Control function operation
28
will not start. Also, the starter motor could
be damaged.
[ECJ01041]
The engine will not start under any of the fol-
lowing conditions:
Clip is removed from the engine shut-off
switch.
Throttle lever is squeezed.
Throttle lever is malfunctioning.
VX / VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser / VX Limited:
RiDE lever is squeezed.
VX / VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser / VX Limited:
RiDE lever is malfunctioning.
VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser / VX Limited: Lock
mode of the Yamaha Security System has
been selected. (See page 26 for Yamaha
Security System setting procedures.)
EJU31212Throttle lever
The throttle lever increases the engine speed
when the lever is squeezed.The throttle lever returns automatically to its
fully closed (idle) position when released.
EJU43342RiDE lever (VX / VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited)
When the RiDE lever is squeezed, the reverse
gate lowers and the watercraft starts moving
in reverse. If the watercraft is moving forward,
the watercraft gradually slows down until it
stops, and then the watercraft starts moving
in reverse.
When the RiDE lever is released, it automati-
cally returns to its fully closed (idle) position
and the reverse gate moves to the neutral po-
sition.
EJU31262Steering system
By turning the handlebars in the direction you
wish to travel, the angle of the jet thrust noz-
1Start switch
1Throttle lever
1
1
1RiDE lever
1
UF4G74E0.book Page 28 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Watercraft operation
33
TIP:
If the RiDE lever is squeezed while the throttle
lever is squeezed, the watercraft will slow
down, and once stopped, move in reverse.
To shift into neutral from forward:
(1) Release the throttle lever.
(2) Lightly squeeze and release the RiDE le-
ver. The “N” (neutral) shift indicator will
be displayed.
TIP:
If the RiDE lever is squeezed continuously,
the reverse gate will move to the reverse po-
sition.
EJU40002
Watercraft operation modes
EJU43820Low RPM Mode (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited)
The Low RPM Mode is a function that limits
the maximum engine speed to approximately
90% of the maximum engine speed in the
normal mode.
The Low RPM Mode can only be activated
and deactivated by operating the remote
control transmitter that is included with this
watercraft. (See page 25 for information on
the remote control transmitter.)
TIP:
The Low RPM Mode can only be activated
when the engine is stopped in the unlock
mode of the Yamaha Security System.
Activating and deactivating the Low RPM
Mode
Activation of the Low RPM Mode will be con-
firmed by the number of beeps when the re-
mote control transmitter is operated, and by
the “L-MODE” indicator light of the multifunc-
tion information center. (See page 38 for in-
formation on the multifunction information
center.)
1“N” (Neutral position)
1
1Remote control transmitter
UF4G74E0.book Page 33 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Watercraft operation
34
TIP:
If the remote control transmitter is operated
while the multifunction information center is
in the standby state, the center performs the
initial operation, and then the setting is se-
lected.
To activate the Low RPM Mode:
Push the “L-Mode” (unlock) button on the re-
mote control transmitter for more than 4 sec-
onds. Once the beeper sounds three times
and the “UNLOCK” indicator light blinks
three times, then comes on, the “L-MODE”
indicator light comes on and the Low RPM
Mode is activated.
TIP:
If the Low RPM Mode is activated immediate-
ly after the information display turns off, the
“L-MODE” indicator light will not come on.The “L-MODE” indicator light will come on
when the engine is started.
To deactivate the Low RPM Mode:
Push the “L-Mode” (unlock) button on the re-
mote control transmitter for more than 4 sec-
onds. Once the beeper sounds two times and
the “UNLOCK” indicator light blinks two
times, then comes on, the “L-MODE” indica-
tor light goes off and the Low RPM Mode is
deactivated. When the Low RPM Mode is de-
activated, the watercraft returns to the nor-
mal operation mode.
EJU42484No-wake mode (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited)
The no-wake mode is a function that main-
tains the engine speed at a fixed setting for
operating the watercraft at low speeds. This
function can be used only for forward water-
Number of
beepsLow RPM Mode
operation“L-MODE”
indicator
light
ActivatedComes
on
Deactivated Goes off
1“L-Mode” (unlock) button
1“UNLOCK” indicator light
2“L-MODE” indicator light
L-Mode1
12
UF4G74E0.book Page 34 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Pre-operation checks
58
EJU31982
WARNING
EWJ00412
Failure to inspect or maintain the watercraft properly increases the possibility of an ac-
cident or damage to the watercraft. Do not operate the watercraft if you find any prob-
lem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in this manual, have
the watercraft inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
EJU41235Pre-operation checklist
Before using this watercraft, be sure to perform the checks in the following checklist.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
Engine compartmentVentilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.60
Fuel systemCheck the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.60
Water separatorCheck the water separator for water. 61
Engine unitCheck the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 61
Engine oil levelCheck the engine oil level. 61
Bilge waterCheck the engine compartment for bilge water. 61
BatteryCheck the battery connections and electrolyte level. 61
Steering systemCheck the steering system for proper operation. 62
RiDE lever (VX / VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited)Check the RiDE lever for proper operation. 63
Throttle leverCheck the throttle lever for proper operation. 63
Remote control transmitter
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser /
VX Limited)Check the remote control transmitter for proper op-
eration.63
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard)Check the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) for dam-
age.63
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.64
Storage compartmentsCheck the storage compartments for damage and
water.64
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and bandCheck the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.64
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition of the fire extinguisher. 65
Safety equipmentCheck that safety equipment meeting the applica-
ble regulations is on board.65
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for damage. 65
Jet intakeCheck the jet intake for damage and clogging. 65
UF4G74E0.book Page 58 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Pre-operation checks
63
right and left fully turned positions of the jet
thrust nozzle.
