2009 YAMAHA VMAX check engine

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION
...................1-1
DESCRIPTION
...................................2-1
Left view ...........................................2-1
Right view .........................................2-2
Controls and instruments..................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS
........................................3-1
Immobilizer system ..........................3-1
Main switch/steering lock .................3-2
Indicator and warning lights .............3-3
Speedometer unit ............................3-5
Multi-function display .......................3-6
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ..............3-14
Handlebar switches .......................3-15
Clutch lever ....................................3-16
Shift pedal ......................................3-17
Brake lever ....................................3-17
Brake pedal ...................................3-18
ABS ...............................................3-18
Fuel tank cap .................................3-19
Fuel ................................................3-20
Catalytic converters .......................3-22
Seats .............................................3-22
Adjusting the front fork ...................3-24
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ....................................3-26
Luggage strap holders ...................3-28
EXUP system ................................3-28
Sidestand .......................................3-29Ignition circuit cut-off system ......... 3-29
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
.............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS
.................................. 5-1
Starting the engine .......................... 5-1
Shifting ............................................ 5-2
Engine break-in ............................... 5-3
Parking ............................................ 5-3
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT
.................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ................................ 6-1
Periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart ........................... 6-2
Removing and installing the
cowling and panels ...................... 6-6
Checking the spark plugs ................ 6-8
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ...... 6-9
Final gear oil .................................. 6-12
Coolant .......................................... 6-14
Air filter element ............................ 6-17
Checking the engine idling
speed ......................................... 6-17
Checking the throttle cable free
play ............................................ 6-17
Valve clearance ............................. 6-18
Tires .............................................. 6-18
Cast wheels ................................... 6-20Clutch lever ................................... 6-21
Checking the front brake lever
free play ..................................... 6-21
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch ......................................... 6-22
Checking the front and rear brake
pads ........................................... 6-22
Checking the brake fluid level ....... 6-23
Changing the brake and clutch
fluids .......................................... 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
cables ........................................ 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ................ 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers .............. 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
brake pedal ................................ 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
shift pedal .................................. 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand ................................... 6-26
Checking the front fork .................. 6-26
Checking the steering ................... 6-27
Checking the wheel bearings ........ 6-28
Battery ........................................... 6-28
Replacing the fuses ...................... 6-31
Replacing the headlight bulb ........ 6-32
Tail/brake light ............................... 6-34
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb ............................................ 6-34

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loading
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili-
ty and handling if the weight distribution
of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid
the possibility of an accident, use ex-
treme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloaded vehicle
could cause an accident.
When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:


Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle as
possible and make sure to distrib-
ute the weight as evenly as possi-
ble on both sides of the motorcycle
to minimize imbalance or instabili-
ty.

Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.

Properly adjust the suspension
for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.

Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These
items, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-sponse.

This vehicle is not designed to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a sidecar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail-
able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection to
Yamaha manufacture parts and acces-
sories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a
position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories,
and Modifications
While you may find aftermarket prod-

Maximum load:
190 kg (419 lb)

DESCRIPTION
2-2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU10420
Right view
12 3 5
6 94
8
10
7

1. Passenger seat (page 3-22)
2. Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-23)
3. Rider seat (page 3-22)
4. Fuse box 1 (page 6-31)
5. Radiator cap (page 6-14)
6. Coolant reservoir (page 6-14)
7. Engine oil level check window (page 6-9)
8. Brake pedal (page 3-18)9. Fuse box 2 (page 6-31)
10. Shock absorber assembly compression damping force adjusting
knob (page 3-26)

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
2
34
5
6
7
8
9
To unlock the steering
Push the key in, and then turn it to
“OFF” while still pushing it.

EAU34341
(Parking)
The steering is locked, and the taillight,
license plate light and auxiliary light are
on. The hazard lights and turn signal
lights can be turned on, but all other
electrical systems are off. The key can
be removed.
The steering must be locked before the
key can be turned to “ ”.
NOTICE

ECA11020
Do not use the parking position for
an extended length of time, other-
wise the battery may discharge.
EAU11003
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11030
Turn signal indicator lights “” and
“”
The corresponding indicator light flash-es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
EAU11060
Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU46562
Oil level warning light “”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine oil level is low. To check the elec-
trical circuit of the warning light, place
the vehicle on a level surface, set the
engine stop switch to “ ” and turn the
key from “OFF” to “ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
and then go off, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical circuit.
If the warning light stays on, proceed as
follows.
1. Set the engine stop switch to “ ”.
2. Turn the key to “OFF”, wait two
1. Fuel level warning light “ ”
2. Right turn signal indicator light “ ”
3. Coolant temperature warning light “ ”
4. Neutral indicator light “ ”
5. High beam indicator light “ ”
6. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
7. Left turn signal indicator light “ ”
8. Immobilizer system indicator light
9. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning
light “ ”
10. Oil level warning light “ ”
10
9
8
7
6
54321
ABS

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
minutes, and then turn the key to
“ON”.
3. If the warning light comes on and
does not go off, check the engine
oil level. (See page 6-9.) If the
warning light still stays on after
confirming the oil level is correct,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
TIP

This warning light WILL NOT come on:

when the engine is idling

when riding

if the engine has stalled and the
key has not been turned from “ON”
to “OFF” and then back to “ON”
HOWEVER, if the warning light is on
when the engine is started, it will stay
on until the key is turned to “OFF”.
EAU11350
Fuel level warning light “”
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
3.9 L (1.03 US gal, 0.86 Imp.gal). When
this occurs, refuel as soon as possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
EAU11442
Coolant temperature warning light
“”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine overheats. If this occurs, stop the
engine immediately and allow the en-
gine to cool.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
NOTICE

ECA10021
Do not continue to operate the en-
gine if it is overheating.
TIP


For radiator-fan-equipped vehi-
cles, the radiator fan(s) automati-
cally switch on or off according tothe coolant temperature in the ra-
diator.

