2015 YAMAHA GRIZZLY 550 warning

8-44
88. Start the engine and rev it up approximately
twenty times while momentarily creating ex-
haust system back pressure by blocking the
end of the muffler with a shop towel.
9. Stop the engine and allow the exhaust pipe to cool.
10. Check the gasket for damage, and replace it if necessary.
11. Install the purging bolt and its gasket, and then tighten the bolt to the specified torque.
WARNING
EWB02381Never run the engine in an enclosed area when
purging the spark arrester, otherwise it could
cause injury to the eyes, burns, carbon monox-
ide poisoning, possibly leading to death, and
start a fire.
Always let the exhaust system cool prior to
touching exhaust components.
 Always wear eye protection, and make sure
no one is behind the ATV.
 Make sure there are no combustible materi-
als in the area. EBU23932V-belt case drain plugAfter riding in water deep enough to allow it to en-
ter the V-belt case, remove the V-belt case drain
plug to drain the water from the case.
1. Purging bolt
2. Gasket
2
Tightening torque:
Purging bolt:27 Nm (2.7 m·kgf, 20 ft·lbf)
U2LB61E0.book Page 44 Friday, February 21, 2014 3:03 PM

8-46
8
EBU24061Valve clearanceThe valve clearance changes with use, resulting in
improper air-fuel mixture and/or engine noise. To
prevent this from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.EBU24072Adjusting the drive select lever safety
system cableThe drive select lever safety system cable stretch-
es with use, which can result in improper function.
Therefore, the safety system cable should be
checked and adjusted by a Yamaha dealer at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.EBU29602BrakesReplacement of brake components requires pro-
fessional knowledge. Brake service should be
performed by a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWB02572Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could lead to a loss in braking ability
and an accident. EBU27471Checking the front and rear brake padsThe front and rear brake pads must be checked
for wear at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. Each brake
pad is provided with a wear indicator groove,
which allows you to check the brake pad wear
without having to disassemble the brake. If a
brake pad has worn to the point that the wear in-
dicator groove has almost disappeared, have a
Yamaha dealer replace the brake pads as a set.TIPThe wheels need to be removed to check the
brake pads. (See page 8-64.)
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8-48
8Rear brake
WARNING
EWB02721Improper maintenance can result in loss of
braking ability. Observe these precautions:

Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to enter
the brake system, reducing braking perfor-
mance.
 Clean the filler cap before removing. Use
only DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed contain-
er. 
Use only the specified brake fluid; otherwise,
the rubber seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage.
 Refill with the same type of brake fluid. Add-
ing a brake fluid other than DOT 4 may result
in a harmful chemical reaction.
 Be careful that water does not enter the
brake fluid reservoir when refilling. Water will
significantly lower the boiling point of the flu-
id and may result in vapor lock.
NOTICEECB01161Brake fluid may damage painted surfaces or
plastic parts. Always clean up spilled fluid im-
mediately. As the brake pads wear, it is normal for the brake
fluid level to gradually go down. A low brake fluid
level may indicate worn brake pads and/or brake
system leakage; therefore, be sure to check the
brake pads for wear and the brake system for
leakage. If the brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer check the cause be-
fore further riding.
1. Minimum level markSpecified brake fluid:
DOT 4
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8-53
8
WARNING
EWB02582Inspect cables frequently and replace if
damaged. Corrosion can result when the ca-
ble sheaths become damaged, and cables
can also become frayed or kinked, which
could restrict the operation of controls and
lead to an accident or injury.
 Always make sure all control cables work
smoothly before you begin riding in cold
weather. If the control cables are frozen or
do not work smoothly, you could be unable
to control the ATV, which could lead to an
accident or collision. EBU24913Checking and lubricating the front and
rear brake leversThe operation of the front and rear brake levers
should be checked before each ride, and the lever
pivots should be lubricated if necessary. Front brake lever
Rear brake lever
Recommended lubricant: Silicone greaseU2LB61E0.book Page 53 Friday, February 21, 2014 3:03 PM

8-56
8
WARNING
EWB02161Battery electrolyte is poisonous and danger-
ous, as it contains sulfuric acid, which can cau-
se severe burns. Avoid contact with skin, eyes
or clothing. Always shield your eyes when
working near batteries.
Antidote:
EXTERNAL: Flush with water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg
or vegetable oil. Call a physician immediately.
EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes and get
prompt medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flame, cigarettes or other sources of
ignition away. Ventilate when charging or using
in an enclosed space.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. NOTICEECB00621Never attempt to remove the battery cell seals,
as this would permanently damage the battery.
To remove the battery1. Remove panel A. (See page 8-10.)
2. Remove the front carrier by removing the bolts.1. Carrier bolt (under the fenders)
U2LB61E0.book Page 56 Friday, February 21, 2014 3:03 PM

8-60
8The main fuse, the fuel injection system fuse, the
EPS fuse, and the fuse box are located under pan-
el A. (See page 8-10.)
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows.1. Turn the key to “ ” (off) and turn off all elec- trical circuits.
NOTICEECB00641To prevent accidental short-circuiting, turn off
the main switch when checking or replacing a
fuse. 2. Remove the blown fuse, and then install anew fuse of the specified amperage.
WARNING! Always use a fuse of the spec-
ified rating, and never use a substitute ob-
ject in place of the proper fuse. An
improper fuse or a substitute object can
cause damage to the electrical system,
which could lead to a fire.
[EWB02173]
1. Auxiliary DC jack fuse
2. Four-wheel-drive motor fuse
3. Ignition fuse
4. Radiator fan motor fuse
5. Signaling system fuse
6. Headlight fuse
7. Spare fuseU2LB61E0.book Page 60 Friday, February 21, 2014 3:03 PM

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8
EBU25741TroubleshootingAlthough Yamaha ATVs receive a thorough in-
spection before shipment from the factory, trouble
may occur during operation. Any problem in the
fuel, compression, or ignition systems, for exam-
ple, can cause poor starting and loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts represent
quick and easy procedures for checking these vi-
tal systems yourself. However, should your ATV
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha dealer,
whose skilled technicians have the necessary
tools, experience, and know-how to service the
ATV properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replacement parts. Im-
itation parts may look like Yamaha parts, but they
are often inferior, have a shorter service life and
can lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWB02281Do not smoke when checking the fuel system.
Fuel can ignite or explode, causing severe inju-
ry or property damage. Make sure there are no
open flames or sparks in the area, including pi-
lot lights from water heaters or furnaces. U2LB61E0.book Page 66 Friday, February 21, 2014 3:03 PM

8-68
8Engine overheating
WARNING
EWB02291Wait for the engine and radiator to cool before removing the radiator cap. You could be burned by
hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure. Always put a thick rag over the cap when opening.
Allow any remaining pressure to escape before completely removing 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 check
and 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.
U2LB61E0.book Page 68 Friday, February 21, 2014 3:03 PM