EJU43213RiDE lever checks (VX / VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited)
Operate the RiDE lever several times to make
sure that operation is smooth throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the RiDElever returns automatically to its fully closed
position when released.
EJU42181Throttle lever checks
Operate the throttle lever several times to
make sure that operation is smooth through-
out the whole range. Also, make sure that the
throttle lever returns automatically to its fully
closed (idle) position when released.
EJU40113Remote control transmitter check
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser / VX Limited)
Make sure that the remote control transmitter
operates properly. (See page 26 for Yamaha
Security System setting procedures and
page 33 for Low RPM Mode activation pro-
cedures.)
EJU32664Engine shut-off cord (lanyard) check
Make sure that the engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) is not damaged. If the cord is damaged,
replace it. WARNING! Never try to repair
the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) or tie it Difference between fully turned posi-
tions of jet thrust nozzle (distances A
and B):
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
UF4G74E0.book Page 63 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Operation
72
RiDE system is not a braking device for
avoiding dangerous situations.
Steering control depends on the combination
of handlebar position and the amount of
throttle.
Water sucked in through the intake grate is
pressurized by the impeller in the jet pump.
As the pressurized water is expelled from the
pump through the jet thrust nozzle, it creates
thrust to move and steer the watercraft. The
higher the engine speed, the more thrust pro-
duced.
The amount of jet thrust, in addition to the po-
sition of the handlebars, determines how
sharply you turn.
A. More throttle produces higher thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more sharply.
B. Less throttle produces lower thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more gradually.
C. Releasing the throttle lever completely
produces only minimum thrust. If you aretraveling at speeds above trolling, you
will have rapidly decreasing ability to
steer without throttle. You may still have
some turning ability immediately after re-
leasing the throttle lever, but once the
engine slows down, the watercraft will no
longer respond to handlebar input until
you apply throttle again or you reach
trolling speed.
At trolling speed, the watercraft can be
turned gradually by handlebar position
alone using just the amount of thrust
available at idle.
D. If the engine is stopped while riding,
there is no thrust. The watercraft will go
straight even though the handlebars are
turned.
You need throttle to steer.
E. VX / VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser / VX Limited:
If the RiDE lever is squeezed and the
UF4G74E0.book Page 72 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Operation
79
(2) Release the throttle lever to reduce
speed about 100 m (330 ft) before you
reach the intended beaching area.
(3) Slowly approach the beach and stop the
engine just before reaching land.
WARNING! You need throttle to steer.
Shutting the engine off can cause you
to hit an obstacle you are attempting
to avoid. A collision could result in se-
vere injury or death.
[EWJ00602] NOTICE:
Never run the engine in water that is
less than 60 cm (2 ft) deep from the
bottom of the watercraft, otherwise
pebbles or sand could be sucked into
the jet intake, causing impeller dam-
age and engine overheating.
[ECJ00473]
(4) Get off the watercraft and pull it up on the
beach.
To beach the watercraft (VX / VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited):
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the beach.
(2) Release the throttle lever to reduce
speed about 100 m (330 ft) before you
reach the intended beaching area.
(3) Slowly approach the beach using the
throttle lever and RiDE lever to control
the watercraft speed. NOTICE: Never
run the engine in water that is less
than 60 cm (2 ft) deep from the bottom
of the watercraft, otherwise pebbles
or sand could be sucked into the jet
intake, causing impeller damage and
engine overheating.
[ECJ00473]
(4) After reaching land, stop the engine, and
then get off the watercraft and pull it up
on the beach.
To dock the watercraft (VX-C):
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the dock.(2) Release the throttle lever to reduce
speed about 100 m (330 ft) away from
the dock.
(3) Slowly approach the dock and stop the
engine just before coming alongside it.
WARNING! You need throttle to steer.
Shutting the engine off can cause you
to hit an obstacle you are attempting
to avoid. A collision could result in se-
vere injury or death.
[EWJ00602]
(4) Come alongside the dock and get off the
watercraft.
To dock the watercraft (VX / VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser / VX Limited):
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the dock.
(2) Release the throttle lever to reduce
speed about 100 m (330 ft) away from
the dock.
(3) Slowly approach the dock using the
throttle lever and RiDE lever to control
the watercraft speed.
(4) After coming alongside the dock, stop
the engine, and then get off the water-
craft.
EJU37194Operating in weeded areas
Always avoid using your watercraft in areas
where weed growth is thick. If operating in
weeded areas is unavoidable, alternately
squeeze the throttle lever and relax your grip
on the throttle lever to vary the engine speed.
Weeds tend to become clogged more when
operating at a steady speed and at trolling
speed. If weeds may have clogged the intake
area, clean the jet intake. (See page 95 for in-
formation on the jet intake.)
UF4G74E0.book Page 79 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Trouble recovery
94
Watercraft slow or
loses powerWatercraft
operation
mode
(VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser /
VX Limited)Low RPM Mode acti-
vatedDeactivate Low RPM
Mode
33
Cavitation Jet intake clogged Clean 95
Impeller damaged or
wornHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer95
Engine over-
heat warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedClean jet intake and
cool engine40
Oil pressure
warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedAdd oil
40
Spark plug Fouled or defective Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Incorrect heat range Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Gap incorrect Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Electrical wir-
ingLoose connection Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Fuel Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Air filter Clogged Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Oil buildup Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Throttle lever Faulty Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer— TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY PAGE
UF4G74E0.book Page 94 Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:27 AM