2003 YAMAHA FX Owners Manual

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Front seat
To remove the front seat:
1. Remove the rear seat.
2. Pull the front seat latch 1 up, and then
pull the seat off.
To install the front seat:
1. Insert the projections on the front of the
seat into the stays on the deck, and then
push the rear of the seat down to lock it
in place.
2. Install the rear seat.
NOTE:@ Make sure that the seats are properly
secured before operating the watercraft.
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Hood
The hood release lever 1 is located on
the port (left) side of the watercraft.
To open the hood, pull the hood release
lever up, and then lift the hood up.
To close the hood, push the hood down to
lock it in place.
NOTE:@ Make sure that the hood is properly secured
before operating the watercraft.
EJU01012
Fuel tank filler cap
To remove the fuel tank filler cap 1, turn it
counterclockwise.
NOTE:@ Make sure that the fuel tank filler cap is
properly secured before operating the water-
craft.
EJU01015
Engine stop switch
Push this switch 1 (red button) to stop
the engine normally.
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Engine shut-off switch
Insert the clip 1, on the end of the engine
shut-off cord 2, under the engine shut-off
switch 3 (black button). The engine will stop
automatically when the clip is removed from
the switch, such as if the operator falls off
the watercraft.
WARNING@
Always attach the engine shut-off cord
to your wrist and the clip to the engine
shut-off switch BEFORE starting the
engine.

To prevent accidental starting of the
engine or unauthorized use by chil-
dren or others, always remove the clip
from the shut-off switch when the
engine is not running.
EJU01018
Throttle lever
Squeeze the throttle lever 1 to increase
engine speed.
Release the throttle lever to decrease
engine speed or to return it to the idle posi-
tion.
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Start switch
Push the start switch 1 (green button) to
start the engine.
NOTE:@ The engine will not start when the clip is
removed from the engine shut-off switch or if
the throttle lever is squeezed.
EJU01784
Cooling water pilot outlet
This watercraft is equipped with cooling
water pilot outlets.
When the engine is running, cooling
water is circulated in the engine, and then it
is discharged from the pilot outlets.
To check for proper operation of the cool-
ing system, check that water is being dis-
charged from the port (left) pilot outlet. If
water is not being discharged from this out-
let, cooling water may not be circulating in
the engine. When this occurs, stop the
engine and check for the cause. (See pages
2-19 and 5-3 for further instructions.)
NOTE:@
If the cooling water passages are dry, it
will take about 60 seconds for the water to
reach the outlet after the engine is
started.

Water discharge may not be constant at
idle, therefore, open the throttle a little to
check that water discharges properly.

Water discharge may not be constant at
the starboard (right) pilot outlet, however,
if it is constant at the port (left) pilot outlet,
the cooling system is operating normally.
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Steering system
Your watercraft can be steered by turning
the handlebars 1 in the direction you wish
to travel.
When the handlebars are turned, the
angle of the jet thrust nozzle 2 is changed
and the direction of the watercraft is
changed accordingly. Since the strength of
the jet thrust determines the speed and
degree of a turn, throttle must always be
applied when attempting a turn, except at
trolling speed.
This model has the Yamaha Engine Man-
agement System (YEMS) that includes an
Off-Throttle Steering (OTS) system. It will
activate at planing speeds should you
attempt to steer the watercraft after releas-
ing the throttle lever. The OTS system
assists in turning by continuing to supply
some thrust while the watercraft is deceler-
ating, but you can turn more sharply if you
apply throttle while turning the handlebars.
The OTS system does not function below
planing speeds or when the engine is off.
Once the engine slows down, the watercraft
will no longer turn in response to handlebar
input until you apply throttle again or you
reach trolling speed.
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Tilt lever
The tilt lever 1 is located in front of the
glove compartment and is used to adjust the
tilt of the handlebars.
To adjust the tilt, pull the tilt lever up, and
then move the handlebars up or down to the
desired position.
WARNING@
Never touch the tilt lever during opera-
tion, otherwise the handlebars may
suddenly change position, which may
lead to an accident.

Be sure to fasten the tilt lever properly
after adjusting the handlebar position.
If the handlebars are not properly fas-
tened, they may suddenly change
position, which may lead to an acci-
dent.
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Shift lever
The shift lever is located on the starboard
(right) side of the watercraft and is used to
control the reverse gate, which allows the
watercraft to move into reverse or forward.
When in the reverse position, the water-
craft can be launched from a trailer, or
backed up out of tight spots where you can-
not turn around easily.
To shift into reverse:
1. Release the throttle, and then let the
engine speed return to idle.
2. Pull the shift lever toward you.
WARNING@
Make sure that the throttle is com-
pletely released and that the engine is
at idle before shifting into reverse.

Do not use the reverse function to
slow down or stop the watercraft as it
could cause you to lose control, be
ejected, or impact the handlebars.

Use reverse for slow-speed maneuver-
ing only.

Make sure that there are no obstacles
or people behind you before shifting
into reverse.

Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
To shift into forward:
1. Release the throttle, and then let the
engine speed return to idle.
2. Push the shift lever away from you.
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Quick Shift Trim System
(QSTS) selector
The QSTS selector 1 is located at the
left handlebar grip and is used to adjust the
trim angle of the watercraft.
Operating the QSTS selector changes the
angle of the jet thrust nozzle vertically. This
changes the trim angle of the watercraft.
There are 5 positions: 2 bow down posi-
tions A and B, neutral “N,” and 2 bow up
positions C and D.
To change the trim angle:
1. Reduce engine speed to 4,000 r/min or
less.
2. Squeeze the shift lock lever 2, and then
turn the QSTS selector to the desired
position.
3. Release the shift lock lever to lock the
QSTS selector.
CAUTION:@ Do not turn the QSTS selector while
operating the watercraft at full throttle,
otherwise damage could occur to the
QSTS.
The neutral “N” position will provide good
performance for most operating conditions.
To enhance particular types of perfor-
mance, select bow down or bow up.
UF1B71.book Page 13 Tuesday, November 12, 2002 4:17 PM