check engine light YAMAHA VMAX 2011 User Guide

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-10
6To install the panel
Place 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/IU27D1. Spark plug gapSpark plug gap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-11
6
TIPIf 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.
EAU19908
Engine oil and oil filter car-
tridge 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.TIPThe 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:
13 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9.4 ft·lbf)
1. Engine oil level check window
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
2
3
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-13
6 8. Install the engine oil drain bolt and
its new gasket, and then tighten
the bolt to the specified torque.
9. Refill with the specified amount of
the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
TIPBe 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.TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.NOTICE
ECA10401
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, immediately turn the engine
off and have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.11. Turn the engine off, wait a few min-
utes until the oil settles, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
1. Torque wrenchTightening 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, 31 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)
U2S3E2E0.book Page 13 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
69. Install the oil check bolt, the oil filler
bolt and their gasket, and then
tighten the bolts to the specified
torques.
10. Install the final gear case breather
cap by installing the washer and
bolt, and then tighten the bolt to the
specified torque.
11. Check the final gear case for oil
leakage. If oil is leaking, check for
the cause.
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.
EAU46691
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.TIPThe 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 water or
soft tap water instead. Do not
Recommended final gear oil:
Yamaha genuine shaft drive gear oil
SAE 80 API GL-5
Oil quantity:
0.30 L (0.32 US qt, 0.26 Imp.qt)
Tightening torques:
Final gear oil check bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Final gear oil filler bolt:
23 Nm (2.3 m·kgf, 17 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Final gear case breather cap bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Coolant reservoir cap guard
3. Bolt
4. Maximum level mark
5. Minimum level mark
2
1
5 4
3
U2S3E2E0.book Page 16 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-39
6
EAU24350
Supporting the motorcycle Since this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other maintenance
requiring the motorcycle to stand up-
right. Check that the motorcycle is in a
stable and level position before starting
any maintenance. A strong wooden
box can be placed under the engine for
added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcycle
by using a motorcycle stand or, if
an additional motorcycle stand is
not available, by placing a jack un-
der the frame in front of the rear
wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the
ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placinga jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
EAU25871
Troubleshooting Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur dur-
ing operation. Any problem in the fuel,
compression, or ignition systems, for
example, can cause poor starting and
loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts
represent quick and easy procedures
for checking these vital systems your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look like
Yamaha parts, but they are often inferi-
or, have a shorter service life and can
lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWA15141
When checking the fuel system, do
not smoke, and make sure there are
no open flames or sparks in the ar-
ea, including pilot lights from water
U2S3E2E0.book Page 39 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INDEXAABS ....................................................... 3-20
ABS warning light.................................... 3-6
Air filter element .................................... 6-19
Anti-theft alarm (optional)...................... 3-17
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing ................ 6-38BBattery................................................... 6-30
Brake and clutch fluids, changing ......... 6-26
Brake and clutch levers,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-27
Brake and shift pedals,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-27
Brake fluid level, checking .................... 6-25
Brake lever ............................................ 3-19
Brake lever free play, checking ............. 6-23
Brake light switches .............................. 6-24
Brake pedal ........................................... 3-20CCables, checking and lubricating .......... 6-26
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Catalytic converters .............................. 3-24
Clutch lever .................................. 3-18, 6-23
Coolant.................................................. 6-16
Coolant temperature warning light .......... 3-5
Cowling and panels,
removing and installing ......................... 6-8DDimmer switch ...................................... 3-17EEngine break-in ....................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed, checking .............. 6-19
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ............ 6-11
Engine stop switch ................................ 3-18Engine trouble warning light ................... 3-5
EXUP system ....................................... 3-30
FFinal gear oil ......................................... 6-14
Front and rear brake pads, checking .... 6-24
Front fork, adjusting .............................. 3-26
Front fork, checking .............................. 6-29
Fuel....................................................... 3-22
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing........ 5-3
Fuel level warning light ........................... 3-5
Fuel tank breather/overflow hose ......... 3-24
Fuel tank cap ........................................ 3-21
Fuses, replacing ................................... 6-33HHandlebar switches .............................. 3-17
Hazard switch ....................................... 3-18
Headlight bulb, replacing ...................... 6-34
High beam indicator light ........................ 3-4
Horn switch ........................................... 3-18IIdentification numbers ............................ 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................ 3-31
Immobilizer system ................................. 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light........... 3-6
Indicator lights and warning lights .......... 3-4LLicense plate light bulb, replacing ........ 6-37
Luggage strap holders .......................... 3-30MMain switch/steering lock........................ 3-2
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic .... 6-4
Maintenance, emission control
system .................................................. 6-3
Matte color, caution ................................ 7-1Model label .............................................. 9-1
Multi-function display............................... 3-8
NNeutral indicator light .............................. 3-4OOil level warning light .............................. 3-4PParking .................................................... 5-4
Part locations .......................................... 2-1
Pass switch ........................................... 3-17SSafety information ................................... 1-1
Seats ..................................................... 3-25
Shifting .................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................. 3-19
Shift timing indicator light ........................ 3-6
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting .... 3-28
Sidestand .............................................. 3-31
Sidestand, checking and lubricating...... 6-28
Spark plugs, checking ........................... 6-10
Specifications .......................................... 8-1
Speedometer unit .................................... 3-7
Starting the engine .................................. 5-1
Start switch............................................ 3-18
Steering, checking................................. 6-29
Storage.................................................... 7-4
Supporting the motorcycle .................... 6-39
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ................. 6-28TTail/brake light ....................................... 6-36
Throttle grip and cable,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-26
Throttle grip free play, checking ............ 6-19
Tires ...................................................... 6-20
U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM