Modern Vespa

SUDDEN LOSS OF ALL ELECTRIC POWER- VESPA GT200

I've had my 2008 Vespa GT 200 several years.  I ride it daily, keep it garaged, in great shape, and it has been totally reliable.

Problem: After a 40 km drive today with several stops, I went into a store for 10 minutes. When I exited the store, I popped open the Vespa's seat using the seat button switch, so the scooter still had electrical power at that point. But after I put the seat back down, turned on the key and attempted to start up the scooter, it had no electrical power whatsoever- the dashboard and headlamp didn't light up, the seat no longer actuated with the electrical button, nothing electrical worked.  The scooter's been in daily use. The battery's been strong and gave no prior sign of any problem.

Do you have any idea what could have suddenly severed all of the scooter's electrical power when the key is turned on? Is there a major in-line fuse that could cause this? (All of the fuses in the glovebox fuse panel look good) A failure of the ignition switch? A major electrical connection that suddenly disconnected, shorted out, or otherwise failed? Could the battery have suddenly died?

I'd greatly appreciate if anyone out there can help shed some light on this (no pun intended).

There is a main 15A fuse located inside the engine compartment. It should be located inside a small recess of the frame, 'B' in the picture.

If the main fuse is OK and the connections to the battery are clean and tight, check the ignition switch itself - it's always worth having a spare one!

Touring 300 and JimC, thanks for your help!

I'm pretty sure the problem may be with the main fuse (15 A). I pulled it and it seems to be burned out, not at the viewable filament in the little window where I thought it would show a burn, but instead on one of the two legs.

I'm attaching 2 photos, one from each side of the fuse, and would appreciate if you would comment to confirm if you think this fuse is shot. Note: you can see the filament is intact in the little window.

Touring 300 and JimC, next question:
Assuming the main fuse is burned out, what would be the most likely causes for that to occur? Appreciate any advice on the subject.

Meanwhile, here are my two Vespas parked in my garage right now. The black GT 200 with the new electrical problem is in the foreground; the silver GTS 250ie in the background. I don't have a mc lift but that's a service bench in the background, right side that I custom built to raise the Vespas when I service them. Littered with tool boxes and stuff at the moment, it's got a ramp to get the scoots onto it that's not currently attached.

Muchos gracias!

Problem solved. I replaced the inline main 15 amp fuse in the engine compartment (thanks to Touring 300 for pointing it out) and it restored all the electrical power in the scooter. Everything works and scooter runs fine.

Please advise if you have any ideas about what would cause that main fuse to blow.

From the discoloration I would say it was a poor connection between fuse stab and holder. Push in and pull fuse out a couple times to clean. Contact cleaner may help also

As above, just a poor connection. This will have some noticeable resistance, so when the current of running the scooter goes though it, it'll heat up. Gradually, the extra heat will melt the plastic, and make the resistance even higher - a vicious circle.

Clean the fuse holder thoroughly, smear some Vaseline or other dielectric grease all in and on it, and then insert the new fuse. That should last!

Very good advice. Will do. Much thanks.