If the engine overheats, see page
6-38 for further instructions.
EAU46440
Engine trouble warning light “”
This warning light comes on if a prob-
lem is detected in the electrical circuit
monitoring the engine. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
self-diagnosis system. (See page 3-13
for an explanation of the self-diagnosis
device.)
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. If the warning light does not come
on for a few seconds, then go off, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
TIP

This warning light will come on when
the key is turned to “ON” and the start
switch is pushed, but this does not indi-
cate a malfunction.

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-5
2
34
5
6
7
8
9

EAU39501
ABS warning light “”
If this warning light comes on or flashes
while riding, the ABS may not work cor-
rectly. If this occurs, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system as soon as
possible. (See page 3-18.)
WARNING

EWA10081
If the ABS warning light comes on or
flashes while riding, the brake sys-
tem reverts to conventional braking.
Therefore, be careful not to cause
the wheels to lock during emergen-
cy braking. If the warning light
comes on or flashes while riding,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
brake system as soon as possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on or
remains on, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical circuit.
EAU38621
Immobilizer system indicator light
The electrical circuit of the indicator
light can be checked by turning the keyto “ON”.
If the indicator light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
When the key is turned to “OFF” and 30
seconds have passed, the indicator
light will start flashing indicating the im-
mobilizer system is enabled. After 24
hours have passed, the indicator light
will stop flashing, however the immobi-
lizer system is still enabled.
This model is also equipped with a
self-diagnosis device for the immobiliz-
er system. (See page 3-13 for an expla-
nation of the self-diagnosis device.)
EAU46622
Speedometer unit
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the riding speed.
TIP

For the U.K.
The speedometer display can be
switched between kilometers and
miles. (See page 3-6 for details.)
Tachometer
The tachometer allows the rider to
monitor the engine speed and keep it
ABS

1. Tachometer
2. Shift timing indicator light
3. Tachometer red zone
4. Speedometer
12
4
3

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-12
1
2
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5
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7
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4. Push “RESET”. The multi-function
display changes to the Normal
mode, the stopwatch is displayed
in place of the clock, and the trans-
mission gear indicator changes to
the countdown clock.
5. Push “SELECT” or shift into gear
and the countdown clock starts
counting down from “5”. Simulta-
neously, the shift timing indicator
flashes according to the number
displayed (i.e., when “5” is dis-
played, the indicator flashes five
times, when “4” is displayed, the
indicator flashes four times, etc.).
The stopwatch starts counting
when the countdown clock finishes
counting.
6. Push “SELECT” or push the start
switch “” to stop the countdown
clock.
7. Push “RESET” to reset the count-
down clock and stopwatch.
8. Push “RESET” to reset the count-down clock, and then repeat steps
5–6, OR push “RESET” again for
at least two seconds to enter the
Normal mode.
TIP

To perform further multi-function dis-
play settings,
be sure the transmis-
sion is in neutral,
then enter the
Select mode again by pushing and
holding “SELECT” and “RESET” for at
least three seconds.
Checking and resetting the system sta-
tusThe status/readings of the following
items are displayed, and the tripmeters
can be reset.


tripmeters and odometer

fuel consumption

air intake temperature

throttle opening position
TIP


The “System status” menu cannot
be entered if the fuel level warning
light or coolant temperature warn-
ing light is on.

If, when the engine is runningwhile the system status menu is
displayed, the fuel level warning
light or coolant temperature warn-
ing light comes on, the Normal
mode is automatically displayed.
1. Push “SELECT” to highlight “Sys-
tem status”, then push “RESET”.
2. Push “SELECT” to highlight “Yes”,
then push “RESET”. (Highlighting
“No” and pushing “RESET” returns
to the previous menu.)
The display changes to the status
screen.
Push “SELECT” and the various trip-
meters and the odometer are displayed

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-13
2
34
5
6
7
8
9
in the following order:
(TRIP-F)
→
TRIP-1
→
TRIP-2
→
ODO
→
(TRIP-F)
Push “RESET” to reset a tripmeter.
TIP


For the U.K. only: Push “SELECT”
for at least two seconds to switch
between miles and kilometers.

Pushing “RESET” displays the
Normal mode for five seconds.
Pushing “SELECT” and “RESET”
for at least three seconds, chang-
es the display to the Normal mode.

To perform further multi-function
display settings, enter the Select
mode again by pushing and hold-
ing “SELECT” and “RESET” for at
least three seconds.
Resetting the maintenance counters
This function allows you to reset the
maintenance counters for the tires, theengine oil, and an item of your choice.
1. Push “SELECT” to highlight “Main-
tenance”, then push “RESET”.
2. Push “SELECT” to highlight the
item to reset.
3. Push “RESET” to reset the item.
TIP

The bottom area was left blank for an-
other item the rider cares to check the
distance of since it has been changed,
replaced or checked (i.e., air filter ele-
ment, engine parts, etc.).
4. Push “SELECT” to scroll to “”.
5. Push “RESET” to return to the pre-vious menu.
Self-diagnosis device
This model is equipped with a self-diag-
nosis device for various electrical cir-
cuits.
If a problem is detected in any of those
circuits, the engine trouble warning light
comes on and the display indicates a
two-digit error code.
NOTICE

ECA11590
If the display indicates an error
code, the vehicle should be checked
as soon as possible in order to avoid
engine damage.
The self-diagnosis device also detects
problems in the immobilizer system cir-
cuits.
If a problem is detected in any of the im-
1. Error code display
1