2011 YAMAHA VMAX Owners Manual

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-35
6 1. Remove the headlight unit by re-
moving the bolts.
2. Disconnect the headlight coupler,
and then remove the bulb cover.3. Unhook the headlight bulb holder,
and then remove the burnt-out
bulb.
4. Place a new headlight bulb into po-
sition, and then secure it with the
bulb holder.5. Install the headlight bulb cover,
and then connect the coupler.
6. Install the headlight unit by install-
ing the bolts.
7. Have a Yamaha dealer adjust the
headlight beam if necessary.
1. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb.
1. Bolt
1
1
1. Headlight coupler
2. Headlight bulb cover
1. Headlight bulb holder
1
2
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-36
6
EAU24181
Tail/brake light This model is equipped with an LED-
type tail/brake light.
If the tail/brake light does not come on,
have a Yamaha dealer check it.
EAU24204
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb 1. Remove the turn signal light lens
by removing the screw.
2. Remove the burnt-out bulb by
pushing it in and turning it counter-
clockwise.3. Insert a new bulb into the socket,
push it in, and then turn it clock-
wise until it stops.
4. Install the lens by installing the
screw. NOTICE: Do not over-
tighten the screw, otherwise the
lens may break.
[ECA11191]
1. Screw
2. Turn signal light lens
1
2
1. Turn signal light bulb
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-37
6
EAU50450
Replacing a license plate light
bulb 1. Remove the holding plate by re-
moving the bolts.
2. Remove the license plate light unit
bolts.3. Pull the license plate light unit out-
ward as shown to access the bulb
and its socket.
4. Remove the license plate light
socket (together with the bulb) by
turning it counterclockwise, and
then pulling it out.5. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pull-
ing it out.
6. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
7. Install the socket (together with the
bulb) by pushing it in, and then
turning it clockwise until it stops.1. Holding plate
2. Bolt
12
1. License plate light unit bolt
2. License plate light unit
1 2
1. License plate light bulb socket
2. License plate light unit
1. License plate light bulb
121
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-38
68. Place the license plate light unit in
the original position, and then in-
stall the bolts.
9. Install the holding plate by install-
ing the bolts.
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 6-34.)
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.1. Auxiliary light bulb socket
1
1. Auxiliary light bulb
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-39
6
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 placinga jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
EAU25871
Troubleshooting Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur dur-
ing operation. Any problem in the fuel,
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 your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look like
Yamaha parts, but they are often inferi-
or, have a shorter service life and can
lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWA15141
When checking the fuel system, do
not smoke, and make sure there are
no open flames or sparks in the ar-
ea, including pilot lights from water
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-40
6heaters or furnaces. Gasoline or
gasoline vapors can ignite or ex-
plode, causing severe injury or
property damage.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-41
6
EAU46791
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 vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth or replace the
spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
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 have a Yamaha dealer charge
the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-42
6Engine overheating
WARNING
EWAT1040


Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.


Place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the de-
tent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissing sound has stopped, press down on the cap
while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
TIPIf coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
as soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See TIP.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
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