Modern Vespa

I have an MP3 530. I bought the keyless top box with it. Despite getting a second top box, the system won't work. It doesn't seem to be charging. MKy supplier says there is a general problem with the system and that Piaggio is meant to be working out a fix. I can see nothing about it online. Hasa anyone else had this problem?

Considering the 530 is just now hitting the market and getting into the hands of "real people" aka customers as opposed to reviewers/influencers, expect this to be one of several teething issues.

In other words, you're gonna have to sit it out until Piaggio decides it is important enough (for them) to fix.

My experience with keyless top boxes & panniers is mixed. I have tried on Honda and BMW and am not really all that impressed (the BMW system seemed to work better, until it breaks which it will being a German electronic component).

Keyless systems seem like a solution to a problem that never existed, with the biggest gripe being the ridiculous extra price over the standard box.

Is it convenient, I suppose but how hard is it to insert a key and turn??? And I feel the same about keyless ignition systems. Just a unnecessary and expensive extra complication when it doesn't work.

Thanks for the observations, but I am a bit less patient than you are. If others have not experienced tis problem on the Piaggio, I'm not sure why I have. If they have I'm surprised I've heard nothing about it. Keyless is expected to and does work on cars and lots of other things. For the way I use the scooter it is very convenient to be able to leave the keys in some safe pocket and forget about them. It is a nuisance to have to find them from under wet gear etc.

The "fix" is most likely going to require a software update from Piaggio, unless there is something electronic at fault which will require diagnosis using the PADS tool that is only available at official Piaggio dealership workshops.

The box and associated electronic lock has already been replaced, so the only remaining items are wiring and modules.

If I were you and considering the young age of the 530, I'd pressure them to fix it properly or give you a replacement bike.

Friend who has one says if box is not opened every day, you have to open it with the master key and then it will work with the transponder, only a fix waiting on Piaggio to sort it out better

So much for convenience. The masters of electrical malfunction (Italy) have been very busy at work it appears.

So true another reason I would never buy anything bike or scoot related that is in beta stage

Everything in life is in beta stage

Seems to me that the masters of electrical malfunction have graduated (cough, cough, cough "stumbled") into electronic malfunction.

If you want something that has a rock solid electronic foundation, you buy Asian particularly Japanese. That is why Japanese manufacturers are cleaning the Europeans' clock when it comes to reliability.

This is the reason why I despise anything European on four wheels made since Y2K.

This quote is from a recent issue of Car and Driver magazine "The product evaluation service released its annual auto reliability report this week. The report found that Lexus and Toyota make the most reliable cars, while Jeep and Mercedes-Benz make the ones you can depend on least."

Would I buy a German TV, audio component or smartphone? Not a snowball chance in hell. Would I buy a Asian made equivalent? It is the only logical choice.

You don't buy RCA if you want SONY.

https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/most-and-least-reliable-car-brands-revealed#gref

Agree totally Kymco was Honda owned if my memory is not getting to old, so maybe if I get a win on the Euromillion maybe I can swap my Piaggio.

So… I was going to place an order for this box and accoutrements today because the black/silver combo on my box saved from my wrecked 500 from 2020 does not match the Grigio cloud matte warm silver color on my brand new 530. I am very interested in hearing the developments on this keyless box because keyless is 50% of my motivation for upgrading - the other half is color match. I have not received the 530 box mount yet so I currently have no box installed, which really cramps my daily activities. Please keep us all updated. I will try to hold off on ordering…

Well, I got the new keyless top box, and I appear to be having the same no-charging problem. I needed a new top box anyway, so it is not a total waste, but I am disappointed... It worked on the day of install, but then stopped working.

Update: box is incredibly flaky. Charging is occurring, but response to RFID is erratic. Box is unable to be programmed/reprogrammed. I am attaching a photo of the control board. No connections are soldered, which may explain the flaky behavior. I'm not sure a replacement will solve my problem given the poor quality. What do you think?

One more update: some problems for some people with the keyless top box may be resolved by the "New Keyless ECU firmware" update from 7/17/2023 called P_230605_TC_EN. The update name for the MP3 is PISK08_1.13_0.04. Other models (Beverly/GTS's) have different firmware.

I doubt this will solve my problem, but it might solve yours...

I have worked in Electronics since 1958, and that mess of wires that are NOT soldered, is simply not trust worthy.

strip the insulation back, and solder the wires to the connectors.

I never, ever, trust those "press on" connectors, they simply are not good.
Cause more problems than they solve.

DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE DOING ANY ELECTRICAL WORK

Surprisingly, the firmware update mostly fixed my problem with the topcase. I also needed to reprogram the RFID dongle, since the box lost its programming during this long process.

I made the following notes on operation which may help others struggling with operating their keyless top case.

Unlock via topcase button:
- activate keyless unlock knob on scooter by pressing it, or turn to on position
- press circular button on topcase
- listen for unlock, then lift up
- this will not work if scooter has been driven and is still running, for security reasons

Unlock via dongle:
- scooter must not be unlocked or on
- wave dongle by rfid label on topcase
- listen for unlock, then lift up

Reprogramming dongle or topcase requires master key CARD, not just the dongle.

Hi all

i have the 530 and have the exact same issues with no power to the battery so unable to use the RFID.

Any updates on resolution ?

Thanks

The reprogramming I did in 2023 after the firmware update has stayed intact and my topcase is still working.

was that done at a dealer or you do it your self ?

The dealer did the firmware update. I did the reprogramming at home.

problem is finding a dealer that understands lol

Just an update to anyone who is experiencing the same issue. As Slomo_scooterbabe said on the firmware update.

Well i went to the dealer told them the issue, they plugged bike in to computer and new firmware available, updated my 530 and top box is now working

Thanks Slomo_scooterbabe

How did you reprogram the rfid as the Fob not working

When the keys are stored near the bike, the programming is lost. Bad design. I've attached the document that describes reprogramming (at the end.)

This whole keyless business is another prime example of finding a solution to a problem that never existed.

And this applies to the whole vehicle industry (cars, bikes, etc)

What the heck is/was wrong with a good old fashioned key???

i have tried to reprogram but doesn't seem to work.

i have the blue master card and i open the top box with the key and red light does come on, then i place the card next to the RFID logo and nothing happens it just remains solid.

It is not mentioned in the manual, but if I recall correctly, I had to have the bike unlocked / on (battery power, not engine power) to get the reprogramming to work properly. There is a wired power and data connection from the box to the bike so that could conflict with reprogramming if the bike thinks it is locked.

The other detail is that after a few days of not riding, the keyless system goes to sleep and the rfid card appears to not work. If you turn on the scooter power and then let it say goodbye, the rfid link is awakened for some period of time (days, not weeks).