2018 YAMAHA KODIAK 450 warning

8-1
8
EBU28788
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
EBU21676Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lubrication
will keep your vehicle in the safest and most effi-
cient condition possible. Safety is an obligation of
the vehicle owner and operator. The most impor-
tant points of vehicle inspection, adjustment, and
lubrication are explained on the following pages.
WARNING
EWB01842Failure to properly maintain the vehicle or per-
forming maintenance activities incorrectly may
increase your risk of injury or death during ser-
vice or while using the vehicle. If you are not fa-
miliar with vehicle service, have a Yamaha
dealer perform the service.
WARNING
EWB02563Turn off the engine when performing mainte-
nance unless otherwise specified.
A running engine has moving parts that can
catch on body parts or clothing and electri-
cal parts that can cause shocks or fires. 
Running the engine while servicing can lead
to eye injury, burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning - possibly leading to death. See
page 2-6 for more information about carbon
monoxide.

WARNING
EWB02691Brake discs, calipers, drums, and linings can
become very hot during use. To avoid possible
burns, let brake components cool before
touching them. The intervals given in the periodic maintenance
charts should be considered as a general guide
under normal riding conditions. However, DE-
PENDING ON THE WEATHER, TERRAIN, GEO-
GRAPHICAL LOCATION, AND INDIVIDUAL USE,
THE MAINTENANCE INTERVALS MAY NEED TO
BE SHORTENED.TIPFor ATVs not equipped with an odometer or an
hour meter, follow the month maintenance in-
tervals instead.
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TIPThe radiator fan is automatically switched on or
off according to the coolant temperature in the
radiator.
 If the engine overheats, see page 8-65 for fur-
ther instructions. EBU37130To change the coolant
WARNING
EWB01891Wait 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 place a thick rag over the cap
when opening. Allow any remaining pressure
to escape before completely removing the cap. 1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
2. Remove the front carrier and panel F. (See
page 8-8.)
3. Remove the radiator cap. 4. Remove panels D and E. (See page 8-8.)
5. Place a container under the engine, and then
remove the coolant drain bolt and its gasket.
(Use a trough or a similar object as shown to
prevent coolant from spilling on the footrest.)
1. Radiator cap
1
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5. Pull off the lock plate from the main air filter
assembly, and then remove the air filter ele-
ment (sponge material) from the frame.
6. Wash the air filter elements gently but thor- oughly with YAMALUBE Air Filter Cleaner, or
a dedicated parts cleaning solvent.
WARNING! Always use parts cleaning sol- vent. Never use low-flash-point solvents
or gasoline because the engine could
catch fire or explode.
[EWB01943]
1. Main air filter assembly
1. Sub air filter element
1
1
1. Frame
2. Air filter element (sponge material)
3. Lock plate
1
2
3
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WARNING
EWB02341Do not start the engine when cleaning the
spark arrester, otherwise it could cause injury
to the eyes, burns, carbon monoxide poison-
ing, possibly leading to death, and start a fire.
Always let the exhaust system cool prior to
touching exhaust components. EBU23921V-belt cooling duct check hoseIf dust or water collects in the V-belt cooling duct
check hose, remove the hose and clean it.
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.TIPIf water drains from the V-belt case after removing
the plug, have a Yamaha dealer check the ATV as
the water may affect other engine parts.
1. V-belt cooling duct check hose (left front side of ATV)
1
1. V-belt case drain plug
1
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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. EBU28414Checking the front brake pads and rear
brake friction platesThe front brake pads and the rear brake friction
plates must be checked for wear at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart.TIPThis ATV is equipped with a wet, multiple-disc
type rear brake, which is located inside of the final
gear case.
EBU24172Front brake pads
Check each front brake pad for damage and mea-
sure the lining thickness. If a brake pad is dam-
aged or if the lining thickness is less than 1.0 mm
(0.04 in), have a Yamaha dealer replace the brake
pads as a set.TIPThe wheels need to be removed to check the
brake pads. (See page 8-61.) 1. Lining thickness
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EBU30321Rear brake friction plates
The rear brake friction plates must be checked
and, if necessary, replaced by a Yamaha dealer at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.EBU29844Checking the brake fluid levelBefore riding, check that the brake fluid is above
the minimum level mark. Replenish the brake fluid
if necessary.TIPStraighten the handlebars for an accurate reading.
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 or brake sys-
tem leakage. Therefore, be sure to check the
brake pads for wear and the brake system for
leakage. If the brake fluid level suddenly goes
down, have a Yamaha dealer the brake system
before further riding.
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.
1. Minimum level mark
1
Specified brake fluid:
DOT 4
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EBU29882Brake light switchesThe brake light, which is activated by the brake
pedal and brake levers, should come on just be-
fore braking takes effect.
The rear brake light switch for the brake pedal can
be adjusted as follows, but the other brake light
switches should be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjusting nut while
holding the brake light switch in place. To make
the brake light come on earlier, turn the adjusting
nut in direction (a). To make the brake light come
on later, turn the adjusting nut in direction (b).
EBU24905Checking and lubricating the cablesThe operation and the condition of all control ca-
bles should be checked before each ride, and the
cables and cable ends should be lubricated if nec-
essary. If a cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace
it.
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
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
12
(a)
(b)
Recommended lubricant:
Yamaha cable lubricant or other suitable cable lubricant
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TIPFor parts equipped with a grease nipple, use a
grease gun. EBU2918BBatteryThis model is equipped with a 12-volt VRLA
(valve-regulated lead-acid) battery. There is no
need to check the electrolyte or to add distilled
water. However, the battery lead connections
need to be checked and tightened, and the bat-
tery terminals cleaned if corroded. If the battery
seems to have discharged, recharge it as soon as
possible.TIPWear gloves and eye protection in a ventilated
area away from sparks and open flames. Wash
hands after handling.
 It is recommended to have the battery serviced
by a Yamaha dealer.
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. To remove the battery
1. Remove the seat. (See page 4-13.)
2. Remove the battery holding plate by remov- ing the bolts.
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