2008 YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 wheel

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

1-1
1
EBU17430
SAFETY INFORMATION
EBU17534AN ATV IS NOT A TOY AND CAN BE HAZARD-OUS TO OPERATE.An ATV handles differently from other vehicles, in-
cluding motorcycles and cars. A collision or roll-
over can occur quickly, even during routine
maneuvers such as turning and riding on hills or
over obstacles, if you fail to take proper precau-
tions.
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can result if you do
not follow these instructions:
Read this manual and all labels carefully and fol-
low the operating procedures described.
Never operate an ATV without proper training or
instruction.
Always follow the age recommendation:
– A child under 16 years old should never oper-
ate an ATV with engine size greater than 90 cc.
Never allow a child under age 16 to operate an
ATV without adult supervision, and never allow
continued use of an ATV by a child if he or she
does not have the abilities to operate it safely.

Never carry a passenger on an ATV.
Always avoid operating an ATV on any paved
surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, park-
ing lots and paved streets.
Never operate an ATV on any paved street,
paved road or motorway.
Watch carefully for other vehicles when operat-
ing on unpaved public streets or roads. Make
sure you know your country’s laws and regula-
tions before you ride on unpaved public streets
or roads.
Never operate an ATV without wearing an ap-
proved motorcycle helmet that fits properly. You
should also wear eye protection (goggles or face
shield), gloves, boots, a long-sleeved shirt or a
jacket, and long pants.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while
operating this ATV.
Never operate at speeds too fast for your skills
or the riding conditions. Always go at a speed
that is proper for the terrain, visibility, operating
conditions, and your experience.
Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other stunts.
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

4-2
4
EBU17813Indicator lights and warning light EBU17842Reverse indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the reverse position.
Furthermore, this indicator light flashes when the
engine is being raced for 10 seconds or more.
NOTE:If the indicator light flashes under any other circum-
stances or the speedometer does not show the
speed while riding, have a Yamaha dealer checkthe speed sensor circuit.EBU17860Neutral indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the neutral position.EBU26700Coolant temperature warning light“”
This warning light comes on when the engine over-
heats. When this occurs during operation, stop the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so and allow it to
cool down for about 10 minutes.
The electrical circuit of the warning light can be
checked by turning the key to “ON”. If the warning
light does not come on, and then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical circuit.CAUTION:ECB00010
The engine may overheat if the ATV is over-
loaded. In this case, reduce the load to spec-
ification.
1. Coolant temperature warning light“”
2. Neutral indicator light “N”
3. Reverse indicator light “R”
4. Park indicator light “P”
5. On-Command four-wheel-drive indicator“”U3C262E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

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
U3C262E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

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.
U3C262E0.book Page 5 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

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
U3C262E0.book Page 6 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