coolant level YAMAHA YZF-R6 2003 Owners Manual

4-1
4
EAU01114
4-PRE-OPERATION CHECKSThe condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.
EAU03439
Pre-operation check list
CO-01E
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.3-17–3-18
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-9–6-10
CoolantCheck coolant level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
Check cooling system for leakage.6-13–6-15
Front brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-30–6-32
Rear brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-29–6-32
ClutchCheck operation.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary.6-27–6-28
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5-1
5
EAU00372
5-OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU00373
WARNING
@

Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer re-
garding any control or function
that you do not thoroughly un-
derstand.


Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate
ventilation.


Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is up. If the
sidestand is not raised com-
pletely, it could contact the
ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible loss
of control.
@
EAU04953
Starting the engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:

The transmission is in the neutral
position.


The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the
sidestand up.
EW000054
WARNING
_

Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-29.


Never ride with the sidestand
down.
_1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “”.
ECA00147
CAUTION:_ The following warning lights and in-
dicator light should come on for a
few seconds, then go off.

Oil level warning light


Fuel level warning light


Coolant temperature warning
light


Shift timing indicator light


Engine trouble warning light


Immobilizer system indicator
light
If a warning or indicator light does
not go off, see pages 3-4–3-7 for the
corresponding warning and indica-
tor light circuit check.
_2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.NOTE:_ When the transmission is in the neutral
position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit. _
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6
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
Owner’s tool kit .................................................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart ......... 6-2
Removing and installing cowlings and panels ..... 6-5
Checking the spark plugs .................................... 6-8
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge .......................... 6-9
Coolant .............................................................. 6-13
Checking the air filter element ........................... 6-19
Air intake duct .................................................... 6-22
Adjusting the engine idling speed ...................... 6-23
Adjusting the throttle cable free play .................. 6-23
Adjusting the valve clearance ............................ 6-24
Tires ................................................................... 6-24
Cast wheels ....................................................... 6-27
Adjusting the clutch lever free play .................... 6-27
Adjusting the brake pedal position ..................... 6-29
Adjusting the rear brake light switch .................. 6-29
Checking the front and rear brake pads ............. 6-30
Checking the brake fluid level ............................ 6-31
Changing the brake fluid .................................... 6-32
Drive chain slack ................................................ 6-32
Lubricating the drive chain ................................. 6-33
Checking and lubricating the cables .................. 6-34Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and
cable ............................................................... 6-34
Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers .................................................... 6-35
Checking and lubricating the brake and
shift pedals ...................................................... 6-35
Checking and lubricating the sidestand ............ 6-36
Checking the front fork ...................................... 6-37
Checking the steering ....................................... 6-37
Checking the wheel bearings ............................ 6-38
Battery ............................................................... 6-38
Replacing the fuses .......................................... 6-40
Replacing a headlight bulb ................................ 6-41
Replacing an auxiliary light bulb ....................... 6-43
Tail/brake light ................................................... 6-44
Replacing a turn signal light bulb ...................... 6-44
Replacing the license plate light bulb ................ 6-45
Supporting the motorcycle ................................ 6-45
Front wheel ....................................................... 6-46
Rear wheel ........................................................ 6-49
Troubleshooting ................................................. 6-51
Troubleshooting charts ...................................... 6-52
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-4
6
EAU03884
NOTE:_

The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.


Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and change the brake
fluid.
Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
_24
*Cooling systemCheck coolant level and vehicle for coolant leakage.√√√√ √
Change. Every 3 years
25*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation.√√√√√ √
26 Moving parts and cablesLubricate.√√√√ √
27*Throttle grip housing
and cableCheck operation and free play.
Adjust the throttle cable free play if necessary.
Lubricate the throttle grip housing and cable.√√√√ √
28*Air induction systemCheck the air cut-off valve, reed valve, and hose for
damage.
Replace any damaged parts if necessary.√√√√ √
29*Muffler and exhaust pipeCheck the screw clamp for looseness.√√√√√
30*Lights, signals and
switchesCheck operation.
Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√ √ NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (×1,000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-13
6
ECA00133
CAUTION:_

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
higher 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.
_13. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking,
immediately turn the engine off
and check for the cause.NOTE:_ After the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient. _
EC000067
CAUTION:_ If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on, immediately turn the
engine off and have a Yamaha deal-
er check the vehicle. _14. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
EAU04945
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.
To check the coolant level
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
surface and hold it in an upright
position.NOTE:_

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


Make sure that the motorcycle is
positioned straight up when
checking the coolant level. A slight
tilt to the side can result in a false
reading.
_
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-14
6 2. Check the coolant level in the
coolant reservoir.
NOTE:_ 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 cover by remov-
ing the bolts, remove the reservoir
cap, and then add coolant to the
maximum level mark.
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level markLeft side
1. Coolant reservoir cover
2. Bolt (× 2)Coolant reservoir capacity
(up to the maximum level mark):
0.25 L
1. Coolant reservoir cap
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-15
6
EC000080
CAUTION:_

If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or 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 engine may not be
sufficiently cooled and the cool-
ing system will not be protected
against frost and corrosion.


If water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be reduced.
_
EW000067
WARNING
_ Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap when the engine is hot. _4. Install the reservoir cap, and then
install the coolant reservoir cover
by installing the bolts.NOTE:_

The radiator fan is automatically
switched on or off according to the
coolant temperature in the radia-
tor.


If the engine overheats, see page
6-53 for further instructions.
_
EAU04970
To change the coolant
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
surface and let the engine cool if
necessary.
2. Remove panel A and cowling A.
(See pages 6-5–6-8 for panel and
cowling removal and installation
procedures.)
3. Place a container under the en-
gine to collect the used coolant.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-18
6 16. Install the coolant drain bolt, and
then tighten it to the specified
torque.
NOTE:_ Check the washer for damage and re-
place it if necessary. _17. Pour the recommended coolant
into the reservoir to the maximum
level mark, and then install the
coolant reservoir cap.
18. Install the coolant reservoir cover
by installing the bolts.
19. Insert the fuel hoses into the guide
and place them in their original po-
sition.20. Install cowling B.
21. Pour the recommended coolant
into the radiator until it is full.
EC000080
CAUTION:_

If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or 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 engine may not be
sufficiently cooled and the cool-
ing system will not be protected
against frost and corrosion.


If water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be reduced.
_
Tightening torque:
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf)
Antifreeze/water mixture ratio:
1:1
Recommended antifreeze:
High-quality ethylene glycol
antifreeze containing corrosion
inhibitors for aluminum engines
Coolant quantity:
Total amount:
2.15 L
Coolant reservoir capacity
(up to the maximum level mark):
0.25 L
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-19
622. Install the radiator cap, start the
engine, let it idle for several min-
utes, and then turn it off.
23. Remove the radiator cap to check
the coolant level in the radiator. If
necessary, add sufficient coolant
until it reaches the top of the radia-
tor, and then install the radiator
cap.
24. Start the engine, and then check
the vehicle for coolant leakage. If
coolant is leaking, have a Yamaha
dealer check the cooling system.
25. Connect the air intake duct, and
then tighten the clamp screw.
26. Install the panel and the cowling.
EAU04946*
Checking the air filter element The air filter element should be
checked at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Check the air filter element more
frequently if you are riding in unusually
wet or dusty areas.
1. Remove the rider seat. (See page
3-19 for rider seat removal and in-
stallation procedures.)
2. Remove the fuel tank bolts and
slightly lift the fuel tank.
1. Bolt (× 2)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-53
6Engine overheating
EW000070
WARNING
@

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.


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.
@aNOTE:@ 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.
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