2009 YAMAHA VMAX check engine light

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-8
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9Panel C
To remove the panel
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Pull the panel upward.
To install the panelPlace the panel in the original position,
and then install the bolt.

EAU46680
Checking the spark plugs
The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and replaced if
out of specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
1. Panel C
2. Bolt
1 2

Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR9EIA
DENSO/IU27D
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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TIP

If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible.
NOTICE

ECA10840
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
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.
EAU19907
Engine oil and oil filter
cartridge
The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles, and then check the oil level
through the check window located
at the bottom-right side of the
crankcase.
TIP

The engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment)
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9 ft·lbf)
1. Engine oil level check window
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
2
3
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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8. Install the engine oil drain bolt, and
then tighten it to the specified
torque.
9. Refill with the specified amount of
the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
TIP

Be sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.
NOTICE

ECA11620

In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.

Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
10. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
TIP

After the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.
NOTICE

ECA10400
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on, immediately turn the
engine off and have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
1. Torque wrench
Tightening torque:
Oil filter cartridge:
17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Engine oil drain bolt:
43 Nm (4.3 m·kgf, 30 ft·lbf)
1

Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment:
4.30 L (4.55 US qt, 3.78 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
4.70 L (4.97 US qt, 4.14 Imp.qt)
1. “CD” specification
2. “ENERGY CONSERVING II”
1
2

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU20070
Coolant
The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU46690
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
TIP


The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.

Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to the
side can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.
TIP

The coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir cap guard by re-
moving the bolt, and then remove
the reservoir cap.
4. Add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir
cap.
WARNING! Remove only
the coolant reservoir cap. Never
attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is
hot.
[EWA15161]

NOTICE:
If coolant is
not available, use distilled wateror soft tap water instead. Do not
use hard water or salt water
since it is harmful to the engine.
If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion. If water has been
added to the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the anti-
freeze content of the coolant as
soon as possible, otherwise the
effectiveness of the coolant will
be reduced.
[ECA10472]

5. Install the coolant reservoir cap
guard by installing the bolt.
EAU46422
To change the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and let the engine cool if nec-
essary.
2. Remove cowling A. (See
page 6-6.)
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Coolant reservoir cap guard
3. Bolt
4. Maximum level mark
5. Minimum level mark2
1
5 4
3

Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.27 L (0.29 US qt, 0.24 Imp.qt)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU46403
Replacing the auxiliary light
bulb
If the auxiliary light bulb burns out, re-
place it as follows.
1. Remove the headlight unit. (See
page 6-32.)
2. Remove the auxiliary light socket
(together with the bulb) by turning
it counterclockwise.
3. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pull-
ing it out of the socket.4. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
5. Install the auxiliary light socket (to-
gether with the bulb) by turning it
clockwise.
6. Install the headlight unit.
EAU24350
Supporting the motorcycle
Since this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other maintenance
requiring the motorcycle to stand up-
right. Check that the motorcycle is in a
stable and level position before starting
any maintenance. A strong wooden
box can be placed under the engine for
added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcycle
by using a motorcycle stand or, if
an additional motorcycle stand is
not available, by placing a jack un-
der the frame in front of the rear
wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the
ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
a jack either under each side of the

1. Auxiliary light bulb socket
1

1. Auxiliary light bulb
1

INDEX
A
ABS ......................................................... 3-18
ABS warning light ...................................... 3-5
Air filter element....................................... 6-17
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ........................ 3-14
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing ................... 6-36
B
Battery ..................................................... 6-28
Brake and clutch fluids, changing ............ 6-24
Brake and clutch levers, checking and
lubricating .............................................. 6-25
Brake fluid level, checking ....................... 6-23
Brake lever .............................................. 3-17
Brake pedal ............................................. 3-18
Brake pedal, checking and lubricating ..... 6-25
C
Cables, checking and lubricating ............. 6-24
Care ........................................................... 7-1
Catalytic converters ................................. 3-22
Clutch lever.................................... 3-16
,
6-21
Coolant .................................................... 6-14
Coolant temperature warning light............. 3-4
Cowling and panels, removing and
installing .................................................. 6-6
D
Dimmer switch ......................................... 3-15
E
Engine break-in ......................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed, checking ................. 6-17
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ................ 6-9
Engine stop switch................................... 3-15
Engine trouble warning light ...................... 3-4
EXUP system .......................................... 3-28
F
Final gear oil ............................................ 6-12
Front and rear brake pads, checking....... 6-22
Front brake lever free play, checking ...... 6-21
Front fork, adjusting................................. 3-24
Front fork, checking ................................. 6-26
Fuel ......................................................... 3-20
Fuel level warning light .............................. 3-4
Fuel tank cap ........................................... 3-19
Fuses, replacing ...................................... 6-31
H
Handlebar switches ................................. 3-15
Hazard switch .......................................... 3-16
Headlight bulb, replacing ......................... 6-32
High beam indicator light ........................... 3-3
Horn switch.............................................. 3-15
I
Identification numbers ............................... 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................... 3-29
Immobilizer system.................................... 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light ............. 3-5
Indicator and warning lights....................... 3-3
K
Key identification number .......................... 9-1
L
License plate light bulb, replacing ........... 6-35
Luggage strap holders............................. 3-28
M
Main switch/steering lock .......................... 3-2
Matte color, caution ................................... 7-1
Model label ................................................ 9-2
Multi-function display ................................. 3-6
N
Neutral indicator light................................. 3-3
O
Oil level warning light ................................ 3-3
P
Parking ...................................................... 5-3
Part locations ............................................ 2-1
Pass switch ............................................. 3-15
Periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart ........................................................ 6-2
R
Rear brake light switch, adjusting ........... 6-22
S
Safety information ..................................... 1-1
Seats ....................................................... 3-22
Shifting ...................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................... 3-17
Shift pedal, checking and lubricating ...... 6-26
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting ...... 3-26
Sidestand ................................................ 3-29
Sidestand, checking and lubricating ....... 6-26
Spark plugs, checking ............................... 6-8
Specifications ............................................ 8-1
Speedometer unit...................................... 3-5
Starting the engine .................................... 5-1
Start switch ............................................. 3-15
Steering, checking .................................. 6-27
Storage ..................................................... 7-4
Supporting the motorcycle ...................... 6-36
T
Tail/brake light......................................... 6-34
Throttle cable free play, checking ........... 6-17
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating ............................................. 6-24
Tires ........................................................ 6-18
Tool kit ...................................................... 6-1