check engine YAMAHA VMAX 2001 Owner's Manual

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-28
6
l
Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.
l
As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to
gradually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
EAU03238
Changing the brake fluid Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, have the oil seals
of the brake master cylinder and caliper
as well as the brake hose replaced at
the intervals listed below or whenever
they are damaged or leaking.l
Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
l
Brake hose: Replace every four
years.
EAU02962
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
EW000112
WARNING
@ Damage to the outer sheath may in-
terfere with proper cable operation
and will cause the inner cable to
rust. Replace a damaged cable as
soon as possible to prevent unsafe
conditions. @Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
E_3lr.book Page 28 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-29
6
EAU03209
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip and
the condition of the throttle cable
should be checked before each ride,
and the cable should be lubricated or
replaced if necessary.NOTE:@ Since the throttle grip must be removed
to access the throttle cable end, the
throttle grip and the cable should al-
ways be lubricated at the same time. @1. Remove the throttle grip by remov-
ing the screws.
2. Disconnect the throttle cable, hold
it up, and then apply several drops
of oil to the cable end, allowing it to
trickle into the sheath.
3. Connect the throttle cable, and
then grease the inside of the throt-
tle grip housing.
4. Grease the metal-to-metal contact
surface of the throttle grip, and
then install the grip by installing
the screws.
EAU03370
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals The operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before each
ride, and the pedal pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary. Recommended lubricant:
Throttle cable:
Engine oil
Throttle grip housing and grip:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease)
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease)
E_3lr.book Page 29 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-32
6
EAU00794
Checking the steering Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to
raise the front wheel off the
ground.
EW000115
WARNING
@ Securely support the motorcycle so
that there is no danger of it falling
over. @
2. Hold the lower ends of the front
fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steer-
ing.
E_3lr.book Page 32 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-36
6 11. Connect and tighten the positive
battery lead and the starter motor
lead to the starter motor relay.
EW000118
WARNING
@ Pass the positive battery lead and
starter lead through the hole in the
ignition coil bracket as shown. Im-
proper routing of these leads could
bring about a short circuit, causing
the engine and lights to fail and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident. @12. Connect and tighten the negative
battery lead to the battery.
13. Install the rider seat.To store the battery
1. If the motorcycle will not be used
for more than one month, remove
the battery, fully charge it, and
then place it in a cool, dry place.
2. If the battery will be stored for
more than two months, check the
specific gravity of the electrolyte at
least once a month and fully
charge the battery whenever nec-
essary.
3. Fully charge the battery before in-
stallation.
4. After installation, make sure that
the battery leads are properly con-
nected to the battery terminals and
that the breather hose is properly
routed, in good condition, and not
obstructed.
EC000099
CAUTION:@ If the breather hose is positioned in
such a way that the frame is ex-
posed to electrolyte or gas expelled
from the battery, the frame could
suffer structural and external dam-
ages. @
1. Battery positive lead (red)
2. Starter motor lead (black)
E_3lr.book Page 36 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-45
6
EAU03363
Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
EW000125
WARNING
@ Keep away open flames and do not smoke while checking or working on the fuel system. @
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wet
Dry
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Open the throttle halfway and operate
the electric starter.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.The battery is good.
Check the electrolyte and battery
lead connections, and charge the
battery if necessary.The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the compressoin.
E_3lr.book Page 45 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-46
6 Engine overheating
EW000070
WARNING
@ l
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.
l
After removing the radiator cap retaining bolt, place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then
slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hiss-
ing sound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
@NOTE:@ If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
as soon as possible. @
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
E_3lr.book Page 46 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

10-INDEXAAir filter element, cleaning ...................... 6-19
Anti-theft alarm ........................................3-3BBattery ................................................... 6-33
Brake and clutch levers, checking and
lubricating ............................................ 6-30
Brake and shift pedals, checking and
lubricating ............................................ 6-29
Brake fluid, changing ............................. 6-28
Brake fluid level, checking...................... 6-27
Brake lever...............................................3-6
Brake lever free play, adjusting .............. 6-25
Brake light switch (rear), adjusting ......... 6-26
Brake pads, checking............................. 6-26
Brake pedal..............................................3-6
Brake pedal position, adjusting .............. 6-25CCables, checking and lubricating............ 6-28
Carburetors, adjusting............................ 6-20
Care.........................................................7-1
Centerstand and sidestand, checking
and lubricating ..................................... 6-30
Clutch lever ..............................................3-5
Clutch lever free play ............................. 6-24
Conversion table ......................................8-5
Coolant .................................................. 6-14
Changing .......................................... 6-15
Checking .......................................... 6-14
Coolant temperature gauge .....................3-3
Cowlings and panels, removing and
installing................................................ 6-6DDimmer switch ......................................... 3-4EEngine break-in ....................................... 5-4
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ............... 6-9
Engine stop switch................................... 3-4FFinal gear oil .......................................... 6-13
Front fork, adjusting ............................... 3-11
Front fork, checking ............................... 6-31
Fuel ......................................................... 3-8
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ......... 5-4
Fuel level warning light ............................ 3-2
Fuel reserve switch.................................. 3-5
Fuel tank cap ........................................... 3-7
Fuses, replacing .................................... 6-37HHandlebar switches ................................. 3-4
Headlight bulb, replacing ....................... 6-38
Helmet holder ........................................ 3-10
High beam indicator light ......................... 3-2
Horn switch ............................................. 3-4IIdentification numbers ............................. 9-1
Idling speed, adjusting ........................... 6-20
Ignition circuit cut-off system.................. 3-16
Indicator and warning lights ..................... 3-1
KKey identification number .........................9-1LLight switch ..............................................3-4MMain switch ..............................................3-1
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic ......6-3
Model label ..............................................9-2NNeutral indicator light ...............................3-1OOil level warning light ...............................3-2
Operation .................................................5-1PParking.....................................................5-5
Part locations ...........................................2-1
Pass switch ..............................................3-4
Pre-operation check list ............................4-1RRider seat ................................................3-9SSafety information ....................................1-1
Shifting .....................................................5-3
Shift pedal ................................................3-6
Shift points (for Switzerland only) .............5-4
Shock absorber assemblies, adjusting ...3-12
Sidestand ...............................................3-16
Spark plugs, checking ..............................6-7
Specifications ...........................................8-1
E_3lr.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

INDEX
Speedometer unit .................................... 3-2
Starter (choke) lever ................................ 3-8
Starting a cold engine .............................. 5-1
Starting a warm engine ............................ 5-3
Start switch .............................................. 3-5
Steering, checking ................................. 6-32
Steering lock............................................ 3-9
Storage.................................................... 7-4
Suspension (rear), lubricating ................ 6-31
Suspension settings, matching
front and rear....................................... 3-15TTachometer ............................................. 3-3
Throttle cable free play, adjusting .......... 6-21
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating............................................ 6-29
Tires ...................................................... 6-21
Tool kit..................................................... 6-1
Troubleshooting..................................... 6-44
Troubleshooting charts .......................... 6-45
Turn signal indicator light ......................... 3-1
Turn signal light or tail/brake light bulb,
replacing ............................................. 6-39
Turn signal switch .................................... 3-4VValve clearance, adjusting ..................... 6-21
Vehicle identification number ................... 9-1
W Wheel bearings, checking ..................... 6-33
Wheel (front) ......................................... 6-40
Installing .......................................... 6-40
Removing ........................................ 6-40
Wheel (rear) .......................................... 6-41
Installing .......................................... 6-43
Removing ........................................ 6-41
Wheels .................................................. 6-24
E_3lr.book Page 2 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM