check engine YAMAHA VX 2012 Owners Manual

Table of contents
General and important labels ........... 1
Identification numbers .................... 1
Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number ........................................... 1
Craft Identification Number (CIN) ...... 1
Engine serial number ........................ 1
Manufactured date label .................... 2
Model information ........................... 2
Builder’s plate .................................... 2
Important labels .............................. 4
Warning labels ................................... 5
Other labels ....................................... 8
Safety information ........................... 10
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft ............................ 10
Cruising limitations ....................... 11
Operation requirements ............... 12
Recommended equipment ........... 14
Hazard information ....................... 15
Watercraft characteristics ............. 15
Water-skiing ................................. 17
Safe boating rules ........................ 18
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................ 19
Description....................................... 20
Watercraft glossary ...................... 20
Location of main components ...... 21
Control function operation ............. 25
Watercraft control functions ......... 25
Remote control transmitter
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ............. 25
Yamaha Security System
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ............. 26
Engine stop switch .......................... 27
Engine shut-off switch ..................... 27
Start switch ...................................... 27
Throttle lever ................................... 28
Steering system ............................... 28
Cooling water pilot outlet ................. 29
Water separator ............................... 29
Watercraft operation ....................... 30
Watercraft operation functions ..... 30
Reverse system
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ............. 30
Watercraft operation modes ......... 31
Low RPM Mode
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser) ............. 31
Instrument operation ...................... 33
Multifunction information center ... 33
Information display .......................... 33
Equipment operation ...................... 38
Equipment .................................... 38
Seat ................................................. 38
Handgrip .......................................... 39
Reboarding step (VX Cruiser) ......... 39
Bow eye ........................................... 39
Stern eyes ....................................... 40
Cleat ................................................ 40
Storage compartments .................... 40
Fire extinguisher holder and
cover ............................................ 42
Operation and handling
requirements ................................... 44
Fuel requirements ........................ 44
Fuel ................................................. 44
Engine oil requirements ............... 45
Engine oil ......................................... 45
Draining the bilge water ............... 47
Draining the bilge water on land ...... 47
Draining the bilge water on water .... 47
Transporting on a trailer ............... 48
First-time operation ........................ 49
Engine break-in ............................ 49
Pre-operation checks ..................... 50
Pre-operation checklist .................... 50
Pre-operation check points .......... 52
Pre-launch checks ........................... 52
Post-launch checks ......................... 58
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Safety information
13
certain kinds of accidents and that it could
injure you in others.
A helmet is designed to provide some head
protection. Although helmets cannot protect
against all foreseeable impacts, a helmet
might reduce your injuries in a collision with
a boat or other obstacle.
A helmet may have potential safety haz-
ards, as well. Falling into the water could
risk the chance of the helmet catching wa-
ter, commonly known as “bucketing”, and
the resulting strain on your neck could
cause choking, severe and permanent neck
injuries, or death. A helmet could also in-
crease the risk of an accident if it reduces
your vision or hearing, or if it distracts you or
increases your fatigue.
How should you decide if a helmet’s poten-
tial safety benefits outweigh its potential
risks for you? Consider your particular
riding conditions. Consider factors such as
your riding environment and your riding
style and ability. Also consider the likeli-
hood of traffic congestion, and the water
surface conditions.
If you decide to wear a helmet based upon
your riding circumstances, choose one
carefully. Look for a helmet designed for
personal watercraft use, if possible. If you
will be engaging in closed-course competi-
tion, follow the helmet requirements of the
sanctioning organization.

Never operate the watercraft after consum-
ing alcohol or taking other drugs.

For reasons of safety and proper care of the
watercraft, always perform the pre-opera-
tion checks listed on page 50 before operat-
ing the watercraft.

The operator and passengers should al-
ways keep their feet on the floor of the foot-
well when the watercraft is in motion. Liftingyour feet increases the chances of losing
your balance, or hitting objects outside the
watercraft with your feet. Do not give a ride
to children if their feet cannot reach the floor
of the footwell.

The passengers should hold on firmly, ei-
ther to the person in front of them or to the
handgrip provided.

Never allow a passenger to ride in front of
the operator.

Always consult your doctor on whether it is
safe for you to ride this watercraft if you are
pregnant or in poor health.

Do not attempt to modify this watercraft.
Modifications to your watercraft may reduce
safety and reliability, and render the water-
craft unsafe or illegal for use.

Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to
your left wrist and keep it free from the han-
dlebars so that the engine stops if you, the
operator, fall off. After riding, remove the
engine shut-off cord (lanyard) from the wa-
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Control function operation
29
in response to handlebar input until you apply
throttle again or you reach trolling speed.
EJU35974Cooling water pilot outlet
When the engine is running, some of the cool-
ing water that is circulated in the engine is dis-
charged from the cooling water pilot outlet.
There is a cooling water pilot outlet on the port
(left) side of the watercraft. To check for prop-
er operation of the cooling system, make sure
that water is being discharged from the cool-
ing water pilot outlet. If water is not being dis-
charged from the outlet, stop the engine and
check the jet intake for clogging. (See page
84 for information on the jet intake.)
TIP:

It will take about 60 seconds for the water to
reach the outlet after the engine is started.

Water discharge may not be constant when
the engine is running at idling speed. If this
occurs, apply a little throttle to make sure
that water discharges properly.
EJU40322Water separator
The water separator prevents water from en-
tering the fuel tank by collecting any water that
has entered the fuel tank breather hose if the
watercraft was capsized.If water has collected in the water separator,
drain it by loosening the drain screw.
To drain water from the water separator:
(1) Place a drain pan or dry cloth under the
water separator.
(2) Gradually loosen the drain screw to drain
the water. Catch the draining water in the
drain pan or soak it up with the dry cloth
so that it does not spill into the engine
compartment. If any water spills into the
watercraft, be sure to wipe it up with a dry
cloth.
(3) Securely tighten the drain screw until it
stops.
1Cooling water pilot outlet
1
1Water separator
1Drain screw
1
1
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Instrument operation
33
EJU31458
Multifunction information
center
The multifunction information center displays
various watercraft information.
Multifunction information center initial op-
eration
When the multifunction information center is
activated, all of the display segments come
on. After 2 seconds, the warning indicators in
the information display go off, and then the
center starts to operate normally.
If only the multifunction information center is
activated, the “WARNING” indicator light
blinks once.
TIP:
VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser: The “SECURITY” in-
dicator light also comes on as part of the initial
operation.
The “SECURITY” indicator light will go off
when the engine is started.
Multifunction information center standby
state
If the multifunction information center does
not receive any operation input within 25 sec-onds after the engine stops, the center will
turn off and enter a standby state. When the
engine is started again, the displays return to
their state before the center turned off, and
then the center starts to operate normally.
EJU35024Information display
The information display shows watercraft op-
erating conditions.
EJU31503Speedometer
The speedometer shows the watercraft speed
against water.
By switching the display units, the speed can
be shown in kilometers per hour “km/h” or
miles per hour “mph”.
1“SECURITY” indicator light (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser)
2Select button
3Information display
4“L-MODE” indicator light (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser)
5“WARNING” indicator light
21345
1Tachometer
2Speedometer
3Hour meter/voltmeter
4Fuel level meter
5Check engine warning indicator
6Engine overheat warning indicator
7Oil pressure warning indicator
8Fuel level warning indicator
1234
8765
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Instrument operation
36
cator light blink, and the buzzer sounds inter-
mittently.
If the fuel level warning is activated, refill the
fuel tank as soon as possible. (See page 44
for information on filling the fuel tank.)
After the fuel tank is refilled, the warning sig-
nals will be cleared when the engine is restart-
ed.
TIP:
Push the select button on the multifunction in-
formation center to stop the buzzer.
EJU31626Oil pressure warning
If the oil pressure drops significantly, the oil
pressure warning indicator and the “WARN-
ING” indicator light blink, and the buzzer
sounds intermittently. At the same time, the
maximum engine speed is limited.
If the oil pressure warning is activated, imme-
diately reduce the engine speed, return to
shore, and then check the engine oil level.(See page 45 for information on checking the
engine oil level.) If the oil level is sufficient,
have a Yamaha dealer check the watercraft.
TIP:
Push the select button on the multifunction in-
formation center to stop the buzzer.
EJU31609Engine overheat warning
If the engine temperature rises significantly,
the engine overheat warning indicator and the
“WARNING” indicator light blink, and the
buzzer sounds intermittently. Then, the en-
gine overheat warning indicator and the
“WARNING” indicator light stop blinking and
remain on, and the buzzer sounds continu-
ously. At the same time, the maximum engine
speed is limited.
If the engine overheat warning is activated,
immediately reduce the engine speed, return
to shore, and then make sure that water is be-
ing discharged from the cooling water pilot
outlet while the engine is running. If there is no
discharge of water, stop the engine, and then
check the jet intake for clogging. (See page
84 for information on the jet intake.) NOTICE:
If you cannot locate and correct the cause
of the overheating, consult a Yamaha deal-
er. Continuing to operate at higher speeds
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Instrument operation
37
could result in severe engine damage.
[ECJ00041]
TIP:
Push the select button on the multifunction in-
formation center to stop the buzzer.
EJU31634Check engine warning
If a sensor malfunction or a short circuit is de-
tected, the check engine warning indicator
and the “WARNING” indicator light blink, and
the buzzer sounds intermittently.
If the check engine warning is activated, im-
mediately reduce the engine speed, return to
shore, and have a Yamaha dealer check the
engine.
TIP:
Push the select button on the multifunction in-
formation center to stop the buzzer.
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Operation and handling requirements
44
EJU31822
Fuel requirements EJU37165Fuel
WARNING
EWJ00282

Gasoline and gasoline vapors are ex-
tremely flammable. To avoid fires and
explosions and to reduce the risk of in-
jury when refueling, follow these in-
structions.

Gasoline is poisonous and can cause in-
jury or death. Handle gasoline with care.
Never siphon gasoline by mouth. If you
should swallow some gasoline, inhale a
lot of gasoline vapor, or get some gaso-
line in your eyes, see your doctor imme-
diately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gasoline
spills on your clothing, change your
clothes.
NOTICE
ECJ00321

Do not use leaded gasoline. Leaded gas-
oline can seriously damage the engine.

Avoid getting water and contaminants in
the fuel tank. Contaminated fuel can
cause poor performance and engine
damage. Use only fresh gasoline that
has been stored in clean containers.
Gasohol
There are two types of gasohol: gasohol con-
taining ethanol and that containing methanol.
Gasohol containing ethanol can be used if
ethanol content does not exceed 10% and thefuel meets the minimum octane ratings. E-85
is a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol and
therefore must not be used in this watercraft.
All ethanol blends containing more than 10%
ethanol can cause fuel system damage or en-
gine performance problems.
Yamaha does not recommend gasohol con-
taining methanol because it can cause fuel
system damage and engine performance
problems.
To fill the fuel tank:
(1) Before refueling, stop the engine. Do not
stand or sit on the watercraft. Never refu-
el while smoking, or while in the vicinity of
sparks, open flames, or other sources of
ignition.
(2) Place the watercraft in a well-ventilated
area and in a horizontal position.
(3) Remove the seat, and then check the fuel
level. (See page 38 for seat removal and
installation procedures.)
(4) Loosen the fuel filler cap and remove it.
(5) Slowly add fuel to the fuel tank. Recommended fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a
minimum octane rating of
86
(Pump octane number) = (R + M)/2
90 (Research octane number)
1Fuel filler cap
1
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Operation and handling requirements
45
(6) Stop filling when the fuel level reaches
approximately 50 mm (2 in) from the top
of the fuel tank. Do not overfill the fuel
tank. Because fuel expands when it heats
up, heat from the engine or the sun can
cause fuel to spill out of the fuel tank. Do
not leave the watercraft with a full tank in
direct sunlight.
(7) Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately with
a dry cloth.
(8) Securely install the fuel filler cap by tight-
ening it until it clicks.
(9) Securely install the seat in its original po-
sition.
EJU40290
Engine oil requirements EJU41542Engine oil
NOTICE
ECJ00281
Use only 4-stroke engine oil. Usage of 2-
stroke engine oil could result in severe en-
gine damage.
Checking the engine oil level
WARNING
EWJ00340
Engine oil is extremely hot immediately af-
ter the engine is turned off. Coming in con-
tact with or getting any engine oil on your
clothes could result in burns.
NOTICE
ECJ00391

