2011 YAMAHA GRIZZLY 550 stop start

4-3
4
EBU28664Coolant 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”. The warning
light should come on for a few seconds, and then
go off.
If the warning light does not come on initially when
the key is turned to “ON”, or if the warning light re-
mains on, have a Yamaha dealer check the electri-
cal circuit.NOTICEECB00891
The engine may overheat if the ATV is over-
loaded. In this case, reduce the load to spec-
ification.
The engine may also overheat if mud or dirt
has accumulated on the radiator (i.e., after
riding in wet terrain). In this case, see page
8-21 for an explanation on how to access the
radiator.

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.EBU27284Engine trouble warning light“”
This warning light comes on or flashes when an
electrical circuit monitoring the engine is not work-
ing correctly. When this occurs, have a Yamaha
dealer check the self-diagnosis system. (See page
4-7 for an explanation of the self-diagnosis device.)
The electrical circuit of the warning light can be
checked by turning the key to “ON”. The warning
light should come on for a few seconds, and then
go off.
If the warning light does not come on initially when
the key is turned to “ON”, or if the warning light re-
mains on, have a Yamaha dealer check the electri-
cal circuit.EBU29061Electric Power Steering warning light “EPS”
(for EPS model)
This warning light comes on when the key is turned
to “ON”, and then goes off once the engine is start-
ed. If the warning light remains on or comes on af-
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4-4
4ter the engine is started, the EPS system may not
be working correctly. When this occurs, have a
Yamaha dealer check the EPS system.
The electrical circuit of the warning light can be
checked by turning the key to “ON”. If the warning
light does not come on, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical circuit.
TIP
If the engine is stopped using the engine stop
switch and the key is in the “ON” position, the
EPS warning light comes on to indicate that the
power assistance for the steering is not function-
ing.
If the steering load is too heavy (i.e., excessive
steering use when the ATV is traveling at a slow
speed), the power assist is reduced to protect
the EPS motor from overheating.EBU29621On-Command four-wheel-drive indicator“”,
On-Command differential gear lock
indicator“” and indicator light “DIFF.
LOCK”
The On-Command four-wheel-drive indicator“”
comes on when the On-Command four-wheel-
drive switch is set to the “4WD” position.The On-Command differential gear lock
indicator“” and the On-Command differential
gear lock indicator light “DIFF. LOCK” come on
when the On-Command differential gear lock
switch is set to the “LOCK” position.
TIP
Due to the synchronizing mechanism in the dif-
ferential gear case, the four-wheel-drive indica-
tor may not come on until the ATV starts moving.
When the On-Command differential gear lock
switch is set to “LOCK”, the indicator“” and
the indicator light “DIFF. LOCK” will flash until
the differential gear is locked. If the indicator and
the indicator light continue to flash, the differen-
tial is not locked. In this case, start moving to al-
low time for the differential to lock.
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4-7
4 Self-diagnosis device
This model is equipped with a self-diagnosis de-
vice for various electrical circuits.
If a problem is detected in any of those circuits, the
multi-function display will indicate an error code.
If the multi-function display indicates an error code,
note the code number, and then have a Yamaha
dealer check the vehicle.
NOTICEECB00811If the multi-function display indicates an error
code, the vehicle should be checked as soon
as possible in order to avoid engine damage.
EBU18061Handlebar switches EBU18080Engine stop switch“/”
Set this switch to“” 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“”.
1. Error code display
1. Light switch“//OFF”
2. Start switch“”
3. Engine stop switch“/”
4. Override switch “OVERRIDE”
5. Horn switch“”
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6-1
6
EBU19881
OPERATION
EBU19901Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV. If there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWB00631Read 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.EBU29051Starting the engine NOTICEECB00150See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-4
prior to operating the engine for the first time.1. Turn the key to “ON” and the engine stop
switch to“”.
The following warning lights should come on
for a few seconds, then go off.

Coolant temperature warning light

Engine trouble warning light
The EPS warning light should come on, then
go off when the engine is started. (for EPS
model)
NOTICEECB00824If a warning light does not go off, see page 4-2
for the corresponding warning light circuit
check. To avoid possible damage, do not oper-
ate the ATV if a warning light stays on.2. Apply the brake pedal, and then shift the drive
select lever into the neutral or park position.
The corresponding indicator light should
come on. If the indicator light does not come
on, have a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.TIPThis model is equipped with an ignition circuit cut-
off system. The engine can be started under the
following conditions:
The drive select lever is in the neutral or park po-
sition.
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6-2
6

The rear brake lever or brake pedal is applied
with the drive select lever in any position. How-
ever, it is recommended to shift into the neutral
or park position before starting the engine.3. Apply the rear brake lever or brake pedal.
4. Completely close the throttle lever and start
the engine by pushing the start switch.
NOTICE: For maximum engine life, never
accelerate hard when the engine is cold!
[ECB00162]
TIPIf the engine fails to start, release the start switch,
then push it again. Pause a few seconds before
the next attempt. Each cranking should be as short
as possible to preserve battery energy. Do not
crank the engine more than 10 seconds on each
attempt.
EBU20441Operating the drive select lever and
driving in reverse NOTICEECB00170Before shifting, stop the ATV, otherwise the
transmission may be damaged.Shifting: Neutral to High-range and High-range
to Low-range
1. Bring the ATV to a complete stop.
2. Apply the brake pedal, and then shift by mov-
ing the drive select lever along the shift guide.TIPMake sure that the drive select lever is completely
shifted into position.
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7-12
7 Select a large, flat, unpaved area to become famil-
iar with your ATV. Make sure that this area is free
of obstacles and other riders. You should practice
control of the throttle, brakes, shifting procedures,
and turning techniques in this area before trying
more difficult terrain.
Shift to the park position and follow the instruction
on page 6-1 to start the engine. Once it has
warmed up you are ready to begin riding your ATV.
With the engine idling, shift the drive select lever
into the low-range position or the high-range posi-
tion. Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly.
The centrifugal clutch will engage and you will start
to accelerate. If the throttle is applied too abruptly,
the front wheels may lift off the ground, resulting in
a loss of directional control. Avoid higher speeds
until you are thoroughly familiar with the operation
of your ATV.
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. Im-
proper use of the brakes can cause the tires to lose
traction, reducing control and increasing the possi-
bility of an accident.
NOTICEECB00251Do not shift from low-range to high-range or
vice versa without coming to a complete stop.
Damage to the engine or drive train may occur.TURNING YOUR ATV
WARNING
EWB01771Always follow proper procedures for turning
as described in this Owner’s Manual. Practice
turning at low speeds before attempting to turn
at faster speeds. Do not turn at speeds too fast
for your skills or the conditions. ATV could go
out of control, causing a collision or overturn.To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es, the two rear wheels turn together at the same
speed. Therefore, unless the wheel on the inside
of the turn is allowed to slip or lose some traction,
the ATV will resist turning. A special turning tech-
nique must be used to allow the ATV to make turns
quickly and easily. It is essential that this skill be
learned first at low speed.
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7-15
7Do not attempt to climb hills until you have mas-
tered basic maneuvers on flat ground. Always
check the terrain carefully before attempting any
hill. In all cases avoid inclines with slippery or loose
surfaces, or obstacles that might cause you to lose
control.
To climb a hill, you need traction, momentum, and
steady throttle. For more traction and control for
climbing steeper and/or rougher slopes, select
“4WD” or 4WD-LOCK (“DIFF. LOCK”). Travel fast
enough to maintain momentum, but not so fast that
you cannot react to changes in the terrain as you
climb.
It is important when climbing a hill to make sure
that your weight is transferred forward on the ATV.
This can be accomplished by leaning forward and,
on steeper inclines, standing on the footboards
and leaning forward over the handlebars. Whenev-
er possible, ride straight up hills.
Slow down when you reach the crest of the hill if
you cannot see clearly what is on the other side –
there could be another person, an obstacle, or a
sharp drop-off. Use common sense and remember
that some hills are too steep for you to climb or de-
scend.If you are climbing a hill and you find that you have
not properly judged your ability to make it to the
top, you should turn the ATV around while you still
have forward motion (provided you have the room
to do so) and go down the hill.
If your ATV has stalled or stopped and you believe
you can continue up the hill, restart carefully to
make sure you do not lift the front wheels which
could cause you to lose control. If you are unable
to continue up the hill, dismount the ATV on the up-
hill side. Physically turn the ATV around and then
descend the hill.
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT apply either
brake abruptly. If you are in “2WD”, apply only the
front brake. When fully stopped, apply the rear
brake as well, and then shift to the park position. If
you are in “4WD”, because all wheels are intercon-
nected by the drive train, applying either brake will
brake all wheels, therefore, avoid sudden applica-
tion of either the front or rear brake as the wheels
on the uphill side could come off the ground. The
ATV could easily tip over backwards. Apply both
the front and rear brakes gradually. When fully
stopped, lock shift to the park position and dis-
mount the ATV immediately on the uphill side. Dis-
mount on uphill side or to a side if pointed straight
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7-23
7WHAT TO DO...

If your ATV doesn’t turn when you want it to:
Bring the ATV to a stop and practice the turning
maneuvers again. Be sure you are putting your
weight on the footboard to the outside of the
turn. Position your weight over the front wheels
for better control. (See page 7-12.)
If your ATV begins to tip while turning:
Lean more into the turn to regain balance. If nec-
essary, gradually let off the throttle and/or steer
to the outside of the turn. (See page 7-12.)
If your ATV starts to slide sideways:
Steer in the direction of the slide if you have the
room. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the
slide. (See page 7-21.)
If your ATV can’t make it up a hill you are trying
to climb:
Turn the ATV around if you still have forward
speed. If not, stop, dismount on the uphill side of
the ATV and physically turn the ATV around. If
the ATV starts to slip backwards, DO NOT USE
THE REAR BRAKE IF THE ATV IS IN “2WD” –
the ATV may tip over on top of you. Dismount
the ATV on the uphill side. (See page 7-13.)

If your ATV is traversing a sloping surface:
Be sure to ride with your weight positioned to-
wards the uphill side of the ATV to maintain
proper balance. If the ATV starts to tip, steer
down the hill (if there are no obstacles in your
way) to regain balance. If you discover that the
ATV is going to tip over, dismount on the uphill
side. (See page 7-17.)
If your ATV encounters shallow water:
Ride slowly and carefully through slow moving
water, watching for obstacles. Be sure to let wa-
ter drain from the ATV and CHECK YOUR
BRAKES FOR PROPER OPERATION when
you come out of the water. Do not continue to
ride your ATV until you have regained adequate
braking ability. (See page 7-18.)
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