2003 YAMAHA BIG BEAR PRO 400 brake

4-25 1. Lock plate
1. Verrou de stationnement
1. Placa de bloqueo
EBU00075
Parking brake
Use the parking brake when you have to start the
engine or park the machine, especially on a slope.
Apply the rear brake lever and push down the lock
plate to apply the parking brake. Squeeze the rear
brake lever to release the parking brake.
WARNING


Always set the parking brake before start-
ing the engine. The ATV could start mov-
ing unexpectedly if the parking brake is not
applied. This could cause loss of control or
a collision.


Always be sure you have released the
parking brake before you begin to ride. The
brake could overheat if you ride the ATV
without releasing the parking brake. You
could lose braking performance which
could cause an accident. You could also
wear out the brakes prematurely.
U4SH6A.book Page 25 Thursday, May 30, 2002 1:25 PM

4-29 1. Recoil starter
1. Lanceur à réenroulement
1. Arranque por tracción de cable
1. Fuel tank cap
1. Bouchon de réservoir de carburant
1. Tapón del depósito de combustible
EBU00591
Recoil starter
Firmly grasp the handle and pull slightly until en-
gagement can be felt. Then pull forcefully, being
careful not to pull the rope all the way out.
WARNING
Put the transmission in neutral and set the
parking brake before starting the engine or the
ATV could start to move unexpectedly, which
could cause an accident.
EBU00092
Fuel tank cap
Remove the fuel tank cap by turning it counter-
clockwise.
U4SH6A.book Page 29 Thursday, May 30, 2002 1:25 PM

5-1
EBU00113
1-PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
Before using this machine, check the following points:
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
Front brakeCheck operation, free play, fluid level and fluid leakage.
Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.5-5–5-7,
8-55–8-75
Rear brakeCheck operation, pedal height and free play.
FuelCheck fuel level.
Fill with fuel if necessary.5-9–5-11
Engine oil/
Transfer gear oilCheck oil level.
Fill with oil if necessary.5-13–5-15,
8-13–8-25
Final gear oil/
Differential gear oilCheck for leakage. 5-17, 8-27–8-35
ThrottleCheck for proper throttle cable operation. 5-17, 8-55
Wheels and tiresCheck tire pressure, wear and damage.5-21–5-27,
8-81–8-83
Fittings and FastenersCheck all fittings and fasteners. 5-19
LightsCheck for proper operation. 5-19, 8-91–8-95
Axle bootsCheck operation. 8-35
U4SH6A.book Page 1 Thursday, May 30, 2002 1:25 PM

5-5
EBU01091
Front and rear brakes
Brake levers and brake pedal
Check for correct free play in the brake levers and
brake pedal. If the free play is incorrect, adjust it.
(See pages 8-63–8-73.)
Check operation of the levers and pedal. They
should move smoothly and there should be a firm
feeling when the brake is applied. If not, have a
Yamaha dealer inspect the brake system.
Brake fluid level (front brake)
Check the brake fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.
(See pages 8-57–8-59.)
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
U4SH6A.book Page 5 Thursday, May 30, 2002 1:25 PM

5-7
Brake fluid leakage (front brake)
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
hose, joint or brake fluid reservoir of the front
brake. Apply the brake firmly for one minute. If the
lever moves slowly inward, there may be a leak in
the brake system. If there is any leakage, the
brake system should be inspected by a Yamaha
dealer.
Brake operation
Test the brakes at slow speed after starting out to
make sure they are working properly. If the brakes
do not provide proper braking performance, in-
spect the brakes for wear. (See pages 8-55–8-57.)
WARNING
_ Always check the brakes at the start of every
ride. Do not ride the ATV if you find any prob-
lem with the brakes or you could lose braking
ability, which could lead to an accident. If a
problem cannot be corrected by the adjust-
ment procedures provided in this manual,
have a Yamaha dealer check for the cause. _
U4SH6A.book Page 7 Thursday, May 30, 2002 1:25 PM

5-19
EBU00152
Fittings and Fasteners
Always check the tightness of chassis fittings and
fasteners before a ride. Take the machine to a
Yamaha dealer or refer to the Service Manual for
correct tightening torque.
EBU01003
Lights
Check the headlights and tail/brake light to make
sure they are in working condition. Repair as nec-
essary for proper operation.
EBU01082
Switches
Check the operation of all switches. Repair as nec-
essary for proper operation.
U4SH6A.book Page 19 Thursday, May 30, 2002 1:25 PM

6-3
EBU00505
Starting a cold engine
WARNING
Always make sure all control cables work
smoothly before you begin riding in cold
weather. If the control cables are frozen or do
not work smoothly, you could be unable to
control the ATV, which could lead to an acci-
dent or collision.1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the fuel cock to “ON”.
3. Turn the main switch to “ON” and the engine
stop switch to “”.
4. Shift the transmission into neutral.
U4SH6A.book Page 3 Thursday, May 30, 2002 1:25 PM

6-5 a. Starter (choke) lever
1. Fully-open
2. Half open
3. Closed
a. Starter (enrichisseur)
1. Complètement ouvert
2. Mi-ouvert
3. Fermé
a. Palanca del estárter (estrangulador)
1. Abre completamente
2. Semiabierto
3. Cerrado
NOTE:

When the transmission is in neutral, the neu-
tral indicator light should come on. If the light
does not come on, ask a Yamaha dealer to in-
spect it.


The engine can be started with the transmis-
sion and drive select lever in any position if the
rear brake lever is applied. However, it is rec-
ommended to shift into neutral before starting
the engine.
5. Use the starter (choke) in reference to the fig-
ure:
Position
1: Cold engine start-
ambient temperature below 5°C.
Position
2: Cold engine start-
ambient temperature at 0°C–30°C
and warming up position.
Position
3: Cold engine start-
ambient temperature above 25°C
and warm engine start position.
6. Completely close the throttle lever and start
the engine by pushing the start switch.
U4SH6A.book Page 5 Thursday, May 30, 2002 1:25 PM