2008 YAMAHA YFZ450 ignition

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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 according to the following procedure.
1. Set the engine stop switch to “ ” and turn the
key to “ON”.
2. Shift the transmission into the neutral position
or pull the clutch lever.
3. Push the start switch. If the warning light does
not come on while the start switch is pushed,
have a Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
CAUTION:

ECB00010

The engine may overheat if the ATV is over-
loaded. In this case, reduce the load to spec-
ification.

Start the engine after making sure that the
warning light is out. Continuous use while
the warning light is on may cause damage to
the engine.
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Handlebar switches
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Engine stop switch “ENG. STOP”
Set this switch to “RUN” 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 “OFF”.
1. Light switch “LIGHTS”
2. Engine stop switch “ENG. STOP”
3. Start switch “START”
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(See page 8-30.)
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Clutch lever
The clutch lever is located on the left handlebar
and the ignition circuit cut-off system is incorporat-
ed in the clutch lever holder. To disengage the
clutch, pull the clutch lever toward the handlebar
grip. To engage the clutch, release the clutch lever.
The clutch lever should be pulled rapidly and re-
leased slowly for smooth clutch operation. (See
page 6-1 for a description of the ignition circuit cut-
off system.)
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Brake lever
The brake lever is located at the right handlebar
grip. To apply the front brake, pull the brake lever
toward the handlebar grip.
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Brake pedal
The brake pedal is located on the right side of the
ATV. To apply the rear brake, push down on the
brake pedal.
1. Clutch lever
1. Brake lever
2. Locknut
3. Brake lever position adjusting bolt
4. Distance between brake lever and handlebar grip
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OPERATION
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Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV.
WARNING

EWB00630
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls in order to help pre-
vent any loss of control, which could cause an
accident or injury. If there is a control or func-
tion you do not understand, ask your Yamaha
dealer.
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Starting a cold engine
WARNING

EWB00640
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.
CAUTION:

ECB00150
See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-5
prior to operating the engine for the first time.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the fuel cock to “ON”.
3. Turn the main switch to “ON” and the engine
stop switch to “RUN”.
4. Shift the transmission into neutral. The neutral
indicator light should come on. If the indicator
light does not come on, have a Yamaha deal-
er check the electrical circuit.
NOTE:

This model is equipped with an ignition circuit cut-
off system. The engine can be started under the
following conditions.

The transmission is in neutral.

The clutch is disengaged with the transmission
in gear. However, it is recommended to shift into
neutral before starting the engine.
5. Use the starter (choke) in reference to the fig-
ure:

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dance with the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, the condition of the spark
plug can reveal the condition of the engine.
To remove the spark plug
1. Remove the seat. (See page 4-11.)
2. Remove the bolts and the quick fastener
screws shown.
3. Remove the fuel tank cap by turning it coun-
terclockwise.
WARNING
EWB01870

Always turn off the engine before removing
the fuel tank cap.

Do not remove the fuel tank cap immediately
after the engine has been running and is still
very hot.

Do not spill gasoline on the engine, exhaust
pipe or muffler.

Never remove the fuel tank cap while smok-
ing, or in the vicinity of sparks, open flames,
or other sources of ignition such as the pilot
lights of water heaters and clothes dryers.
4. Pull the panel backward, and then remove the
panel.
5. Install the fuel tank cap by turning it clockwise.
6. Remove the bolt, lift the rear of the fuel tank,
and then tilt it back.
1. Panel
2. Bolt
3. Quick fastener screw
4. Fuel tank cap
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7. Remove the spark plug cap.CAUTION:
ECB00390
Do not use any tools to remove or install the
spark plug cap, otherwise the ignition coil cou-
pler may be damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the rubber seal
on the end of the cap fits tightly. To remove the
spark plug cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twist it back and
forth while pushing it in.
8. Remove the spark plug as shown, with the
spark plug wrench included in the owner’s tool
1. Bolt
1

1. Spark plug cap
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Front

2. Lower the ATV to the ground.
3. Tighten the wheel nuts to the specified
torques.
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Troubleshooting
Although Yamaha ATVs receive a thorough in-spection before shipment from the factory, trouble
may occur during operation. Any problem in the fu-
el, compression, or ignition systems, for example,
can cause poor starting and loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts represent
quick and easy procedures for checking these vital
systems yourself. However, should your ATV re-
quire any repair, take it to a Yamaha dealer, whose
skilled technicians have the necessary tools, expe-
rience, and know-how to service the ATV properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replacement parts. Im-
itation parts may look like Yamaha parts, but they
are often inferior, have a shorter service life and
can lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWB02280
Do not smoke when checking the fuel system.
Fuel can ignite or explode, causing severe inju-
ry or property damage. Make sure there are no
open flames or sparks in the area, including pi-
lot lights from water heaters or furnaces.
1. Arrow mark
Tightening torques:
Front wheel nut:
45 Nm (4.5 m·kgf, 33 ft·lbf)
Rear wheel nut:
45 Nm (4.5 m·kgf, 33 ft·lbf)

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Troubleshooting charts
Starting problems or poor engine performance
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the ATV.
Remove the spark plug
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gap, or replace the spark plug.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the ATV.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the ATV.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Open the throttle halfway and operate
the electric starter.

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Rear brake:

Type:
Single disc brake
Operation:
Right foot operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4
Front suspension:
Type:
Double wishbone
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel:
230 mm (9.1 in)
Rear suspension:
Type:
Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel:
270 mm (10.6 in)
Electrical system:
Ignition system:
DC. CDI
Charging system:
AC magneto
Battery:
Model:
GT7B-4
Voltage, capacity:
12 V, 6.5 Ah
Headlight:
Bulb type:
Krypton bulb
Bulb voltage, wattage x quantity:
Headlight:
12 V, 30.0/30.0 W
×
2
Tail/brake light:
12 V, 0.5/3.9 W
×
1
Neutral indicator light:
12 V, 1.7 W
×
1
Coolant temperature warning light:
12 V, 1.7 W
×
1

Fuses:
Main fuse:
15.0 A