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The Yamaha Kodiak 400 is a versatile and reliable ATV that requires regular oil changes to keep it in good shape.
The oil capacity of the Yamaha Kodiak 400 depends on the model year and the engine type, and it ranges from 2.1 L to 2.6 L.
The oil type and amount also depend on the ambient temperature and the riding conditions. The owner’s manual of the Yamaha Kodiak 400 provides the specifications and guidelines for oil changes.
However, if you can’t find your manual for the specific guide for your ATV, we can help you with that.
This blog post answers all the questions regarding oil change and more. We will show you the exact oil capacity for your ATV model and how to change the oil on your Yamaha Kodiak 400 in simple and easy steps.
Yamaha Kodiak 400 Oil Capacity
The first thing you need to know is how much oil your Yamaha Kodiak 400 needs. The answer depends on the model year and the engine type of your ATV just like we said earlier.
The Yamaha Kodiak 400 has been produced since 1993, and it has two different engine types: YFM400FW and YFM400FA.
The YFM400FW is a four-wheel drive model, while the YFM400FA is a four-wheel drive automatic transmission model.
The oil capacity of these models varies slightly, as shown in the table below:
| Model Year | Engine Type | Oil Capacity (with filter change) |
| 1993-1998 | YFM400FW | 2.6 L (2.3 Imp qt, 2.7 US qt) |
| 1999-2001 | YFM400FA | 2.3 L (2.0 Imp qt, 2.4 US qt) |
| 2002-2006 | YFM400FAP | 2.1 L (1.9 Imp qt, 2.2 US qt) |
| 2002-2006 | YFM400FAR | 2.1 L (1.9 Imp qt, 2.2 US qt) |
As you can see, the oil capacity of the Yamaha Kodiak 400 ranges from 2.1 L to 2.6 L, depending on the model. This is the amount of oil you need to fill the engine when you change the oil and oil filter. But how do you know which model you have? And how do you check the oil level? Don’t worry, we will explain that in the next sections.
How to Identify Your Yamaha Kodiak 400 Model?
To identify your Yamaha Kodiak 400 model, you need to look at the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-digit code that contains information about your ATV, such as the manufacturer, the year, the model, the engine type, and more. The VIN is located on the left side of the frame, near the front wheel. You can use a flashlight to see it better.
To decode the VIN, you need to look at the 10th digit, which represents the model year. For example, if the 10th digit is S, that means your ATV was made in 1995. If the 10th digit is 3, that means your ATV was made in 2003. You can use the following table to find out the model year of your ATV:
| 10th Digits | Model Year |
| P | 1993 |
| R | 1994 |
| S | 1995 |
| T | 1996 |
| V | 1997 |
| W | 1998 |
| X | 1999 |
| Y | 2000 |
| 1 | 2001 |
| 2 | 2002 |
| 3 | 2003 |
| 4 | 2004 |
| 5 | 2005 |
| 6 | 2006 |
Next, you need to look at the 4th to 8th digits, which represent the model code. For example, if the 4th to 8th digits are 4SH10, that means your ATV is a YFM400FW model. If the 4th to 8th digits are 5GH00, that means your ATV is a YFM400FA model. You can use the following table to find out the model code of your ATV:
| 4th to 8th Digits | Model Code |
| 4SH10 | YFM400FW |
| 4SH20 | YFM400FW |
| 4SH30 | YFM400FW |
| 4SH40 | YFM400FW |
| 4SH50 | YFM400FW |
| 5GH00 | YFM400FA |
| 5GH10 | YFM400FA |
| 5GH20 | YFM400FA |
| 5GH30 | YFM400FAP |
| 5GH40 | YFM400FAR |
Now that you know the model year and the model code of your ATV, you can easily find out the oil capacity of your Yamaha Kodiak 400. Just refer to the first table in this article and match the model year and the engine type with the oil capacity. For example, if your ATV is a 2004 YFM400FAR model, the oil capacity is 2.1 L (1.9 Imp qt, 2.2 US qt).
How to Check the Oil Level on Your Yamaha Kodiak 400
Before you change the oil on your Yamaha Kodiak 400, you need to check the oil level and condition. This will help you determine if you need to add or drain oil, and if the oil is dirty or contaminated. To check the oil level on your Yamaha Kodiak 400, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1. Park your ATV on a level surface and turn off the engine. Let the engine cool down for a few minutes.
Step 2. Locate the oil filler cap and the dipstick. The oil filler cap is on the right side of the engine, near the rear wheel. The dipstick is attached to the oil filler cap. Unscrew the oil filler cap and pull out the dipstick.
Step 3. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it back into the oil filler hole without screwing it in. Pull it out again and look at the oil level. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. If the oil level is too low, you need to add oil. If the oil level is too high, you need to drain the oil.
Step 4. Look at the oil condition. The oil should be clear and golden. If the oil is dark, cloudy, or milky, it means the oil is dirty or contaminated. You need to change the oil and oil filter as soon as possible.
Step 5. Screw the oil filler cap back on and tighten it securely.
How to Change the Oil and Oil Filter on Your Yamaha Kodiak 400
Now that you know the oil capacity, the model, and the oil level of your Yamaha Kodiak 400, you are ready to change the oil and oil filter. Changing the oil and oil filter on your Yamaha Kodiak 400 is not a difficult task, but you need to have some basic tools and supplies. Here is what you need:
- A wrench or a socket set
- A drain pan
- A funnel
- A new oil filter
- A new oil drain plug gasket
- A new oil filter cover O-ring
- A rag or a cloth
- 4-stroke engine oil (see the next section for the type and amount of oil)
Once you have everything ready, you can follow these steps to change the oil and oil filter on your Yamaha Kodiak 400:
Step 1. Park your ATV on a level surface and turn off the engine. Let the engine warm up for a few minutes. This will make the oil flow easier and faster.
Step 2. Place a drain pan under the engine and remove the oil filler cap and the oil drain plug. The oil filler cap is on the right side of the engine, near the rear wheel. The oil drain plug is on the bottom of the engine, near the front wheel. Use a wrench or a socket to loosen and remove the plug and let the oil drain completely. Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot oil.
Step 3. Remove the oil filter cover and the oil filter. The oil filter cover is on the right side of the engine, below the oil filler cap. Use a wrench or a socket to loosen and remove the three bolts that secure the cover and pull the cover off. The oil filter is inside the cover. Pull the filter out and discard it. Be careful not to damage the O-ring on the cover.
Step 4. Install a new oil filter and the oil filter cover. Make sure the O-ring on the cover is in good condition and not damaged. Apply a thin layer of oil to the O-ring and the new filter.
Step 5. Insert the new filter into the cover and align the cover with the engine. Tighten the three bolts to the specified torque. Refer to the owner’s manual for the torque specifications.
Step 6. Install the oil drain plug and the oil filler cap. Make sure the gasket on the plug is in good condition and not damaged. Apply a thin layer of oil to the gasket and the plug. Insert the plug into the engine and tighten it to the specified torque. Refer to the owner’s manual for the torque specifications. Replace the oil filler cap and tighten it securely.
Step 7. Fill the engine with new oil. Use a funnel to pour the recommended type and amount of oil into the oil filler hole. Check the oil level with the dipstick and add oil if necessary. The dipstick is attached to the oil filler cap. To check the oil level, insert the dipstick without screwing it in and pull it out. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick.
Step 8. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Check for any oil leaks and stop the engine. Check the oil level again and add oil if necessary.
What Type and Amount of Oil to Use for Your Yamaha Kodiak 400
The type and amount of oil you need to use for your Yamaha Kodiak 400 depends on the ambient temperature and the riding conditions. The owner’s manual of the Yamaha Kodiak 400 provides the following guidelines for oil:
- Use 4-stroke engine oil with an API service classification of SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, or higher, or JASO standard MA.
- Use SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, or 20W-40 oil, depending on the ambient temperature. Refer to the oil viscosity chart in the owner’s manual for the appropriate oil grade for your riding conditions. Check the image below for the chart.
- The amount of oil you need to use is the same as the oil capacity of your Yamaha Kodiak 400 model. Refer to the first table in this article for the oil capacity of different models.
Why You Need to Change the Oil and Oil Filter Regularly
Changing the oil and oil filter on your Yamaha Kodiak 400 is essential for its performance and longevity. The oil lubricates the engine and prevents friction and overheating. It also cleans the engine by removing dirt, debris, and metal particles. Over time, the oil becomes contaminated and loses its viscosity, which reduces its effectiveness and can cause engine damage. That’s why you need to change the oil and oil filter regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The frequency of oil changes depends on several factors, such as the type of oil, the riding conditions, and the mileage. The owner’s manual of the Yamaha Kodiak 400 provides the following guidelines for oil changes:
- Change the oil and oil filter every 6 months or 100 hours of operation, whichever comes first.
- Change the oil and oil filter more frequently if you ride in dusty, wet, or muddy conditions, or if you tow heavy loads.
- Check the oil level and condition before each ride and add oil if necessary.
Final Words
Changing the oil and oil filter on your Yamaha Kodiak 400 is a straightforward process that you can do yourself with some basic tools and supplies. By following the steps above, you can ensure that your ATV runs smoothly and efficiently. Remember to change the oil and oil filter regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and use the appropriate type and amount of oil for your riding conditions. By doing so, you can extend the life of your engine and enjoy your ATV for many years to come.
