2001 YAMAHA XL 1200 check engine

3-13
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EJU00452a
Switches
Check the start switch 1, the engine stop
switch 2, and the engine shut-off switch 3
for proper operation.
To check these switches place the water-
craft in the water to provide adequate cooling.
Start the engine, and then pull the engine
shut-off cord 5 to remove the clip 4 from the
engine shut-off switch. Verify that the engine
stops immediately. (See pages 3-16 to 3-19
for information on proper operation of the
start switch, the engine stop switch and the
engine shut-off switch.)
EJU00453
Cooling water pilot outlet
Check that water comes out from the out-
let while the engine is running and the
watercraft is in the water.
EJU00454
Multifunction meter
Check the operation of the multifunction
meter. (See pages 2-20 to 2-29 for operation
of the meter.)

3-17
E
2. Turn the fuel cock knob to the “ON” posi-
tion.
NOTE:
Before first starting the engine, remove the
fuel tank filler cap to release any built-up
pressure in the tank due to fuel expansion.
3. Attach the clip 1 to the engine shut-off
switch 2. Also, attach the engine shut-
off cord 3 to your left wrist.
WARNING
Check that the engine shut-off cord is not
frayed or broken, and keep it free from
the handlebars so the engine stops if the
operator falls off. The engine shut-off
cord may not pull free if wrapped around
the handlebars when the operator falls
off, allowing the watercraft to continue to
run and cause an accident.
NOTE:
It is not possible to start the engine with the
clip removed from the engine shut-off
switch.
4. Pull and hold the choke knob all the way
out to start a cold engine.
NOTE:
The choke should not be used when the
engine is warm.

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EJU00674
Operating your watercraft
Getting to know your
watercraft
Operating your watercraft requires skills
acquired through practice over a period of
time. Take the time to learn the basic tech-
niques well before attempting more difficult
maneuvers.
Operating your new watercraft can be a
very enjoyable activity, providing you with
hours of pleasure. However, it is essential to
familiarize yourself with the operation of the
watercraft to achieve the skill level neces-
sary to enjoy riding safely. Before operating
this watercraft, read this Owner’s/Operator’s
Manual, the Riding Practice Guide, and all
warning and caution labels on the water-
craft. Pay particular attention to the safety
information on pages 1-8 to 1-15. These
materials should give you an understanding
of the watercraft and its operation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator and up to 2 passengers.
Never exceed the maximum load limit or
allow more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a
water-skier is being pulled) to ride the water-
craft at one time.
EJU00474
Learning to operate your
watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always
perform the pre-operation checks listed on
page 3-5. The short time spent checking the
watercraft will reward you with added safety
and reliability.
Check state and local laws before operat-
ing your watercraft.
Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
objects, and other watercraft. Select a wide
area to learn in, where you have good visi-
bility and light boat traffic.
Use the buddy system—operate with
someone nearby. Scan constantly for peo-
ple, objects, and other watercraft. Be alert
for conditions that limit your visibility or block
your vision of others.
Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your wrist and keep it free from the han-
dlebars so that the engine stops if the opera-
tor falls off.
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD).
All riders must wear the authority-approved
PFD that is suitable for personal watercraft
use. Maximum load: 240 kg (530 lb)
Load is the total weight of cargo, opera-
tor and passengers.

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EJU00737a
Boarding with passengers
WARNING
Severe internal injuries can occur if
water is forced into body cavities as a
result of being near the jet thrust nozzle.
Do not apply throttle until each passen-
ger is seated with his or her feet on the
floor of the footwell and is holding on to
the person in front of him or her.
1. Climb on board as noted in the previous
section, and sit astride the seat. Attach
the engine shut-off cord to your wrist,
and then install the clip to the engine
shut-off switch.
2. Have the passenger move to the rear of
the watercraft.
3. Have the passenger get on board and sit
on the seat. If a second passenger is
getting on, have him or her follow the
same procedure.
NOTE:
When a passenger is getting on board, both
he and the operator should try to balance
the watercraft.
4. The operator should check to see that
the passengers have their feet on the
floor of the footwell and that they are
securely holding on to the person in front
of them.
5. Start the engine, look in all directions,
and then accelerate to planing speed.
WARNING
Before starting off, make sure that there
are no boats, obstructions, or swimmers
around you.

3-33
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EJU00691a
Post-operation checks
Always perform the following post-opera-
tion checks after operating the watercraft.
1. Remove the watercraft from the water.
2. Wash down the hull, handlebars, and jet
unit with fresh water.
3. Remove the seat and check the engine
compartment for water. To drain excess
water, remove the stern drain plugs, then
raise the bow of the watercraft enough to
allow water in the bilge to drain out.
NOTE:
This watercraft is equipped with an auto-
matic bilge-draining system that removes
water from the engine compartment while
you are underway. However, some residual
water will remain.
4. Put the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.
5. Flush the cooling system to prevent it
from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt.
(See page 4-1 for flushing the cooling
system procedures.)
6. Drain residual water from the exhaust
system by alternately squeezing and
releasing the throttle lever for 10 to
15 seconds while the engine is running.
CAUTION:
Do not attempt to run the engine at full
throttle or for more than 15 seconds
while the watercraft is out of the water,
otherwise the engine may overheat or
seize.

