2008 YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 brake

EBU17420
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION .............................. 1-1
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ............................ 2-1
DESCRIPTION .............................................. 3-1
Left view ...................................................... 3-1
Right view.................................................... 3-1
Controls and instruments ............................ 3-2
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS .................................................. 4-1
Main switch ................................................ 4-1
Indicator lights and warning light ................ 4-2
Speedometer unit ....................................... 4-3
Handlebar switches .................................... 4-4
Throttle lever .............................................. 4-6
Speed limiter .............................................. 4-7
Front brake lever ........................................ 4-8
Brake pedal and rear brake lever ............... 4-8
Drive select lever ........................................ 4-9
Fuel tank cap .............................................. 4-9
Fuel ............................................................ 4-9
Fuel cock .................................................. 4-10Starter (choke) ..........................................4-12
Seat ..........................................................4-12
Storage compartment ...............................4-13
Adjusting the front shock absorber
assemblies ..............................................4-14
Adjusting the rear shock absorber
assembly .................................................4-16
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ..........................5-1
Pre-operation check list ..............................5-1
Fuel .............................................................5-3
Engine oil ....................................................5-3
Final gear oil ...............................................5-3
Differential gear oil ......................................5-3
Coolant .......................................................5-3
Front and rear brakes .................................5-4
Throttle lever ...............................................5-5
Tires ............................................................5-5
Measuring the tire pressure ........................5-6
Tire wear limit .............................................5-7
Chassis fasteners .......................................5-7
Instruments, lights and switches .................5-7U3C262E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

OPERATION .................................................. 6-1
Starting a cold engine ................................ 6-1
Starting a warm engine .............................. 6-3
Operating the drive select lever and
driving in reverse ...................................... 6-3
Engine break-in .......................................... 6-5
Parking ....................................................... 6-5
Parking on a slope ..................................... 6-5
Accessories and loading ............................ 6-6
RIDING YOUR ATV ...................................... 7-1
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ATV............... 7-2
RIDE WITH CARE AND GOOD
JUDGEMENT ............................................ 7-2
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU RIDE ............. 7-9
TURNING YOUR ATV .............................. 7-12
CLIMBING UPHILL ................................... 7-14
RIDING DOWNHILL.................................. 7-17
CROSSING A SLOPE............................... 7-18
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER ................................................... 7-19
RIDING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN ........... 7-22
SLIDING AND SKIDDING ......................... 7-22
WHAT TO DO IF... .................................... 7-23
WHAT TO DO... ........................................ 7-23PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR
REPAIR ..........................................................8-1
Owner’s manual and tool kit .......................8-1
Periodic maintenance chart for the
emission control system ...........................8-3
General maintenance and lubrication
chart ..........................................................8-5
Removing and installing cowlings and
panels .......................................................8-9
Checking the spark plug ...........................8-15
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ................8-17
Final gear oil .............................................8-22
Changing the differential gear oil ..............8-24
Coolant .....................................................8-26
Cleaning the air filter element ...................8-31
Cleaning the spark arrester ......................8-34
V-belt cooling duct check hose .................8-35
V-belt case drain plug ...............................8-35
Adjusting the carburetor ............................8-36
Adjusting the engine idling speed .............8-36
Adjusting the throttle cable free play .........8-37
Valve clearance ........................................8-38
Adjusting the drive select lever safety
system cable ...........................................8-38
Checking the front and rear brake pads ...8-38
Checking the brake fluid level ...................8-39
Changing the brake fluid ...........................8-41U3C262E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

Checking the front brake lever free
play ......................................................... 8-41
Adjusting the rear brake lever free play
and checking the brake pedal position ... 8-42
Axle boots ................................................ 8-44
Brake light switches ................................. 8-44
Checking and lubricating the cables ........ 8-45
Checking and lubricating the front and
rear brake levers .................................... 8-45
Checking and lubricating the brake
pedal ...................................................... 8-46
Checking the wheel hub bearings ............ 8-46
Lubricating the steering shaft ................... 8-46
Battery ...................................................... 8-47
Replacing a fuse ...................................... 8-48
Replacing a headlight bulb ....................... 8-50
Adjusting a headlight beam ...................... 8-52
Replacing the tail/brake light bulb ............ 8-52
Removing a wheel .................................... 8-53
Installing a wheel ...................................... 8-54
Troubleshooting ....................................... 8-55
Troubleshooting charts ............................. 8-56
CLEANING AND STORAGE .......................... 9-1
Cleaning ..................................................... 9-1
Storage ....................................................... 9-2SPECIFICATIONS .......................................10-1
CONSUMER INFORMATION.......................11-1
Identification numbers ...............................11-1
U3C262E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

1-3
1 hill. If you stall or roll backwards, follow the spe-
cial procedure for braking described in this man-
ual. Dismount on the uphill side or to a side if
pointed straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and
remount, following the procedure described in
this manual.

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 follow
proper procedures when operating over obsta-
cles 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 re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of con-
trol.
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.

Always be sure there are no obstacles or people
behind you when you operate in reverse. When
it is safe to proceed in reverse, go slowly.
Always use the size and type of tires specified in
this manual.
Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in this manual.
Never modify an ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories.
Never exceed the stated load capacity for an
ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed and follow in-
structions in this manual for carrying cargo. Al-
low greater distance for braking.
WARNING
EWB00061
Always turn off the engine when refueling.
Do not refuel right after the engine has been
running and is still very hot.
Do not spill gasoline on the engine or ex-
haust pipe/muffler when refueling. Never re-
fuel while smoking, or in the vicinity of
sparks, open flames, or other sources of ig-
nition such as the pilot lights of water heat-
ers and clothes dryers. Gasoline can catch
fire and you could be burned.
U3C262E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

3-1
3
EBU17680
DESCRIPTION
EBU17690Left view
EBU17700Right view
1. Front shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting
ring
2. Fuel cock
3. Air filter case
4. Fuses
5. Storage compartment and tool kit
6. Seat lock lever
7. Rear shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting
ring
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Oil filter cartridge
10.Coolant reservoir
11.V-belt cooling duct check hose
1. Spark arrester
2. Tail/brake light
3. Battery
4. Spark plug
5. Rear brake fluid reservoir
6. Radiator cap
7. Front shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting
ring
8. Rear brake light switch
9. Brake pedal
10.V-belt case drain plug
U3C262E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

3-2
3
EBU17712Controls and instruments
NOTE:The ATV you have purchased may differ slightlyfrom the figures shown in this manual.
1. Rear brake lever
2. Left handlebar switches
3. Starter (choke)
4. Drive select lever
5. Main switch
6. Speedometer unit
7. Fuel tank cap
8. Front brake fluid reservoir
9. On-Command four-wheel-drive switch
10.Front brake lever
11.Throttle leverU3C262E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

4-8
4
EBU18391Front brake lever The front brake lever is located on the right handle-
bar. To apply the front brake, pull the brake lever
toward the handlebar grip.EBU18442Brake pedal and rear brake lever The brake pedal is located on the right side of the
ATV and the rear brake lever is located on the left
handlebar. To apply the rear brake, push down on
the brake pedal or pull the brake lever toward the
handlebar grip.1. Front brake lever
1. Brake pedal
1. Rear brake lever
U3C262E0.book Page 8 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

5-2
5
Front brakeCheck operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-4, 8-38, 8-39, 8-41
Rear brakeCheck operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary.
Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-4, 8-38, 8-39, 8-42
Throttle leverMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever hous-
ing if necessary.
Check cable free play, and adjust if necessary.5-5, 8-37
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-45
Wheels and tiresCheck wheel condition, and replace if damaged.
Check tire condition and tread depth. Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure. Correct if necessary.5-5, 5-6, 5-7
Brake pedal Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point if
necessary.8-46
Brake leversMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points if
necessary.8-45
Axle bootsCheck for cracks or damage, and replace if necessary. 8-44
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 5-7
Instruments, lights and
switchesCheck operation, and correct if necessary. 5-7 ITEM ROUTINE PAGEU3C262E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM