Modern Vespa

Hi all, so I am newish to scooters and not that technical minded, got myself an et4 and a liberty 125. I mainly use the liberty for commuting as the large wheels make a big difference but alas ive had some issues since last night. Engine wouldnt start so had to kickstart it and I noticed the positive connection to the battery was a bit loose and sorted it out which rectified the ignition issue but I also noticed the brake lights dont work or the signals.

The main lights are working fine, but the brake lights or the signal lights dont work. On the dashboard itself only the right indicator flashes when switched on (although it doesent actually work) and the left does not, the other lights on the dashboard work fine though but the fuel gauge also no longer works. Bit confused by all this as it seems pretty jumbled up to be one specific thing broken, I charged the battery fully just incase and I took off all the panels to the engine aswell as the steering head and theres no obvious loose connections, changed the fuse (30). Does anyone have a vague idea of where I should start before I take it to a garage? I was thinking maybe the flasher relay but theres such a mix of problems that suddenly appeared that I am at a loss. It still runs great though and aside from the brake lights and the signals theres no other obvious issues.

Any help greatly appreciated!

Hi Tarzanboyo, welcome to the ranks of Liberty owners.

A couple of rules of troubleshooting:

The solution to all faults/problems is simple until it can be proven otherwise

Don't make things worse
In other words, carefully evaluate every step you take from the perspective of going beyond the the safe limit of your knowledge and "the point of no return".

I would arm myself with patience, a scotchbrite pad, some WD40 (or similar) and some petroleum grease (Vasoline). Be prepared to have a spare bulb or two on hand.

You're looking for damaged or broken (open circuit) wires, globes (I had my tail/brake light inexplicably fail just last night!), loose or separated connectors, dust, oxidation or corrosion on connecting surfaces. Anything that would stop current flow through the intended recipient

Working backwards from the recalcitrant lights, gauges etc, pick the easy ones first e.g. tail/brake and indicator lights/globes followed by instrument cluster multi-connector plugs, relays and single connectors.

Check globes visually and by substitution preferably with a known good one.

Find and open connectors , spray with WD40. Clean bulbs and socket contacts with scotchbrite and WD40 and reassemble with a light smear of vas.

If you can acquaint yourself with the use of a circuit/continuity tester or multimeter you will find it an invaluable tool for checking battery, globes, connectors, wires and supply voltage.

If you're not reaching your objective:

What year model and engine config is yours?

There is a manual that may be suitable for your model available for free download if you follow the directions here: https://www.manualslib.com/download/1254379/Piaggio-Liberty-125.html

Note: there is no need to download any additional software/malware to achieve this.

It has an electrical diagram that may suit and would allow you to troubleshoot assuming that you or a suitably capable friend can interpret it.

The last stop is an auto electrician or Piaggio service shop

Good luck!