Do not run the engine with too much or
not enough oil in the oil tank, otherwise
the engine could be damaged.

Make sure that debris and water do not
enter the oil tank filler hole. Debris and
water in the engine oil can cause serious
engine damage.
TIP:

When checking the engine oil level on land,
the engine must be running while water is
being supplied to the cooling water passag-
es. (See “Flushing the cooling water pas-
seges” on page 71 for information on
supplying water.)

When checking the engine oil level on wa-
ter, moor the watercraft so that it will not drift
away. Fuel tank capacity:
60 L (15.9 US gal, 13.2 Imp.gal)
1Approximately 50 mm (2 in) from top of the
fuel tank
1
Recommended engine oil type:
SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-
50
Recommended engine oil grade:
API SE,SF,SG,SH,SJ,SL
UF2N72E0.book Page 45 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Operation and handling requirements
46
To check the engine oil level:
(1) With the engine stopped, place the water-
craft in a precisely level position on land
or launch the watercraft.
(2) Look in all directions, and then start the
engine. (See page 60 for information on
starting the engine.)
(3) Run the engine at idling speed for 6 min-
utes or more. Run the engine an addition-
al 5 minutes if the ambient temperature is
20 °C (68 °F) or less.
(4) Stop the engine.
(5) Remove the seat. (See page 38 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(6) Loosen the oil tank filler cap and remove
it, and then wipe the attached dipstick
clean.
(7) Screw the oil tank filler cap into the filler
hole until it stops. Remove the oil tank fill-
er cap again and make sure that the en-gine oil level is between the minimum and
maximum level marks.
(8) If the engine oil level is significantly above
the maximum level mark, consult a
Yamaha dealer. If the engine oil level is
below the minimum level mark, slowly
add engine oil.
(9) Repeat steps 6–8 until the engine oil is at
the proper level.
(10) Securely install the oil tank filler cap and
turn it until it stops.
(11) Securely install the seat in its original po-
sition.
1Oil tank filler cap/Dipstick
1
1Dipstick
2Maximum level mark
3Minimum level mark
213
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First-time operation
49
EJU32785
Engine break-in
NOTICE
ECJ00431
Failure to perform the engine break-in
could result in reduced engine life or even
severe engine damage.
The engine break-in is essential to allow the
various components of the engine to wear
and polish themselves to the correct operat-
ing clearances. This ensures proper perfor-
mance and promotes longer component life.
To perform the engine break-in:
(1) Check the engine oil level. (See page 45
for information on checking the engine oil
level.)
(2) Launch the watercraft and start the en-
gine. (See page 60 for information on
starting the engine.)
(3) For the first 5 minutes, operate with the
engine at idling speed.
(4) For the next 30 minutes, operate with the
engine speed below 5000 r/min.
(5) For the next 1 hour, operate with the en-
gine speed below 6500 r/min.
After the engine break-in is complete, the wa-
tercraft can be operated normally.
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