check engine YAMAHA VMAX 2009 User Guide

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is set to “
3. Turn the key on.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
8. Shift the transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?
After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.The neutral switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The sidestand switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
YES NO YES NO YES NO
If a malfunction is noted, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system before riding.
WARNING
”.

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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING

EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel

Check fuel level in fuel tank.

Refuel if necessary.

Check fuel line for leakage.3-20
Engine oil

Check oil level in engine.

If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.

Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-9
Final gear oil

Check vehicle for oil leakage. 6-12
Coolant

Check coolant level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.

Check cooling system for leakage.6-14
Front brake

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear.

Replace if necessary.

Check fluid level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.

Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-22, 6-23

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.The neutral indicator
light should come on. If not, ask a
Yamaha dealer to check the elec-
trical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
NOTICE:
For maxi-
mum engine life, never acceler-
ate hard when the engine is
cold!

[ECA11041]

If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt.
EAU16671
Shifting
Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.
TIP

To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.
NOTICE

ECA10260

Even with the transmission inthe neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.

Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU16841
Engine break-in
There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17122
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above
4700 r/min.
NOTICE:
After 1000 km
(600 mi) of operation, the engine oil
and final gear oil must be changed,
and the oil filter cartridge or ele-
ment replaced.

[ECA10332]

1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above7000 r/min.
1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
NOTICE

ECA10310

Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.

If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-
cle.
EAU17213
Parking
When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING

EWA10311

Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them and be burned.

Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn, increasing the
risk of a fuel leak and fire.

Do not park near grass or other
flammable materials which
might catch fire.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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21

*
Shock absorber
assembly

Check operation and shock
absorber for oil leakage.
√√√√
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*
Rear suspension
relay arm and con-
necting arm pivoting
points

Check operation.
√√√√
23

*
Fuel injection sys-
tem

Adjust synchronization.
√√√√√
24

Engine oil

Change.

Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.
√√√√√√
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Engine oil filter car-
tridge

Replace.
√√√
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*
Cooling system

Check coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage.
√√√√√

Change. Every 3 years
27

Final gear oil

Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.
√√ √

Change.
√√√
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*
Front and rear brake
switches

Check operation.
√√√√√√
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Moving parts and
cables

Lubricate.
√√√√√
30

*
Throttle grip hous-
ing and cable

Check operation and free play.

Adjust the throttle cable free play
if necessary.

Lubricate the throttle grip housing
and cable.
√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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9Panel C
To remove the panel
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Pull the panel upward.
To install the panelPlace the panel in the original position,
and then install the bolt.

EAU46680
Checking the spark plugs
The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and replaced if
out of specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
1. Panel C
2. Bolt
1 2

Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR9EIA
DENSO/IU27D
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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TIP

If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible.
NOTICE

ECA10840
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twist
it back and forth while pushing it in.
EAU19907
Engine oil and oil filter
cartridge
The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles, and then check the oil level
through the check window located
at the bottom-right side of the
crankcase.
TIP

The engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment)
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9 ft·lbf)
1. Engine oil level check window
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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8. Install the engine oil drain bolt, and
then tighten it to the specified
torque.
9. Refill with the specified amount of
the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
TIP

Be sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.
NOTICE

ECA11620

In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.

Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
10. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
TIP

After the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.
NOTICE

ECA10400
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on, immediately turn the
engine off and have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
1. Torque wrench
Tightening torque:
Oil filter cartridge:
17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Engine oil drain bolt:
43 Nm (4.3 m·kgf, 30 ft·lbf)
1

Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment:
4.30 L (4.55 US qt, 3.78 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
4.70 L (4.97 US qt, 4.14 Imp.qt)
1. “CD” specification
2. “ENERGY CONSERVING II”
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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11. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.

EAU46572
Final gear oil
The final gear case must be checked
for oil leakage before each ride. If any
leakage is found, have a Yamaha deal-
er check and repair the vehicle. In addi-
tion, the final gear oil must be checked
and changed as follows at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
WARNING

EWA10370

Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the final gear case.

Make sure that no oil gets on the
tire or wheel.
To check the final gear oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
TIP


The final gear oil level must be
checked on a cold engine.

Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the oil level.2. Loosen the final gear oil check bolt
until oil flows out.
3. If no oil flows out, remove the final
gear oil filler bolt. (See steps 3–4
under “To change the final gear oil”
for oil filler bolt removal.)
4. Pour the recommended type of oil
in the final gear oil filler hole until it
flows out of the oil check bolt hole.
5. Install the final gear oil filler bolt
and final gear oil check bolt, and
then tighten them to their specified
torques.
1. Final gear oil drain bolt
2. Final gear oil check bolt
3. Final gear oil drain bolt washer
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU20070
Coolant
The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU46690
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
TIP


The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.

Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to the
side can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.
TIP

The coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir cap guard by re-
moving the bolt, and then remove
the reservoir cap.
4. Add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir
cap.
WARNING! Remove only
the coolant reservoir cap. Never
attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is
hot.
[EWA15161]

NOTICE:
If coolant is
not available, use distilled wateror soft tap water instead. Do not
use hard water or salt water
since it is harmful to the engine.
If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion. If water has been
added to the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the anti-
freeze content of the coolant as
soon as possible, otherwise the
effectiveness of the coolant will
be reduced.
[ECA10472]

5. Install the coolant reservoir cap
guard by installing the bolt.
EAU46422
To change the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and let the engine cool if nec-
essary.
2. Remove cowling A. (See
page 6-6.)
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Coolant reservoir cap guard
3. Bolt
4. Maximum level mark
5. Minimum level mark2
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Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.27 L (0.29 US qt, 0.24 Imp.qt)