Modern Vespa

Hello All! I am continuing my restoration of a 2002 ET4 Vespa. It has always started but last night when I was showing it off, zero engine turnover when I have the key in START, red kill switch is correct, I hit the electric start button and not a thing. I last had it running 3 weeks ago and have been using a battery tickler. My battery is good, I have dash lights, head light, and a solid sounding horn. I'm thinking that I fumbled with the ignition key and tried the trunk key first and might have activated a security cut off. The red security light is flashing but I know that continues for 48 hrs whenever the key is turned.
What am I missing. I can't continue my restoration without a working bike. Any help would be appreciated.
Joe
Carefree, AZ.

First, the ET4 doesn't have any kind of security that would persist longer than an attempt with the wrong key. And since it's unlikely you would have been able to turn the ignition switch with the trunk key anyway, it's a non-issue.

Second, security on the ET4 (IIRC) is limited to preventing full spark if you don't have the right key. So the engine will turn (again, that's my recollection) but not catch if for some reason you have the wrong security chip in your key.

(Anyone with an actual ET4, feel free to correct me on this point -- I've never owned one)

Third, I always stress (to the point that people are probably tired of hearing about it) that the kill switch is prone to corrosion on the contacts. Before going any farther, jab it back and forth 5 or so times, put it back in the run position, and try again.

Also, make sure you are pulling in one of the brakes when starting, or you'll get nothing. Verify the brake switch is working as well (e.g. by checking the brake lights).

Thank you, I'll take a close look at that kill switch.

Thanks Jess, the red kill switch was the concern for the ET4 not starting. I toggled it a few times and now the contacts are allowing the bike to start.

So now I have a new concern which I don't like. The kick start pedal always has been slipping. I know because from the start I can feel it not engaging with the gears correctly. This has been a common problem with older Vespa's so it wasn't high on my repair list since the electric start worked. Well, last week I removed the kick start pedal because I knew I could. Today when I toggled the kill switch and the engine started I began hearing the sound of something metal loose coming from the gear box. In a few moments, BAM, something was disengaged and loud and frightening coming from the gear box. The engine quit. Knowing that I did not have this noise before I removed the kick start pedal, I decided to put the pedal back. The bolt that secures the pedal to the shaft will not line up as IF the shaft has moved. What's happening? Could it be something else?
Joe
Carefree, AZ

Sounds like the kick start gear (I'm sure it has a formal name, but I am clueless here) has recessed into the transmission case a bit. You have two options, probably: pull it back (with vice grips, maybe?) or take off the transmission cover.

I see there's a C-clip on the shaft, but is it actually in its groove?

Jess I agree. Will take a close look at that C-clip and then softly apply the vise grips. Thanks again for the advice on the kill switch.

No prob! Hope you get it sorted.