2008 YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 engine

4-3
4

Start the engine after making sure that the
warning light is out. Continuous use while
the warning light is on may cause damage tothe engine.EBU26591On-Command four-wheel-drive indicator“”
This indicator comes on when the On-Command
four-wheel-drive switch is set to the “4WD” posi-
tion.NOTE:Due to the synchronizing mechanism in the differ-
ential gear case, the indicator may not come on un-til the ATV starts moving.EBU17970Park indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the park position.
EBU26362Speedometer unit The speedometer unit is equipped with the follow-
ing:
a speedometer (which shows the riding speed)
an odometer (which shows the total distance
traveled)
a tripmeter (which shows the distance traveled
since it was last set to zero)1. Speedometer
2. Odometer/tripmeter
3.“SELECT” button
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4-4
4 Odometer and tripmeter modes
Pushing the “SELECT” button switches the display
between the odometer mode “ODO” and the trip-
meter mode “TRIP” in the following order:
ODO → TRIP → ODO
To reset the tripmeter, select it by pushing the “SE-
LECT” button, and then push the “SELECT” button
for at least three seconds. The tripmeter can be
used to estimate the distance that can be traveled
with a full tank of fuel. This information will enable
you to plan future fuel stops.
NOTE:Pushing in the “SELECT” button, then turning the
key to “ON”, and keeping them in this position for
at least two seconds switches the display between“mph” and “km/h”.
EBU18061Handlebar switches EBU18080Engine stop switch“/”
Set this switch to“” before starting the engine.
The engine stop switch controls the ignition and
stops the engine when it is running. Use this switch
to stop the engine in an emergency situation. The
engine will not start or run when this switch is set
to“”.1. Light switch“//OFF”
2. Engine stop switch“/”
3. Start switch“”
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4-5
4
EBU18100Start switch“”
Push this switch to crank the engine with the start-
er.CAUTION:ECB00050See the starting instructions on page 6-1 priorto starting the engine.EBU18151Light switch“//OFF”
Set this switch to“” to turn on the low beams
and the taillight. Set the switch to“” to turn on
the high beams and the taillight. Set the switch to
“OFF” to turn off all the lights.CAUTION:ECB00040Do not use the headlights with the engine
turned off for an extended period of time, oth-
erwise the battery may discharge to the point
that the starter motor will not operate properly.
If this should happen, remove the battery andrecharge it.
EBU28220On-Command four-wheel-drive switch
“2WD”/“4WD”
This ATV is equipped with a switch to change from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and vice-versa.
Select the appropriate drive according to the ter-
rain and the conditions.
“2WD” (two-wheel drive): Power is supplied to
the rear wheels.
“4WD” (four-wheel drive): Power is supplied to
the rear and front wheels.
To change from two-wheel drive to four-wheel
drive, stop the ATV and push the switch in to the
“4WD” position. Then, the four-wheel-drive
indicator“” comes on in the speedometer unit
display.
To change from four-wheel drive to two-wheel
drive, stop the ATV and push the switch in to the
“2WD” position.
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4-6
4
WARNING
EWB00161Always stop the ATV before changing from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and vice-
versa. The ATV handles differently in two-
wheel drive than in four-wheel drive in some
circumstances. Changing from two-wheel
drive to four-wheel drive or vice-versa while
moving may cause the ATV to unexpectedly
handle differently. This could distract the oper-
ator and increase the risk of losing control andof causing an accident.
EBU18280Throttle lever Once the engine is running, movement of the throt-
tle lever will increase the engine speed.
Regulate the speed of the ATV by varying the
throttle position. Because the throttle is spring-
loaded, the ATV will decelerate, and the engine will
return to an idle any time the hand is removed from
the throttle lever.
Before starting the engine, check the throttle to be
sure it is operating smoothly. Make sure it returns
to the idle position as soon as the lever is released.
1. On-Command four-wheel-drive switch “2WD”/“4WD”
1. Throttle lever
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4-7
4
WARNING
EWB00250Malfunction of the throttle could make it diffi-
cult to speed up or slow down when you need
to. This could cause an accident. Check the op-
eration of the throttle lever before you start the
engine. If the throttle does not work smoothly,
check for the cause. Correct the problem be-fore riding the ATV or consult a Yamaha dealer.EBU18321Speed limiter Your ATV was delivered with an adjustable speed
limiter. The speed limiter keeps the throttle from
fully opening, even when the throttle lever is
pushed to the maximum.
1. Loosen the locknut.
2. To increase the maximum engine power avail-
able and the maximum speed of the ATV, turn
the adjusting screw in direction (a). To de-
crease the maximum engine power available
and the maximum speed of the ATV, turn the
adjusting screw in direction (b).3. Tighten the locknut.
WARNING
EWB00240Improper adjustment of the speed limiter and
throttle could cause throttle cable damage or
improper throttle operation. You could lose
control, have an accident or be injured. Do not
turn the adjusting screw out more than 12 mm
(0.47 in) or the throttle cable could be dam-
aged. Always make sure the throttle lever free
play is adjusted to 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in).(See page 8-37.)1. Locknut
2. Adjusting screw
3. No more than 12 mm (0.47 in)
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4-10
4
NOTE:If knocking or pinging occurs, use a different brandof gasoline or higher octane grade.
CAUTION:ECB00070Use only unleaded gasoline. The use of leaded
gasoline will cause severe damage to internal
engine parts, such as the valves and pistonrings, as well as to the exhaust system.
WARNING
EWB00310
Do not overfill the fuel tank. Fuel expands
when it heats up. If the fuel tank is overfilled,
fuel could spill out due to heat from the en-
gine or the sun.
Be careful not to spill fuel, especially on the
engine or exhaust pipe which can cause a
fire and severe injury. Wipe up any spilled
fuel immediately.
Do not refuel right after the engine has been
running and is still very hot.
Be sure the fuel tank cap is closed securely.EBU18820Fuel cock The fuel cock supplies fuel from the tank to the car-
buretor while also filtering it.
The fuel cock lever positions are explained as fol-
lows and shown in the illustrations.
1. Fuel level
2. Fuel tank filler tubeRecommended fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline only with a re-
search octane number of 91 or higher
Fuel tank capacity:
14.5 L (3.83 US gal) (3.19 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount:
4.5 L (1.19 US gal) (0.99 Imp.gal)
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4-11
4OFF
With the fuel cock lever in this position, fuel will not
flow. Always turn the fuel cock lever to this position
when the engine is not running.ON
With the fuel cock lever in this position, fuel flows
to the carburetor. Turn the fuel cock lever to this
position when starting the engine and riding.
1. Arrow mark positioned over “OFF”
1. Arrow mark positioned over “ON”
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4-12
4 RES
This indicates reserve. With the fuel cock lever in
this position, the fuel reserve is made available.
Turn the fuel cock lever to this position if you run
out of fuel while riding. When this occurs, refuel as
soon as possible and be sure to turn the fuel cock
lever back to “ON”!
EBU18850Starter (choke)“” Starting a cold engine requires a richer air-fuel mix-
ture, which is supplied by the starter (choke).
Move the starter (choke) in direction (a) to turn on
the starter (choke).Move the starter (choke) in direction (b) to turn off
the starter (choke).
See the “Starting a cold engine” section on page
6-1 for proper operation.
EBU26981Seat To remove the seat
Push the seat lock lever backward and pull up the
seat at the rear.
1. Arrow mark positioned over “RES”
1. Starter (choke)“”
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