2003 YAMAHA KODIAK 400 brakes

EBU00015
1-CONTENTS
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ...................... 1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION ......................... 2-1
DESCRIPTION AND MACHINE
IDENTIFICATION ................................... 3-1
Identification number records ............... 3-3
Key identification number ..................... 3-5
Vehicle identification number ............... 3-7
Model label ........................................... 3-9
CONTROL FUNCTIONS ........................ 4-1
Main switch........................................... 4-1
Indicator and warning lights.................. 4-3
Speedometer ........................................ 4-7
Fuel gauge ........................................... 4-9
Handlebar switches ............................ 4-11
Throttle lever ...................................... 4-15
Speed limiter ...................................... 4-17
Front brake lever ................................ 4-19
Rear brake pedal and lever ................ 4-21
Parking brake ..................................... 4-23
Drive select lever ................................ 4-25
1234
Recoil starter ...................................... 4-27
Fuel tank cap ..................................... 4-27
Fuel cock............................................ 4-29
Starter (choke) ................................... 4-31
Seat.................................................... 4-33
Storage box........................................ 4-35
Front carrier ....................................... 4-37
Rear carrier ........................................ 4-37
Front shock absorber adjustment ...... 4-39
Rear shock absorber adjustment ....... 4-41
Auxiliary DC jack ................................ 4-43
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS .................. 5-1
Front and rear brakes .......................... 5-5
Fuel .................................................... 5-11
Engine oil ........................................... 5-15
Final gear oil ...................................... 5-19
Coolant............................................... 5-21
Throttle lever ...................................... 5-23
Fittings and fasteners......................... 5-25
Lights ................................................. 5-25
Switches............................................. 5-25
Tires ................................................... 5-27
How to measure tire pressure ............ 5-31
5
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2-11

Always check for obstacles before operating in
a new area.


Never attempt to operate over large obstacles,
such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always fol-
low proper procedures when operating over
obstacles as described in this manual.


Always be careful when skidding or sliding.
Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain. On extremely slippery surfaces, such
as ice, go slowly and be very cautious in order
to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out
of control.


Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or
in water deeper than that recommended in this
manual. Remember that wet brakes may have
reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply them several
times to let friction dry out the linings.
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4-23 1. Lock plate
1. Verrou
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.
_
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5-5
EBU01315
Front and rear brakes
Brake levers and brake pedal
Check for correct free play in the front brake lever.
If the free play is incorrect, have a Yamaha dealer
adjust it.
Check for correct free play in the rear brake lever
and brake pedal. If the free play is incorrect, adjust
it. (See pages 8-91–8-95.)
Check the operation of the brake levers and pedal.
They should move smoothly and there should be a
firm feeling when the brakes are 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 8-83–8-87.)
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
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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 brake pads and shoes for wear. (See
page 8-81.)
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5-9
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. _
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6-21
EBU00216
Parking on a slope
WARNING
_ Avoid parking on hills or other inclines. Park-
ing on a hill or other incline could cause the
ATV to roll out of control, increasing the
chance of an accident. If you must park on an
incline, place the machine transversely across
the incline, apply the parking brake, and block
the front and rear wheels with rocks or other
objects. Do not park the ATV at all on hills that
are so steep you could not walk up them easi-
ly. _1. Bring the machine to a stop by applying the
brakes.
2. Stop the engine.
3. With the rear brake applied, apply the parking
brake.
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7-35
Select a large, flat area off-road to become familiar
with your ATV. Make sure that this area is free of
obstacles and other riders. You should practice
control of the throttle, brakes, and turning tech-
niques in this area before trying more difficult ter-
rain. Always avoid riding on paved surfaces: the
ATV is designed for off-road use only, and han-
dling maneuvers are more difficult to perform on
pavement.
Set the parking brake and follow the instructions
on page 6-3 to start the engine. Once it has
warmed up you are ready to begin riding your
ATV. Remember that the engine and exhaust pipe
will be hot when riding and afterwards; do not al-
low skin or clothing to come in contact with these
components.
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