2003 YAMAHA BIG BEAR PRO 400 brake

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.
EE.book Page 29 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

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 ~ 8-73
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,
8-79 ~ 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
EE.book Page 1 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

5-5
EBU00882
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.
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 the
ATV inspected by a Yamaha dealer. (See pages
8-63 ~ 8-73.)
Brake fluid level (Front brake)
Check the brake fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.
(See pages 8-57 ~ 8-61.)
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
EE.book Page 5 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

5-7
Brake fluid leakage
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
hose, joint or master cylinder 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, inspect
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 the ATV inspected by a Yamaha dealer. _
EE.book Page 7 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

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.
EBU00803
Lights
Check the headlight and tail/brake light to make
sure they are in working condition. Repair as nec-
essary for proper operation.
EBU00912
Switches
Check the operation of the light switch, engine
stop switch and any other switches. Repair as nec-
essary for proper operation.
EE.book Page 19 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

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.
EE.book Page 3 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

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.
EE.book Page 5 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

6-13 a. High b. Low c. Reverse
a. H (grande) b. L (petite)c. R (marche arrière)
a. H (alta) b. L (baja) c. R (marcha atrás)
Shifting: Low – ReverseNOTE:_

The select lever cannot be shifted into reverse
from low without applying the rear brake ped-
al.


Shifting into reverse can be done with the
transmission in any gear.
_1. Bring the machine to a complete stop and re-
turn the throttle lever to the closed position.
2. Apply the rear brake pedal.
3. Shift from low to reverse and vice versa by
moving the drive select lever along the shift
guide.NOTE:_ When in reverse, the reverse indicator light should
be on. If the light does not come on, ask a Yamaha
dealer to inspect the machine. _4. Check behind for people or obstacles, then
release the rear brake pedal.
EE.book Page 13 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM