWNER ’S MANUAL.
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
4XE-F1568-10
YAMAHA
91 0
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EBU17431
SAFETY INFORMATION
EBU27252AN ATV IS NOT A TOY AND CAN BE HAZARD-OUS TO OPERATE.An ATV handles differently from other vehicles, in-
cluding motorcycles and cars. A collision or roll-
over can occur quickly, even during routine
maneuvers such as turning and riding on hills or
over obstacles, if you fail to take proper precau-
tions.
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can result if you do
not follow these instructions:
Read this manual and all labels carefully and fol-
low the operating procedures described.
Never operate an ATV without proper training or
instruction.
Always follow the age recommendation:
– A child under 16 years old should never oper-
ate an ATV with engine size greater than 90 cc.
Never allow a child under age 16 to operate an
ATV without adult supervision, and never allow
continued use of an ATV by a child if he or she
does not have the abilities to operate it safely.

Never carry a passenger on an ATV.
Always avoid operating an ATV on any paved
surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, park-
ing lots and paved streets.
Never operate an ATV on any paved street,
paved road or motorway.
Watch carefully for other vehicles when operat-
ing on unpaved public streets or roads. Make
sure you know your country ’s laws and regula-
tions before you ride on unpaved public streets
or roads.
Never operate an ATV without wearing an ap-
proved motorcycle helmet that fits properly. You
should also wear eye protection (goggles or face
shield), gloves, boots, a long-sleeved shirt or a
jacket, and long pants.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while
operating this ATV.
Never operate at speeds too fast for your skills
or the riding conditions. Always go at a speed
that is proper for the terrain, visibility, operating
conditions, and your experience.
Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other stunts.
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Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to
make sure it is in safe operating condition. Al-
ways follow the inspection and maintenance
procedures and schedules described in this
manual.
Always keep both hands on the handlebars and
both feet on the footboards of the ATV during
operation.
Always go slowly and be extra careful when op-
erating on unfamiliar terrain. Always be alert to
changing terrain conditions when operating the
ATV.
Never operate on excessively rough, slippery or
loose terrain until you have learned and prac-
ticed the skills necessary to control the ATV on
such terrain. Always be especially cautious on
these kinds of terrain.
Always follow proper procedures for turning as
described in this manual. Practice turning at low
speeds before attempting to turn at faster
speeds and never turn at excessive speeds.
Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for the
ATV or for your abilities. Practice on smaller hills
before attempting larger hills.

Always follow proper procedures for climbing
hills as described in this manual. Check the ter-
rain carefully before you start up any hill. Never
climb hills with excessively slippery or loose sur-
faces. Shift your weight forward. Never open the
throttle suddenly. Never go over the top of a hill
at high speed.
Always follow proper procedures for going down
hills and for braking on hills as described in this
manual. Check the terrain carefully before you
start down any hill. Shift your weight backward.
Never go down a hill at high speed. Avoid going
down a hill at an angle that would cause the ve-
hicle to lean sharply to one side. Go straight
down the hill where possible.
Always follow proper procedures for crossing
the side of a hill as described in this manual.
Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose sur-
faces. Shift your weight to the uphill side of the
ATV. Never attempt to turn the ATV around on
any hill until you have mastered the turning tech-
nique described in this manual on level ground.
Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill if possible.
Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll
backwards when climbing a hill. To avoid stall-
ing, use the proper gear range and maintain a
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2steady speed when climbing a hill. If you stall or
roll backwards, follow the special procedure for
braking described in this manual. Dismount on
the uphill side or to a side if pointed straight up-
hill. Turn the ATV around and remount, following
the procedure described in this manual.

Always check for obstacles before operating in a
new area.
Never attempt to operate over large obstacles,
such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always follow
proper procedures when operating over obsta-
cles as described in this manual.
Always be careful when skidding or sliding.
Learn 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 con-
trol.
Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in
water deeper than that recommended in this
manual. Remember that wet brakes may have
reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply them several
times to let friction dry out the linings.

Always be sure there are no obstacles or people
behind you when you operate in reverse. When
it is safe to proceed in reverse, go slowly.
Always use the size and type of tires specified in
this manual.
Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in this manual.
Never modify an ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories.
Never exceed the stated load capacity for an
ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed and follow in-
structions in this manual for carrying cargo or
pulling a trailer. Allow greater distance for brak-
ing.
WARNING
EWB00072Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
a deadly gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nau-
sea, confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless,
tasteless gas which may be present even if you
do not see or smell any engine exhaust. Deadly
levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly
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and you can quickly be overcome and unable
to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can linger for hours or days in en-
closed or poorly ventilated areas. If you experi-
ence any symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.

Do not run engine indoors. Even if you try to
ventilate engine exhaust with fans or open
windows and doors, carbon monoxide can
rapidly reach dangerous levels.
Do not run engine in poorly ventilated or par-
tially enclosed areas such as barns, garages,
or carports.
Do not run engine outdoors where engine
exhaust can be drawn into a building
through openings such as windows and
doors.
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EBU17680
DESCRIPTION
EBU17690Left view
EBU17700Right view
1. Radiator cap
2. Battery
3. Fuses
4. Air filter case
5. Spark arrester
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Oil filter cartridge
8. Coolant reservoir
5
1. Rear shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting ring
2. Rear storage compartment and tool kit
3. Fuel tank cap cover
4. Front shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting ring
5. Spark plug
6. Brake pedal
7. V-belt case drain plug
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EBU17712Controls and instruments
TIPThe ATV you have purchased may differ slightly
from the figures shown in this manual.
1. Drive select lever
2. Rear brake lever
3. Handlebar switches
4. Horn switch
5. Rear brake fluid reservoir
6. Multi-function display
7. Front brake fluid reservoir
8. On-Command four-wheel-drive/differential gear lock switch
9. Front brake lever
10.Throttle lever
11.Front storage compartment
12.Main switch
13.Auxiliary DC jackU1HS60E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7:53 PM

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EBU17733
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EBU29911Main switch The positions of the main switch are as follows:
“” (on)
All electrical systems are supplied with power. The
headlights and taillight come on when the light
switch is on, and the engine can be started. The
key cannot be removed.
“” (off)
All electrical systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.
1. Main switch
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EBU26695Indicator lights and warning lights
EBU17990Low-range indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the low-range position.EBU17980High-range indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the high-range position.EBU17860Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the neutral position.EBU17830Reverse indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the reverse position.EBU17970Park indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the park position.
1. On-Command differential gear lock indicator light “DIFF. LOCK ”
2. Low-range indicator light “L”
3. High-range indicator light “H”
4. Neutral indicator light “N”
5. Reverse indicator light “R”
6. Park indicator light “P”
7. On-Command four-wheel-drive/differential gear lock indicator “”/“”
8. Engine trouble warning light “”
9. Coolant temperature warning light “”
10.Electric Power Steering warning light “EPS ” (for EPS
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EBU30530Coolant temperature warning light“”
This warning light comes on when the engine over-
heats. When this occurs during operation, stop the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so and allow it to
cool down for about 10 minutes.
The electrical circuit of the warning light can be
checked by turning the key to “” (on). The warn-
ing light should come on for a few seconds, and
then go off.
If the warning light does not come on initially when
the key is turned to “” (on), or if the warning light
remains on, have a Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit.NOTICEECB00891
The engine may overheat if the ATV is over-
loaded. In this case, reduce the load to spec-
ification.
The engine may also overheat if mud or dirt
has accumulated on the radiator (i.e., after
riding in wet terrain). In this case, see page
8-20 for an explanation on how to access the
radiator.

Start the engine after making sure that the
warning light is out. Continuous use while
the warning light is on may cause damage to
the engine.EBU30480Engine trouble warning light “”
This warning light comes on or flashes when an
electrical circuit monitoring the engine is not work-
ing correctly. When this occurs, have a Yamaha
dealer check the self-diagnosis system. (See page
4-7 for an explanation of the self-diagnosis device.)
The electrical circuit of the warning light can be
checked by turning the key to “” (on). The warn-
ing light should come on for a few seconds, and
then go off.
If the warning light does not come on initially when
the key is turned to “” (on), or if the warning light
remains on, have a Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit.EBU30570Electric Power Steering warning light “EPS ”
(for EPS model)
This warning light comes on when the key is turned
to “” (on), and then goes off once the engine is
started. If the warning light remains on or comes on
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