Modern Vespa

Bear with me, more than a little frustrated...moved to Albuquerque a bit ago, and wanted to get the ol' MP3 500 in running condition again. Biggest issue is all 4 turn signals have broken at the base (plastic is brittle and sticky).

Contacted the only Piaggio certified service center within 200+ miles - they have no mechanic and won't accept repairs at all.

So I'm on my own, or take to it to a Harley specialist (not happening).

SO - I ordered LED signals. Noted I need to replace the relay to avoid fast blink - ordered and received.

I've never been comfortable wrenching my own scoot, but I have no choice, so...I've got the front signal in and wired - check. But I CANNOT locate the #*$&(*@#$& original turn signal relay. I've read every article here I thought relevant (which is how I came to order the replacement relay (https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic173277) ), even YouTube videos - but the stupid thing isn't apparent to me.

Be nice, but please tell me what the heck I'm missing.


Behind the headlight

Looking towards the right side

Through the right side toward the center

jim says it in the back left hand side cowling area. that was the last line in the thread you referenced.

This video shows that as well - but it's NOT there. At least, in the video I can see the green replacement, but that spot doesn't seem to be there...

It may have been moved, as it was in a Very Stupid Exposed place so that the main +ve 'always on' wire corroded to dust.

The workshop manual should show the rough placements. Note, it doesn't look like a normal relay - it's much more than that. Looks more like a regulator with a multi-wire connector into it.

If you're thinking to replace it with a conventional turn signal relay, you'll have to do some fancy wiring to enable the hazard lights feature, or just do without that.

Tried to highlight this module - was zip-tied in, with a somewhat clear panel on the side. There's no obvious way to 'open' it, much less plug in the new relay...


Odd box...

Ya know, the bike's old enough it MIGHT be near that back wheel well...so I've torn up the front for nothing.

I'll have a look in the back...

To look in the back you have to start in the front anyway.

But you should be able to glimpse it under the LH cowl up near the back - if it's there that is.

OK, NATURALLY, it does seem to be crammed up under the cowl in the back. The wiring seems to tied down so tightly I can't detach the wiring from the relay. Is there a way through the top or side? Remove the cowling?

Remove the cowling to get to it. However, are you sure you can modify the wiring to accommodate a 'normal' turn signal relay? Or have you bought an LED capable Piaggio one?

If this ain't it, I'll pull out my hair.


Blinker relay

you will want to source the late model relay. the early version is not reliable, expensive, and doesnt handle LED. 2009 = 80 and 2020 =30