2001 YAMAHA VMAX check engine

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-45
6
EAU03363
Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
EW000125
WARNING
@ Keep away open flames and do not smoke while checking or working on the fuel system. @
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wet
Dry
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Open the throttle halfway and operate
the electric starter.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.The battery is good.
Check the electrolyte and battery
lead connections, and charge the
battery if necessary.The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the compressoin.
E_3lr.book Page 45 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-46
6 Engine overheating
EW000070
WARNING
@ l
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.
l
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.
@NOTE:@ 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.
E_3lr.book Page 46 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

10-INDEXAAir filter element, cleaning ...................... 6-19
Anti-theft alarm ........................................3-3BBattery ................................................... 6-33
Brake and clutch levers, checking and
lubricating ............................................ 6-30
Brake and shift pedals, checking and
lubricating ............................................ 6-29
Brake fluid, changing ............................. 6-28
Brake fluid level, checking...................... 6-27
Brake lever...............................................3-6
Brake lever free play, adjusting .............. 6-25
Brake light switch (rear), adjusting ......... 6-26
Brake pads, checking............................. 6-26
Brake pedal..............................................3-6
Brake pedal position, adjusting .............. 6-25CCables, checking and lubricating............ 6-28
Carburetors, adjusting............................ 6-20
Care.........................................................7-1
Centerstand and sidestand, checking
and lubricating ..................................... 6-30
Clutch lever ..............................................3-5
Clutch lever free play ............................. 6-24
Conversion table ......................................8-5
Coolant .................................................. 6-14
Changing .......................................... 6-15
Checking .......................................... 6-14
Coolant temperature gauge .....................3-3
Cowlings and panels, removing and
installing................................................ 6-6DDimmer switch ......................................... 3-4EEngine break-in ....................................... 5-4
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ............... 6-9
Engine stop switch................................... 3-4FFinal gear oil .......................................... 6-13
Front fork, adjusting ............................... 3-11
Front fork, checking ............................... 6-31
Fuel ......................................................... 3-8
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ......... 5-4
Fuel level warning light ............................ 3-2
Fuel reserve switch.................................. 3-5
Fuel tank cap ........................................... 3-7
Fuses, replacing .................................... 6-37HHandlebar switches ................................. 3-4
Headlight bulb, replacing ....................... 6-38
Helmet holder ........................................ 3-10
High beam indicator light ......................... 3-2
Horn switch ............................................. 3-4IIdentification numbers ............................. 9-1
Idling speed, adjusting ........................... 6-20
Ignition circuit cut-off system.................. 3-16
Indicator and warning lights ..................... 3-1
KKey identification number .........................9-1LLight switch ..............................................3-4MMain switch ..............................................3-1
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic ......6-3
Model label ..............................................9-2NNeutral indicator light ...............................3-1OOil level warning light ...............................3-2
Operation .................................................5-1PParking.....................................................5-5
Part locations ...........................................2-1
Pass switch ..............................................3-4
Pre-operation check list ............................4-1RRider seat ................................................3-9SSafety information ....................................1-1
Shifting .....................................................5-3
Shift pedal ................................................3-6
Shift points (for Switzerland only) .............5-4
Shock absorber assemblies, adjusting ...3-12
Sidestand ...............................................3-16
Spark plugs, checking ..............................6-7
Specifications ...........................................8-1
E_3lr.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

INDEX
Speedometer unit .................................... 3-2
Starter (choke) lever ................................ 3-8
Starting a cold engine .............................. 5-1
Starting a warm engine ............................ 5-3
Start switch .............................................. 3-5
Steering, checking ................................. 6-32
Steering lock............................................ 3-9
Storage.................................................... 7-4
Suspension (rear), lubricating ................ 6-31
Suspension settings, matching
front and rear....................................... 3-15TTachometer ............................................. 3-3
Throttle cable free play, adjusting .......... 6-21
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating............................................ 6-29
Tires ...................................................... 6-21
Tool kit..................................................... 6-1
Troubleshooting..................................... 6-44
Troubleshooting charts .......................... 6-45
Turn signal indicator light ......................... 3-1
Turn signal light or tail/brake light bulb,
replacing ............................................. 6-39
Turn signal switch .................................... 3-4VValve clearance, adjusting ..................... 6-21
Vehicle identification number ................... 9-1
W Wheel bearings, checking ..................... 6-33
Wheel (front) ......................................... 6-40
Installing .......................................... 6-40
Removing ........................................ 6-40
Wheel (rear) .......................................... 6-41
Installing .......................................... 6-43
Removing ........................................ 6-41
Wheels .................................................. 6-24
E_3lr.book Page 2 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM