2012 YAMAHA YFZ450R coolant temperature

4-2
4
EBU29382Indicator light and warning lights EBU17860Neutral indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the neutral position.
EBU29921Coolant 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 warn-
ing 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
remains on, have a Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit.NOTICEECB00010
The engine may overheat if the ATV is over-
loaded. In this case, reduce the load to spec-
ification.
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.
1. Fuel level warning light “”
2. Engine trouble warning light “”
3. Coolant temperature warning light “”
4. Neutral indicator light “N”
12 3 4
U18P66E0.book Page 2 Monday, May 16, 2011 4:23 PM

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.EBU29952Starting the engine NOTICEECB00150See the “Engine break-in ” section on page 6-4
prior to operating the engine for the first time.1. Set the parking brake.
2. 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
Fuel level warning light
Engine trouble warning light
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.3. Shift the transmission into neutral. The neutral indicator light should come on, if it 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 transmission is in neutral.
The clutch is disengaged with the transmission
in gear. However, it is recommended to shift into
neutral before starting the engine.
U18P66E0.book Page 1 Monday, May 16, 2011 4:23 PM

8-23
8
3. If the coolant is at or below the minimum level
mark, remove the coolant reservoir cap, add
coolant or distilled water to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir cap.
NOTICE: If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water instead. Do
not use hard water or salt water since they
are harmful to the engine. If water has
been used instead of coolant, replace it
with coolant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not be pro-
tected against frost and corrosion. If water
has been added to the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the antifreeze con- tent of the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of the coolant
will be reduced.
[ECB01011]
TIP
The radiator fan is automatically switched on or
off according to the coolant temperature in the
radiator.

If the engine overheats, see page 8-54 for fur-
ther instructions.EBU26806Cleaning the air filter element The air filter element should be cleaned at the in-
tervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. Clean or, if necessary, replace
the air filter element more frequently if you are
riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.TIPThere is a check hose at the bottom of the air filter
case. If dust or water collects in this hose, empty
the hose and clean the air filter element and air fil-
ter case.
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the maxi-
mum level mark): 0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
U18P66E0.book Page 23 Monday, May 16, 2011 4:23 PM

10-4
10
Front brake:Type:Disc brake
Operation:
Right hand operation
Specified brake fluid: DOT 4Rear brake:Type:
Disc brake
Operation: Right foot operation
Specified brake fluid: DOT 4Front suspension:Type:Double wishbone
Spring/shock absorber type: Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel:
250 mm (9.9 in)Rear suspension:Type:Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel: 280 mm (11.0 in)Electrical system:Ignition system:
TCI Charging system:
AC magneto
Battery:Model:
YTZ7S
Voltage, capacity: 12 V, 6.0 AhHeadlight:Bulb type:
Krypton bulbBulb voltage, wattage × quantity:Headlight:
12 V, 30.0/30.0 W × 2
Tail/brake light:
LED
Neutral indicator light: LED
Fuel level warning light: LED
Coolant temperature warning light:
LED
Engine trouble warning light: LEDFuse:Fuse:
20.0 A
U18P66E0.book Page 4 Monday, May 16, 2011 4:23 PM

INDEX
AAccessories and loading ................................................ 6-6
Air filter element, cleaning ............................................ 8-23BBattery .......................................................................... 8-45
Brake and clutch levers, checking and lubricating ....... 8-41
Brake fluid, changing ................................................... 8-33
Brake fluid level, checking ........................................... 8-32
Brake lever ..................................................................... 4-6
Brake lever free play, checking the front ...................... 8-33
Brake light switches ..................................................... 8-36
Brake pads, checking the front and rear ...................... 8-30
Brake pedal .................................................................... 4-6
Brake pedal, checking and lubricating ......................... 8-42
Brake pedal height, checking ....................................... 8-34
Brakes .......................................................................... 8-30
Brakes, front and rear .................................................... 5-4CCables, checking and lubricating ................................. 8-40
Chassis fasteners .......................................................... 5-7
Cleaning ......................................................................... 9-1
Clutch lever .................................................................... 4-5
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ................................... 8-36
Coolant .................................................................. 5-4, 8-22
Coolant temperature warning light ................................. 4-2
Cowling and panels, removing and installing ................. 8-9DDrive chain ..................................................................... 5-5Drive chain, lubricating ................................................ 8-40
Drive chain slack .......................................................... 8-38
EEngine break-in .............................................................. 6-4
Engine oil ....................................................................... 5-4
Engine oil and oil filter element .................................... 8-16
Engine, start ................................................................... 6-1
Engine stop switch ......................................................... 4-3
Engine trouble warning light .......................................... 4-3FFuel ......................................................................... 4-9, 5-4
Fuel level warning light .................................................. 4-3
Fuel tank cap ................................................................. 4-8
Fuse, replacing ............................................................ 8-47HHandlebar position, adjusting ...................................... 4-24
Handlebar switches ....................................................... 4-3
Headlight beam, adjusting ........................................... 8-50
Headlight bulb, replacing ............................................. 8-48IIdentification numbers .................................................. 11-1
Indicator light and warning lights ................................... 4-2
Instruments, lights and switches .................................... 5-7LLabel locations ............................................................... 1-1
Light switch .................................................................... 4-4MMain switch .................................................................... 4-1
U18P66E0.book Page 1 Monday, May 16, 2011 4:23 PM