2012 YAMAHA GRIZZLY 550 check engine

5-3
5
EBU19541Fuel Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in the tank.
(See page 4-16.)EBU19560Engine oil Make sure that the engine oil is at the specified lev-
el. Add oil as necessary. (See page 8-22.)EBU19590Final gear oil Make sure that the final gear oil is at the specified
level. Add oil as necessary. (See page 8-27.)EBU19600Differential gear oil Make sure that the differential gear oil is at the
specified level. Add oil as necessary. (See page
8-29.)EBU19631Coolant Make sure that the coolant is at the specified level.
Add coolant as necessary. (See page 8-32.)
TIPThe coolant level must be checked on a cold en-
gine since the level varies with engine tempera-
ture.EBU29082Front and rear brakes Brake levers and brake pedal
Check that there is no free play in the front and
rear brake levers. If there is free play, have a
Yamaha dealer check the brake system.
Check for correct free play in the brake pedal. If
the free play is incorrect, adjust it. (See page
8-50.)
Check the operation of the brake levers and
pedal. They should move smoothly and there
should be a firm feeling when the brakes are ap-
plied. If not, have a Yamaha dealer check the
brake system.
Brake fluid level
Check the brake fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.
(See page 8-48.)
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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.EBU30560Starting 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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6-4
6
TIP
When in reverse, the reverse indicator light
should come on. If the indicator light does not
come on, have a Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit.
Due to the synchronizing mechanism in the en-
gine, the indicator light may not come on until the
ATV starts moving.
4. Check behind for people or obstacles, andthen release the brake pedal.
5. Open the throttle lever gradually and continue to watch to the rear while backing.EBU20682Engine break-in TIP
For ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour
meter, follow the figures given in km (mi) or the
figures given in hours.
For ATVs not equipped with an odometer or
hour meter, follow the figures given in hours.There is never a more important period in the life of
your engine than the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours of riding. For this reason, you should read
the following material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not put an ex-
cessive load on it for the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours. The various parts in the engine wear and
polish themselves to the correct operating clear-
ances. During this period, prolonged full-throttle
operation or any condition that might result in en-
gine overheating must be avoided.
1. Drive select lever
2. L (Low-range)
3. H (High-range)
4. N (Neutral)
5. R (Reverse)
6. P (Park)
L 2H 3N4R5P6
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6
0
– 160 km (0 –100 mi) or 0 –10 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2 throttle. Vary
the speed of the ATV regularly. Do not operate it at
one set throttle position.
160– 320 km (100 –200 mi) or 10 –20 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 3/4 throttle. Rev
the engine freely, but do not use full throttle at any
time.
320 km (200 mi) or 20 hours and beyond
The ATV can now be operated normally.
NOTICEECB00220If any engine trouble should occur during the
engine break-in period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the ATV.EBU27321Parking When parking the ATV, stop the engine, and shift
the drive select lever into the park position.
EBU29900Parking on a slope
WARNING
EWB00860Avoid parking on hills or other inclines. Park-
ing on a hill or other incline could cause the
ATV to roll out of control, increasing the
chance of an accident. If you must park on an
incline, place the ATV transversely across the
incline, stop the engine, shift the drive select
lever to the park position, and then block the
front and rear wheels with rocks or other ob-
jects.
Do not park the ATV at all on hills that are so
steep you could not walk up them easily.1. Bring the ATV to a stop by applying the brakes.
2. Stop the engine.
3. With the brake pedal applied, shift the drive select lever to the park position.
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7-8
7an overturn. Never attempt stunts, such as
wheelies or jumps. Don
’t try to show off.
[EWB01481]Modifications and accessories
Never modify this ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories or other modification. All
parts and accessories added to this ATV should be
genuine Yamaha or equivalent components de-
signed for use on this ATV and should be installed
and used according to instructions. If you have
questions, consult an authorized ATV dealer.
WARNING! Operating this ATV with improper modifications may cause changes in handling
which in some situations could lead to an acci-
dent.
[EWB01491]
Exhaust system
WARNING
EWB01501
Dry grass or brush or other combustible ma-
terial accumulated around the engine area
could catch fire. Do not operate, idle, or park
the ATV in dry grass or other dry ground cov-
er. Keep the engine area free of dry grass,
brush, or other combustible material.
Someone touching the exhaust system dur-
ing or after operation could be burned. Do
not touch the hot exhaust system. Do not
park the ATV in a place where others might
be likely to touch it.The muffler and other engine parts become ex-
tremely hot during operation and remain hot after
the engine has stopped. To reduce the risk of fire
during operation or after leaving the ATV, do not let
brush, grass and other materials collect under the
vehicle, near the muffler or exhaust pipe, or next to
other hot parts. Check under the vehicle after op-
erating in areas where combustible materials may
have collected. Do not idle or park the vehicle in
long dry grass or other dry ground cover.
U1HS60E0.book Page 8 Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7:53 PM

