2008 YAMAHA VX check engine light

Features and functions
30
EJU31412Selecting the normal mode/low-RPM
mode (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
The normal mode and low-RPM mode can
only be selected when the engine is stopped
in the unlock mode. Press the unlock button
on the remote control transmitter for more
than 4 seconds to switch between the normal
mode and the low-RPM mode.
Normal mode
If the beeper sounds twice, the normal mode
is activated.
The watercraft can be ridden normally.
Low-RPM mode
If the beeper sounds three times, the low-
RPM mode is activated and the “L-MODE” in-
dicator light comes on.
Maximum engine speed (r/min) in the low-
RPM mode is limited to approximately 90% of
the maximum engine speed in the normal
mode.
NOTE:

If neither the start switch nor the remote
control transmitter is operated within 25
seconds after the unlock button is pressed
to select the unlock mode, the multifunction
information center display and the “L-
MODE” indicator light will go off. If this oc-
curs, press the lock button on the transmit-
ter briefly to select the lock mode, press the
unlock button briefly to select the unlockmode, and then press the unlock button
again for more than 4 seconds to select the
normal mode or low-RPM mode.

While the engine is running, input from the
remote control transmitter is not received.
CAUTION:
ECJ00080
If the remote control transmitter does not
operate when its buttons are pressed, the
battery may be low. Have a Yamaha dealer
replace the battery.
EJU31452Multifunction information center
This meter contains the following functions for
help and convenience in operating the water-
craft.
1“L-MODE” indicator light1Tachometer
2Speedometer
3Hour meter/voltmeter
4Fuel level meter
5“L-MODE” indicator light (for VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser)
6“WARNING” light
7Fuel level warning indicator
8Oil pressure warning indicator
9Engine overheat warning indicator
10Check engine warning indicator
11Select button
12“SECURITY” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
UF1K73E0.book Page 30 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM

Features and functions
31
CAUTION:
ECJ00072
Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds without supplying water or over
4000 r/min when checking the operation of
the meter on land, otherwise the engine
could overheat.
NOTE:

When the engine is started, all displays light
up for 2 seconds, and then the meter starts
to operate normally.

The current display will continue to operate
for 25 seconds after the engine stops.
EJU31461Tachometer
The engine speed (r/min) is displayed by seg-
ments. Each segment indicates a 250 r/min
increment.
EJU31500Speedometer
The meter shows the watercraft speed
against water.
NOTE:
To switch the speedometer display between
kilometers and miles, push the select button
for at least 1 second, within 10 seconds after
the meter is displayed.
EJU31511Fuel level meter
The fuel level meter is provided for convenient
fuel level checking while riding.
The fuel level meter has eight segments
which show the amount of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.
1Tachometer
1Select button
2Speedometer
1Fuel level meter
UF1K73E0.book Page 31 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM

Features and functions
32
NOTE:
The fuel level is most accurate when the wa-
tercraft is sitting level on a trailer or in the wa-
ter.
EJU31551Hour meter/voltmeter
NOTE:
To switch the display between the hour meter
and the voltmeter, push the select button for
at least 1 second after the meter is displayed
for more than 10 seconds.
Hour meter
The hour meter is provided to make it easy to
follow the maintenance schedule.
The meter shows the hours of engine opera-
tion that have elapsed since the watercraft
was new.
Voltmeter
The voltmeter is provided to display the volt-
age of the battery.
When the battery voltage is normal, the volt-
meter displays approximately 12 volts.
If the battery voltage is less than 8.0 volts,
“LO” is displayed on the voltmeter and if the
voltage is above 18.1 volts, “HI” is displayed
on the voltmeter. If “HI” or “LO” is displayed,
return to shore and, if necessary, have aYamaha dealer check the charging system
and the battery.
EJU31560Fuel level warning indicator
If the fuel remaining in the fuel tank drops to
about 13 L (3.4 US gal, 2.9 Imp gal), the low-
est two fuel level segments, the fuel level
warning indicator, and the “WARNING” light
begin to blink. The buzzer also starts sound-
ing intermittently.
If this occurs, refill the fuel tank as soon as
possible.
The warning signals will be cleared when the
engine is restarted after the fuel tank is re-
filled.
EJU31622Oil pressure warning indicator
If the oil pressure does not rise to specifica-
tion, the “WARNING” light and the oil pres-
sure warning indicator begin to blink, and the
buzzer sounds intermittently. At the same
time, the engine speed is limited to help pre-
vent damage.
1Select button
2Hour meter/voltmeter
UF1K73E0.book Page 32 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM

Features and functions
33
If this occurs, reduce the engine speed, return
to shore, and then check the engine oil level.
(See page 42 for engine oil level checking
procedures.) If the oil level is low, add enough
engine oil to raise it to the proper level. If the
oil level is sufficient, have a Yamaha dealer
check the watercraft.
NOTE:
Press the select button on the multifunction
information center to stop the buzzer.
EJU31604Engine overheat warning indicator
This model is equipped with an engine over-
heat warning system.
If the engine starts to overheat, the “WARN-
ING” light and the engine overheat warning in-
dicator blink, and then come on. The buzzer
also begins to sound intermittently, and then it
sounds continuously. After the light and indi-
cator start to blink and the buzzer sounds, theengine speed is limited to help prevent dam-
age.
If this occurs, immediately reduce the engine
speed, return to shore, and then check for wa-
ter discharge at the port (left) cooling water pi-
lot outlet while the engine is running. If there
is no discharge of water, shut the engine off,
and then check the intake grate and impeller
for clogging.
WARNING
EWJ00050
Before attempting to remove weeds or de-
bris from the intake grate or impeller, shut
the engine off and remove the clip from the
engine shut-off switch. Severe injury or
1Select button
UF1K73E0.book Page 33 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM

Features and functions
34
death could result from coming in contact
with the rotating parts of the jet pump.
CAUTION:
ECJ00040
If you cannot locate and correct the cause
of the overheating, consult a Yamaha deal-
er. Continuing to operate at higher speeds
could result in severe engine damage.
NOTE:
Press the select button on the multifunction
information center to stop the buzzer.
EJU31630Check engine warning indicator
If a sensor malfunction or a short circuit is de-
tected, the “WARNING” light and the check
engine warning indicator begin to blink, and
the buzzer sounds intermittently.
If this occurs, reduce the engine speed, return
to shore, and have a Yamaha dealer check
the engine.
EJU35001“SECURITY” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
The “SECURITY” indicator light comes on
when the unlock mode of the Yamaha Securi-
ty System is selected. The watercraft can be
1Select button
UF1K73E0.book Page 34 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM

Operation
52
EJU32900
Operating your watercraft EJU32960Getting to know your watercraft
Operating your watercraft requires skills ac-
quired through practice over a period of time.
Take the time to learn the basic techniques
well before attempting more difficult maneu-
vers.
Operating your new watercraft can be a very
enjoyable activity, providing you with hours of
pleasure. However, it is essential to familiar-
ize yourself with the operation of the water-
craft to achieve the skill level necessary to
enjoy riding safely.
Before operating this watercraft, read this
owner’s/operator’s manual, the Riding Prac-
tice Guide, and all warning and caution labels
on the watercraft. Pay particular attention to
the safety information on page 9. These ma-
terials should give you an understanding of
the watercraft and its operation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator and up to 2 passengers.
Never exceed the maximum load limit or allow
more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a water-
skier is being pulled) to ride the watercraft at
any time.
EJU33000Learning to operate your watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
40. The short time spent checking the water-
craft will reward you with added safety and re-
liability.
Check local laws before operating your water-
craft.Operate defensively at safe speeds and keep
a safe distance away from people, objects,
and other watercraft. Select a wide area to
learn in, where there is good visibility and light
boat traffic.
Use the buddy system—operate with some-
one nearby. Scan constantly for people, ob-
jects, and other watercraft. Be alert for
conditions that limit your visibility or block your
vision of others.
Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist and keep it free from the handlebars so
that the engine stops if you, the operator, fall
off.
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD). All
riders must wear a PFD that is approved by
the appropriate authorities and is suitable for
personal watercraft use.
Wear protective clothing. Severe internal inju-
ries can occur if water is forced into body cav-
ities as a result of falling into the water or
being near the jet thrust nozzle. Normal swim-
wear does not adequately protect against
forceful water entry into the rectum and vagi-
na. All riders must wear a wetsuit bottom or
clothing that provides equivalent protection.
Such clothing includes thick, tightly woven,
sturdy and snug-fitting apparel such as den-
im, but does not include spandex or similar
fabrics, like those used in bicycle shorts. A full
wetsuit can also protect against hypothermia Maximum load:
240 kg (530 lb)
Load is the total weight of cargo, oper-
ator, and passengers.
UF1K73E0.book Page 52 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM

Maintenance and care
65

Do not smoke when refueling, and keep
away from sparks, flames, and other
sources of ignition.

Stop the engine before refueling.

Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the
watercraft in a horizontal position.

Do not stand or sit on the watercraft
while refueling in case of fire.

Take care not to spill gasoline. If gaso-
line spills, wipe it up immediately with
dry rags. Always properly dispose of
gasoline-soaked rags.

Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Stop fill-
ing when the fuel level reaches approxi-
mately 50 mm (2 in) from the top of the
fuel tank. Fuel expands as it warms up
and could overflow if the fuel tank has
been overfilled. If temporarily leaving
the watercraft with a full fuel tank, do not
leave it in direct sunlight. Leave it in a
well-ventilated area with the watercraft
in a horizontal position.

Tighten the fuel tank filler cap securely
after refueling.

If you should swallow some gasoline, in-
hale a lot of gasoline vapor, or get gaso-
line in your eyes, get immediate medical
attention.

If any gasoline spills on your skin or
clothing, immediately wash the affected
area with soap and water and change
your clothes.
Top off the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and
add fuel stabilizer and conditioner to the fuel
tank according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
EJU33680Battery
If the watercraft will not be used for more than
a month, remove the battery from the water-
craft and store it in a cool, dry place.(1) Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead
first, then the positive (+) battery lead and
breather hose, and then remove the bat-
tery from the watercraft.
(2) Clean the battery casing using fresh wa-
ter.
(3) If the battery terminals are dirty or corrod-
ed, clean them with a wire brush.
(4) Fully charge the battery.
(5) Apply Yamaha Marine Grease or
Yamaha Grease A to the battery termi-
nals, and then store the battery in a cool,
dry place.
(6) Check the battery at least once every 2
months and fully charge it if necessary.
CAUTION:
ECJ00100
Always keep the battery charged. Storing
a discharged battery can cause permanent
battery damage.
To check the condition of the battery, check
the specific gravity of the electrolyte or mea-
sure the voltage at both battery terminals.
Charge the battery if the voltage is less than
12 volts.
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
check the specific gravity and charge the bat-
tery. If you maintain the battery yourself, be
sure to read and follow the instructions provid-
ed with the battery tester and charger you
use.
EJU33730Cleaning the watercraft
Clean the watercraft before storing it for a long
period.
(1) Wash down the hull, handlebars, and jet
unit with fresh water. Specific gravity (for reference):
1.28 at 20 °C (68 °F)
UF1K73E0.book Page 65 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM

Trouble recovery
79
Engine runs irregu-
larly or stallsFuel Empty Refill as soon as pos-
sible39
Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer70
Fuel tank Water or dirt present Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer70
Spark plug Fouled or defective Replace 72
Incorrect heat range Replace 72
Gap incorrect Adjust 72
Spark plug
capLoose Connect properly 72
Cracked, torn, or
damagedHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Electrical wir-
ingLoose connection Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Fuel injec-
tion systemFaulty or clogged in-
jectorsHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Warning light or in-
dicator blinksFuel level Empty Refill as soon as pos-
sible39
Engine over-
heatedJet intake clogged Clean
80
Check engine
warningFaulty sensors Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer34
Watercraft slow or
loses powerYamaha Se-
curity Sys-
tem (VX
Deluxe/VX
Cruiser)Low-RPM mode se-
lectedSelect normal mode
30
Cavitation Jet intake clogged Clean 80
Impeller damaged or
wornHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer80
Engine over-
heat warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedClean jet intake and
cool engine33
Oil pressure
warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedAdd oil
32
Spark plug Fouled or defective Replace 72
Incorrect heat range Replace 72
Gap incorrect Adjust 72
Spark plug
capsLoose Connect properly
72
Electrical wir-
ingLoose connection Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Fuel Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer70
Air filter Clogged or oil buildup Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer71 TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY PAGE
UF1K73E0.book Page 79 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM