Modern Vespa

Hey y'all,

I just got a used mp3 500 (step up from a 250) and I'm having some issues with the tilt lock. I read the wiki and other related posts but nothing that of my issue. (Unless I missed something)

So as I come to a stop and hit the tilt lock switch (when yellow light is flashing) the seat sensor light turns on and it keeps beeping for about 5-10 sec at a time. If I hit the switch again back and fourth from locked to unlocked the tilt lock would engage. This does not happen every time. It would happen every other time or a few times during a 10 min ride. I changed the switch thinking that was the issue and that did not fix it.

Any guidance would be very appreciated.

Thank

check yr seat sensor connection, it might be dirty and not always sensing your weight on the seat. try shifting more forward on the seat and see what happens.

Will deff try this. I hope it works.

It did not work. I tried sitting forward and check all the wires. It all looks good. The bike is a 2010 with 4k miles.

To eliminate the seat sensor as a problem, bypass it with a 3k resistor. If your problem still persists, it's not the seat sensor (though it could be the internal wiring or the connector at the tilt-lock ECU - but unlikely).

This is dumb but how do I bypass with the 3k resistor? Sorry for my ignorance but I'm pretty new to the mp3. If it's the 2 right clicks of the tilt lock, then I've done it. It locks the suspension and the steady tilt lock light goes away. but it happens again the next time I come to a stop

Imagine you had to take the seat off (and maybe one day you will need to).

There is a two-conductor wire from the seat sensor that is near the seat hinge. There is a cover, on the seat, that shields the connector between the seat and the wiring back to the ECU.

Undo the one screw to remove the cover.

Disconnect.

Fit a 3 kilohm resistor into the socket now exposed that connects to the ECU.

Test.

any other mp3 owners are you to verify there is a issue with the scoot and its not just you.

sometimes the tilt lock gives me problems but i hardly use it !!

That could be a cause then. Under use. In my experience mechanical bits like switches, actuators and hydraulics like to be used. You don't lock the tilt when you stop and get off?

The bike had be garaged for a year before I bought it. I do lock the tilt and put on center stand every time I park.i have been doing that with my mp3 250 for a year and never had any issues.

Am used to bikes and also trained myself to put my feet on the tarmac as little as possible. I use the tilt lock only for temp parking or maneuvering the scoot in difficult situations

The bike runs amazing! I live in NYC and there is a lot of stop and go. I'm so used to locking it every red light. Especially in the winter when I'm under the tucono.

I just don't want it to become a bigger issue. Could it be the battery? Low charge on it?

No I dont think so.