7-16
7uphill. Turn the ATV around and remount, following
the procedure described in the Owner
’s Manual.
WARNING! Stalling, rolling backwards or im- properly dismounting while climbing a hill
could result in ATV overturning. If you cannot
control the ATV, dismount immediately on the
uphill side.
[EWB01802]
RIDING DOWNHILL
WARNING
EWB01621Going down a hill improperly could cause
overturns or loss of control. Always follow
proper procedures for going down hills as de-
scribed in this Owner ’s Manual.

Always check the terrain carefully before
you start down any hill.
Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for
the ATV or for your abilities. The ATV can
overturn more easily on extremely steep hills
than on level surfaces or small hills.
Shift your weight backward and to the up
side of the hill.
Never go down a hill at high speed.
Avoid going down a hill at an angle that
would cause the ATV to lean sharply to one
side. Go straight down the hill where possi-
ble.
Improper braking can cause the wheels on
the uphill side to come off the ground or
cause loss of traction. Apply brakes gradual-
ly. If in “2WD ”, apply only the rear brake.When riding your ATV downhill, shift your weight
as far to the rear and uphill side of the ATV as pos-
sible. Move back on the seat and sit with your arms
straight. Engine compression will do most of the
braking for you. For maximum engine compres-
sion braking effect, select the low-range position
and change to “4WD ” before beginning to descend
the hill.
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8-7
8
10*Chassis fasteners 
Make sure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are
properly tightened. √√√√√
11 *Shock absorber as-
semblies 
Check operation and correct if necessary.
 Check for oil leakage and replace if necessary. √√√
12 *Stabilizer bushes 
Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary. √√√
13 *Rear knuckle pivots Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. √√√
14 *Steering shaft Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. √√√
15 *Steering system 
Check operation and repair or replace if damaged.
 Check toe-in and adjust if necessary. √√√√√
16 *Engine mount 
Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary. √√√
17 *Axle boots 
Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary. √√√√√
18 Engine oil 
Change.
 Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary. √ √√√
19 Engine oil filter car-
tridge 
Replace. √√√
NO. ITEM
CHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOB INITIAL EVERY
Whichev- er comes first month136612
km
(mi) 320
(200) 1300
(800) 2500
(1600) 2500
(1600) 5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320U1HS60E0.book Page 7 Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7:53 PM

8-20
8
EBU28671Removing the radiator grills The radiator grills can be removed to access the
radiator for cleaning.
To remove a radiator grill
Remove the quick fastener, pull the radiator grill
outward at the top, and then pull it upward.
To install a radiator grill
Place the radiator grill in its original position, and
then install the quick fastener.
EBU23213Checking the spark plug The spark plug is an important engine component,
which is easy to check. Since heat and deposits
will cause any spark plug to slowly erode, the spark
plug should be removed and checked in accor-
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 plug1. Remove the spark plug cap.
1. Radiator grill
2. Quick fastener
21
1. Spark plug cap1
U1HS60E0.book Page 20 Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7:53 PM