2012 YAMAHA VMAX check engine light

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-24
3
ately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothing, change
your clothes.
EAU13391
NOTICE
ECA11400
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the valves and piston rings,
as well as to the exhaust system.Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-
curs, use a gasoline of a different brand. Use of unleaded fuel will extend
spark plug life and reduce maintenance
costs.
EAU51170
Fuel tank breather hose and
overflow hose Before operating the motorcycle:●
Check each hose connection.
●
Check each hose for cracks or
damage, and replace if damaged.
●
Make sure that the end of each
hose is not blocked, and clean if
necessary.
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded gasoline only
Fuel tank capacity: 15.0 L (3.96 US gal, 3.30 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warning light comes on): 3.9 L (1.03 US gal, 0.86 Imp.gal)
1. Fuel tank breather hose
2. Fuel tank overflow hose
12
U2S3E3E0.book Page 24 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTICE
ECA17670
If the above warning lights or indica-
tor light do not come on initially
when the key is turned to “ON”, or if
a warning or indicator light remains
on, see page 3-4 for the correspond-
ing warning and indicator light cir-
cuit check.
The ABS warning light should
come on when the main switch is
turned to “ON” and then go off after
traveling at a speed of 10 km/h (6
mi/h) or higher.
NOTICE
ECA17680
If the ABS warning light does not
come on and then go off as ex-
plained above, see page 3-4 for the
indicator light circuit check.2. Shift the transmission into the neu-tral position. The neutral indicator
light should come on. If not, ask a
Yamaha dealer to check the elec- trical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the start switch. If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt.
NOTICE
ECA11042
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold!
EAU16671
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.TIPTo shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
2
2 3
4 5N1
U2S3E3E0.book Page 2 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-10
6
To install the panel
Place 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
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-11
6
TIPIf 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.
EAU19908
Engine oil and oil filter car-
tridge 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 level1. 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.TIPThe 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:
13 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9.4 ft·lbf)
1. Engine oil level check window
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
23
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-13
68. Install the engine oil drain bolt and
its new gasket, and then tighten
the bolt to the specified torque.
9. Refill with the specified amount of the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
TIPBe 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.TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.NOTICE
ECA10401
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, immediately turn the engine
off and have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.11. Turn the engine off, wait a few min-utes until the oil settles, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
1. Torque wrenchTightening 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, 31 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)
U2S3E3E0.book Page 13 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
6
7. Check the oil check bolt gasket
and the oil filler bolt gasket for
damage, and replace them if nec-
essary.
8. Refill with the recommended final gear oil until it flows out of the oil
check bolt hole.
9. Install the oil check bolt, the oil filler bolt and their gasket, and then
tighten the bolts to the specified
torques. 10. Install the final gear case breather
cap by installing the washer and
bolt, and then tighten the bolt to the
specified torque.
11. Check the final gear case for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, check for
the cause.
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.
EAU46691
To check the coolant level1. 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.TIPThe coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
1. Final gear oil check bolt
2. GasketRecommended final gear oil:Yamaha genuine shaft drive gear oil
SAE 80 API GL-5
Oil quantity:
0.30 L (0.32 US qt, 0.26 Imp.qt)
1
2
Tightening torques:Final gear oil check bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Final gear oil filler bolt:
23 Nm (2.3 m·kgf, 17 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque: Final gear case breather cap bolt:10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
U2S3E3E0.book Page 16 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-39
6
EAU46404
Replacing the auxiliary light
bulb If the auxiliary light bulb burns out, re-
place it as follows.1. Remove the headlight unit. (See page 6-35.)
2. Remove the auxiliary light bulb 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 socket (together 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
1. Auxiliary light bulb socket
1
1. Auxiliary light bulb
1
U2S3E3E0.book Page 39 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

INDEX
AABS ...................................................... 3-21
ABS warning light ................................... 3-6
Air filter element.................................... 6-19
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ..................... 3-17
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing ................ 6-39BBattery .................................................. 6-31
Brake and clutch fluids, changing ......... 6-26
Brake and clutch levers, checking and lubricating ..................... 6-28
Brake and shift pedals,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-27
Brake fluid level, checking .................... 6-25
Brake lever ........................................... 3-20
Brake lever free play, checking ............ 6-23
Brake light switches .............................. 6-24
Brake pedal .......................................... 3-21CCables, checking and lubricating .......... 6-27
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Catalytic converters .............................. 3-25
Clutch lever.................................. 3-19, 6-23
Coolant ................................................. 6-16
Coolant temperature warning light.......... 3-5
Cowling and panels,
removing and installing......................... 6-8DDimmer switch ...................................... 3-18EEngine break-in ...................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed, checking .............. 6-19
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ........... 6-11
Engine stop switch................................ 3-18 Engine trouble warning light .................... 3-5
EXUP system ........................................ 3-31
FFinal gear oil.......................................... 6-14
Front and rear brake pads, checking .... 6-24
Front fork, adjusting .............................. 3-27
Front fork, checking...............................6-29
Fuel ....................................................... 3-23
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ........ 5-3
Fuel level warning light............................ 3-5
Fuel tank breather hose and
overflow hose ...................................... 3-24
Fuel tank cap......................................... 3-22
Fuses, replacing .................................... 6-33HHandlebar switches ............................... 3-18
Hazard switch........................................ 3-19
Headlight bulb, replacing....................... 6-35
High beam indicator light......................... 3-4
Horn switch ........................................... 3-18IIdentification numbers ............................. 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................. 3-32
Immobilizer system .................................3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light ........... 3-6
Indicator lights and warning lights ........... 3-4LLicense plate light bulb, replacing ......... 6-37
Luggage strap holders .......................... 3-31MMain switch/steering lock ........................ 3-2
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic..... 6-4
Maintenance, emission control system ... 6-3
Matte color, caution .................................7-1 Model label ............................................. 9-1
Multi-function display .............................. 3-8
NNeutral indicator light .............................. 3-4OOil level warning light .............................. 3-4PParking.................................................... 5-4
Part locations .......................................... 2-1
Pass switch ........................................... 3-18SSafety information ................................... 1-1
Seats..................................................... 3-25
Shifting .................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................. 3-20
Shift timing indicator light ........................ 3-6
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting .... 3-29
Sidestand .............................................. 3-31
Sidestand, checking and lubricating ..... 6-29
Spark plugs, checking........................... 6-10
Specifications.......................................... 8-1
Speedometer unit ................................... 3-7
Starting the engine.................................. 5-1
Start switch ........................................... 3-18
Steering, checking ................................ 6-30
Storage ................................................... 7-4
Supporting the motorcycle .................... 6-39
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ................. 6-29TTail/brake light ...................................... 6-36
Throttle grip and cable,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-27
Throttle grip free play, checking............ 6-20
Tires ...................................................... 6-20
U2S3E3E0.book Page 1 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM