warning YAMAHA WOLVERINE 2018 Owner's Guide

6-1
6
EBU31872
OPERATION
EBU31880Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to be-
come familiar with all controls. If there is a
control or function you do not understand,
ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWB03290Failure to familiarize yourself with the con-
trols can lead to loss of control, which
could cause an accident or injury. EBU31890Engine break-inThere is never a more important period in the
life of your vehicle than the period between 0
and 20 hours.
For this reason, we ask that you read the fol-
lowing material carefully. Because the engine
is brand new, you must not put an excessive
load on it for the first several hours of opera-
tion. During the first 20 hours, the variousparts in the engine wear and polish them-
selves to achieve the correct operating clear-
ances.
During this period, prolonged full-throttle op-
eration or any condition that might result in
excessive engine heating must be avoided.
However, momentary (2–3 seconds maxi-
mum) full-throttle operation under load does
not harm the engine.
Each full-throttle acceleration sequence
should be followed with a substantial rest pe-
riod for the engine, by cruising at lower r/min
so the engine can rid itself of the temporary
build-up of heat. If any abnormality is noticed
during this period, consult a Yamaha dealer.
0–10 hours:
Avoid continuous operation above 1/2-throt-
tle. Allow a cooling-off period of 5 to 10 minu-
tes after every hour of operation. Vary the
speed of the vehicle from time to time. Do not
operate it at one set throttle position.UB3D7AE0.book Page 1 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 9:38 AM

6-2
6
10–20 hours:
Avoid prolonged operation above three-quar-
ter throttle.
After break-in:
The vehicle may now be operated normally.EBU33081Starting the engine1. Turn the key to “ ” (on).NOTICEECB02291The coolant temperature warning light and
engine trouble warning light should come
on, then go off.
The EPS warning light should come on,
then go off when the engine is started.
To avoid possible damage, do not operate
the vehicle if a warning light does not work
as described above. 2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift the drive select lever into the neutralposition. 
When the drive select lever is in the
neutral position, the neutral indicator
light should come on. If the neutral indi-
cator light does not come on, ask a
Yamaha dealer to inspect the electric
circuit.
 The engine can be started in any gear if
the brake pedal is applied. However, it
is recommended to shift into neutral
before starting the engine.
4. With your foot off the accelerator pedal,
start the engine by turning the key to “ ”
(start).
If the engine fails to start, release the key, and
then try starting it again. Wait a few seconds
before the next attempt. Each attempt should
be as short as possible, to preserve battery
energy. NOTICE: Do not crank the engine
more than 5 seconds on each attempt, or
starter damage could occur. Wait at least
5 seconds between each operation of the
electric starter to let it cool.
[ECB02140]
UB3D7AE0.book Page 2 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 9:38 AM

6-4
6
Shifting: neutral to reverse
WARNING
EWB03300Before you shift into reverse, make sure
there are no obstacles or people behind
you. When it is safe to proceed, go slowly.
Hitting an obstacle or person could result
in serious injury or death. 1. Stop the vehicle, take your foot off the ac- celerator pedal, and check behind you.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift from neutral to reverse by moving the drive select lever along the shift gui-
de.
When in reverse, the reverse indicator
light should be on. If the light does not
come on, ask a Yamaha dealer to in-
spect the reverse indicator light electri-
cal circuit.
 Due to the synchronizing mechanism in
the engine, the light may not come on
until the vehicle starts moving. 4. Release the parking brake, if applied.
5. Check behind the vehicle for people or
obstacles, and then release the brake
pedal.
6. Press the accelerator pedal gradually and
continue to watch to the rear while back-
ing.
1. Drive select lever
2. L (Low-range)
3. H (High-range)
4. N (Neutral)
5. R (Reverse)
1
2
5 4
3
UB3D7AE0.book Page 4 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 9:38 AM

6-7
6
EBU31930ParkingWhen parking, stop the engine and shift the
drive select lever into the neutral position. Ap-
ply the parking brake to help prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling. See page 7-16 for more
information on parking and parking on a
slope.EBU31941LoadingTake extra precautions when driving with a
load or trailer. Follow these instructions and
always use common sense and good judg-
ment when carrying cargo or towing a trailer.
Prepare your load or trailer
Use the hooks equipped on the cargo bed to
tie down loads. (See page 4-20.)
Choose a trailer hitch drawbar designed for
use with a 2" (5 cm) receiver. (See page 4-32.)
WARNING
EWB04260Improper loading or towing can increase
the risk of loss of control, an overturn, or
other accident:
Keep weight in the cargo bed centered
side to side, and as low and as far for-
ward as possible. Top-heavy loads in-
crease the risk of overturn. Be sure
cargo is secured — a loose load could
change handling unexpectedly or strike
occupants.
 Be sure to tie down cargo in the trailer
securely — a shifting load can cause an
accident.
 Make sure the load does not interfere
with your control or ability to see where
you are going.
 Do not exceed the Maximum Load Limits
for each section of the vehicle or the
Maximum Vehicle Load.
UB3D7AE0.book Page 7 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 9:38 AM

6-8
6
TIPYou can measure tongue weight with a bath-
room scale. Put the tongue of the loaded trail-
er on the scale with the tongue at hitch height.
Adjust the load in the trailer, if necessary, to
reduce the weight on hitch. If you are carrying
cargo and towing a trailer, include the tongue
weight in the maximum vehicle load limit.
Operating when loaded with cargo or tow-
ing a trailer
Drive more slowly than you would without a
load. The more weight you carry, the slower
you should go. Although conditions vary, it is
good practice to keep the vehicle in low gear
whenever you are carrying heavier loads or
when towing a trailer.
WARNING
EWB03320Carrying loads or towing a trailer can in-
crease the risk of loss of control, an over-
turn, or other accident. To reduce the risk
of an accident:
Reduce speed, operate in low gear only,
and allow more room to stop. A heavier
vehicle takes longer to stop.
 Avoid hills and rough terrain. Choose
terrain carefully. Use extreme caution
when towing or carrying a load on in-
clines.
 Turn gradually and go slowly.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Cargo bed:136.0 kg (300 lb)
Pulling load (gross trailer weight): 6664 N (680 kgf, 1500 lbf)
Tongue weight (vertical load on hitch): 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf)
Vehicle maximum load (all occupants, ac-
cessories, cargo, and tongue weight): 327.0 kg (721 lb)
UB3D7AE0.book Page 8 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 9:38 AM

6-9
6
Pulling something other than a trailer
Yamaha recommends that loads be trans-
ported in the bed or in a trailer. If you need to
move an object a short distance use a winch
and follow the winch manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
If you choose to use something other than a
winch use extreme caution, follow the manu-
facturer’s instructions for that product, and
only attach to the hitch or hitch bracket of the
Wolverine. WARNING! Improperly pulling
can cause serious injury or death. Never
exceed the pulling load limit of the
Wolverine. Avoid pulling on inclines.
[EWB03330]
Pulling objects on the ground can be more
hazardous than pulling a trailer. It may be dif-
ficult to predict how the load will affect vehicle
operation. That effect could also change de-
pending upon terrain or what obstacles might
be in the object’s path.UB3D7AE0.book Page 9 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 9:38 AM

7-1
7
EBU31950
BASIC GUIDE FOR SAFE USE
EBU31961As a Wolverine owner you are responsible for
the safe and proper operation of this vehicle.
Read this chapter and review the safety in-
structions in Chapter 2 before operating the
vehicle. Use these chapters and the labels on
the vehicle to instruct new operators and pas-
sengers. Do not allow anyone else to operate
the vehicle or ride as a passenger if you are
unsure that he/she is willing and able to follow
these instructions.
WARNING
EWB03340Follow these instructions to reduce your
risk of an accident and to reduce the risk
of serious injury or death in the event of an
accident.
EBU33512KNOW YOUR VEHICLEThis off-road vehicle will handle and maneu-
ver differently from cars, ATVs, go-carts, golf-
cars and grounds-keeping vehicles. The
Wolverine has higher ground clearance and other features to handle rugged terrain, and,
as a result, can overturn in situations where
some vehicles may not. This would include
vehicles made primarily for pavement, roads,
improved paths, or grounds-keeping. If you
do not use care in maneuvering the
Wolverine, you can cause it to roll over even on flat, open areas.
Doing things with a Wolverine that some peo-
ple do for thrills in other vehicles [such as
sideways sliding, skidding, fishtailing (rear-
wheel sliding), or donuts] have led to side roll-
overs. These rollovers can result in crushed
limbs and other serious injuries or death to
drivers or passengers.
UB3D7AE0.book Page 1 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 9:38 AM

7-3
7
biles, to promote safe driving behaviors, you
should supervise younger drivers and consid-
er setting rules and putting limits on how,
when, and where the Wolverine can be used.
Passenger requirements
This vehicle is designed for the operator and
one passenger. Allowing passengers to ride
improperly can lead to serious injury or death.
As the operator, you are responsible for your
passenger.
Your passenger must be able to place both
feet on the floorboard while seated upright
with his/her back against the backrest.
 Your passenger must be able to reach and
hold the passenger handhold.
 Allow only one passenger in the vehicle and
only in the designated passenger seat. Do
not carry any other passengers. Do not car-
ry passengers in the cargo bed.
 Do not allow someone to ride as a passen-
ger who has been using drugs or alcohol. 
Do not allow children who need child safety
seats or booster seats in the Wolverine. The
seat belt is not designed to restrain auto-
motive child safety seats.
Occupant protection system
WARNING
EWB03350Do not make changes to the occupant pro-
tection system. If you install aftermarket
products or have your vehicle modified,
you may put yourself and others at greater
risk of serious injury or death. You are re-
sponsible for any such changes to the ve-
hicle.
UB3D7AE0.book Page 3 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 9:38 AM

8-1
8
EBU32005PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTEBU32010Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lubrica-
tion will keep your vehicle in the safest and
most efficient condition possible. Safety is an
obligation of the vehicle owner/operator. The
most important points of vehicle inspection,
adjustment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
WARNING
EWB01842Failure to properly maintain the vehicle or
performing maintenance activities incor-
rectly may increase your risk of injury or
death during service or while using the ve-
hicle. If you are not familiar with vehicle
service, have a Yamaha dealer perform the
service.
WARNING
EWB02563Turn off the engine when performing main-
tenance unless otherwise specified.
A running engine has moving parts that
can catch on body parts or clothing and
electrical parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
 Running the engine while servicing can
lead to eye injury, burns, fire, or carbon
monoxide poisoning - possibly leading
to death. See page 2-5 for more informa-
tion about carbon monoxide.
WARNING
EWB02691Brake discs, calipers, drums, and linings
can become very hot during use. To avoid
possible burns, let brake components cool
before touching them.
UB3D7AE0.book Page 1 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 9:38 AM

8-26
8
4. If the coolant is at or below the minimumlevel mark, remove the coolant reservoir
cap and add coolant to the maximum lev-
el mark.
5. Install the reservoir cap.
To change the coolant 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Remove the hood. (See page 8-10.) 3. When the engine is cool, remove the radi-
ator cap. WARNING! Never attempt to
remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
[EWB04250]
4. Place a container under the engine to col- lect the used coolant.
5. Remove the coolant drain bolt. Discard the used gasket.
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
123
1. Radiator cap
1
UB3D7AE0.book Page 26 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 9:38 AM