Page 90 of 416
4-27 1. Recoil starter
1. Lanceur à réenroulement
1. Arranque por tracción de cable
1. Fuel tank cap
1. Bouchon du réservoir de carburant
1. Tapón del depósito de combustible
EBU01264
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
_ Shift the drive select lever into the neutral po-
sition and apply the parking brake before start-
ing 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.
U5VH61.book Page 27 Friday, May 2, 2003 2:19 PM
Page 110 of 416
5-1
EBU00113
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.5-5–5-9,
8-81–8-89
Rear brakeCheck operation, condition and free play.
Adjust if necessary.5-5–5-9,
8-81, 8-91–8-95
FuelCheck fuel level.
Fill with fuel if necessary.5-11–5-13
Engine oilCheck oil level.
Fill with oil if necessary.5-15, 8-29–8-39
Coolant reservoirCheck coolant level in reservoir.
Fill with coolant if necessary.5-19–5-21,
8-45–8-55
Final gear oilCheck for leakage. 5-17, 8-39–8-43
ThrottleCheck for proper throttle cable operation. 5-21, 8-79
Wheels and tiresCheck tire pressure, wear and damage.5-25–5-31,
8-103–8-105
Fittings and fastenersCheck all fittings and fasteners. 5-23
Lights and switchesCheck for proper operation.5-23, 8-97,
8-117–8-121
U5VH61.book Page 1 Friday, May 2, 2003 2:19 PM
Page 114 of 416
5-5
EBU13151
Front and rear brakes
Brake levers and brake pedal
Check for correct free play in the front brake le-
ver. If the free play is incorrect, have a Yamaha
dealer adjust it.
Check for correct free play in the rear brake le-
ver 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
U5VH61.book Page 5 Friday, May 2, 2003 2:19 PM
Page 116 of 416
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.)
U5VH61.book Page 7 Friday, May 2, 2003 2:19 PM
Page 118 of 416
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. _
U5VH61.book Page 9 Friday, May 2, 2003 2:19 PM
Page 132 of 416
5-23
EBU01162
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.
EBU01170
Switches
Check the operation of all switches. Have a
Yamaha dealer repair as necessary for proper op-
eration.
U5VH61.book Page 23 Friday, May 2, 2003 2:19 PM
Page 144 of 416
6-3
EBU01265
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. Apply the rear brake lever.
2. Turn the fuel cock to “ON”.
3. Turn the main switch to “ON”, and then set
the engine stop switch to “”.
4. Shift the drive select lever into the neutral po-
sition.
U5VH61.book Page 3 Friday, May 2, 2003 2:19 PM
Page 154 of 416

6-13 1. Drive select lever
a. F (Forward)
b. N (Neutral)
c. R (Reverse)
1. Levier de présélection
a. F (Marche avant)
b. N (Point mort)
c. R (Marche arrière)
1. Palanca de selección de marcha
a. F (Avance)
b. N (Punto muerto)
c. R (Marcha atrás)
Shifting: reverse
1. Bring the machine to a complete stop and re-
turn the throttle lever to the closed position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Shift the gear from neutral 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 parking brake.
5. Open the throttle lever gradually and contin-
ue to watch to the rear while backing.NOTE:_ If the drive select lever is shifted into reverse while
the engine is running, the engine will stop unless
the parking brake or rear brake lever is applied. _
U5VH61.book Page 13 Friday, May 2, 2003 2:19 PM