5-1
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EJU00595
Troubleshooting
If you have any trouble with your watercraft, use this section to check for the possible
cause.
If you cannot find the cause, or if the procedure for replacement or repair is not described
in this Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, have a Yamaha dealer perform the necessary service.
EJU00596a
Troubleshooting chart
TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY PAGE
Engine does not
startStarter motor does not turn over
Multifunction
meter“LOCK” mode selected Select “START” mode
2-22
Engine shut-
off switchClip not in place Install clip
2-10
Fuse Burned out Replace the fuse and
check wiring4-22
Battery Run down Recharge 4-20
Poor terminal connec-
tionsTighten as required
4-20
Terminal corroded Clean 4-4
Starter motor Faulty Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Starter motor turns over
Fuel cock Turned to “OFF” Turn the fuel cock to
“ON”2-9
Fuel Empty Refill as soon as possi-
ble3-3
Stale or contaminated Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer4-10
Fuel tank Water or dirt present Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer4-10
Spark plug Fouled or defective Clean or replace 4-14
Spark plug cap Not connected or loose Connect properly 4-14
Crankcase Filled with water Crank engine with plug
out until clean5-8
Fuel filter Clogged or water
pooledHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer4-10
Choke Knob moves back on
its ownTighten the choke knob
adjusting nut4-18
Water
temperature
sensorFailed Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer —

5-4
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EJU00597
Emergency procedures
EJU00598
Cleaning the jet intake and
impeller
If weeds or debris get caught in the intake
or impeller, cavitation can occur, causing jet
thrust to decrease even though engine
speed rises. If this condition is allowed to
continue, the engine will overheat and may
seize. If there is any sign that the jet intake
or impeller is clogged with weeds or debris,
beach the watercraft and check the intake
and impeller. Always stop the engine before
beaching the watercraft.
WARNING
Before attempting to remove weeds or
debris from the jet intake or impeller
areas, shut the engine off and remove
the clip from the engine shut-off switch.
Severe injury or death could result from
contact with the rotating parts of the jet
pump.
1. Turn the watercraft on its side as shown.
CAUTION:
●Place a suitable clean cloth or carpet-
ing underneath the watercraft to pro-
tect it from abrasions and scratches.
●Always turn the watercraft over onto
its port (left) side.
●When turning the watercraft on its
side, support the bow so the handle-
bars cannot be bent or damaged.

6-2
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L
Label location .......................................... 1-2
Launching the watercraft ....................... 3-16
Learning to operate your watercraft ...... 3-20
Leaving the watercraft ........................... 3-19
Limitations on who may operate the
watercraft ................................................ 1-8
Location of main components ................. 2-1
Lubrication............................................... 4-3
Lubrication points .................................. 4-15
M
Maintenance and adjustments ................ 4-6
Multifunction meter ....................... 2-20, 3-13
O
Oil filter .................................................. 4-11
Oil tank .................................................. 4-11
Oil tank filler cap...................................... 2-8
Oil warning indicator.............................. 2-28
Operating your watercraft...................... 3-20
Operation .............................................. 3-14
Operation of controls and other
functions .................................................. 2-5
Operation requirements ........................ 1-10
Other labels ............................................. 1-7
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual and tool
kit............................................................. 4-7
P
PADLOC initial setting........................... 2-21
PADLOC (Programmable digital locking
ignition).................................................. 2-21
Periodic maintenance chart..................... 4-8
Post-operation checks........................... 3-33
Pre-operation check list........................... 3-5
Pre-operation check points ..................... 3-6
Pre-operation checks .............................. 3-5
Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number ... 1-1
Q
Quick Shift Trim System (QSTS)
selector.................................................. 2-15
R
Rear seat................................................. 2-5
Replacing the fuse ................................ 4-22
Reverse on waterways .......................... 3-32Riding watercraft with passengers ........ 3-21
Rough water operation .......................... 3-32
S
Safe boating rules ................................. 1-15
Safety information ................................... 1-8
Seat storage compartment .................... 2-31
Selecting “PADLOC” mode ................... 2-22
Shift lever .............................................. 2-14
Shift lever and reverse gate.................. 3-11
Specifications ........................................ 4-23
Speedometer......................................... 2-24
Starting and boarding in shallow
water ..................................................... 3-23
Starting from a dock .............................. 3-23
Starting the engine ................................ 3-16
Starting the watercraft ........................... 3-22
Start switch............................................ 2-11
Steering system ...........................2-12, 3-10
Stopping the engine .............................. 3-19
Stopping the watercraft ......................... 3-30
Storage.................................................... 4-1
Storage compartments .......................... 2-30
Submerged watercraft ............................. 5-8
Switches ................................................ 3-13
T
Tachometer ........................................... 2-23
Throttle .................................................. 3-10
Throttle lever ......................................... 2-11
Tilt lever ................................................. 2-13
Towing the watercraft .............................. 5-7
Transporting .......................................... 3-35
Tripmeter ............................................... 2-27
Trip timer ............................................... 2-26
Troubleshooting ...................................... 5-1
Troubleshooting chart ............................. 5-1
Turning the watercraft ........................... 3-28
W
Warning labels ........................................ 1-3
Watercraft characteristics ...................... 1-13
Water separator ...................................... 3-7
Water-skiing .......................................... 1-14