Modern Vespa

Hi, for a couple of days & short runs when the i stopped my GTS there was a burning smell but i couldn't tell where it was coming from, then after the last short run the burning had stopped ,but when i stopped in my garage i realised the headlamp wasn't working(or the sidelight) .
Possible cause?, a couple of weeks ago i removed the front rack & noticed that the screw holding the horn cover was a normal M4 type screw(not the normal self tapper going into the plastic locater & the screw just pulled out(no nut on the back & has probably fallen inside the front cowling somewhere(it's definitely not in the horn cover compartment, so i'm thinking that maybe the nut or washer(if there was one) could have shorted out the wire to the headlight somehow.
I have looked at Robots instructions for taking apart the front cowling/glovebox assembly which i think i can manage .
But i'd really appreciate any advice or opinions, in case i'm wrong in my analysis, i hope
Oh & when watching the video, i've realised that the centre screw on the headlight cowling is missing & could possibly inside the cowling also.
Cheers, Graham.

I don't think that a dropped screw, washer or nut caused a short circuit (In every Vespa lies several loose screws, clips, etc. carefully draped inside by Luigi during assembly...).

You will have to remove at least the handlebar cover, maybe the glove box. Check all fuses (not only visual inspection, measure for continuity), do not simply replace a defective fuse, look for the cause.

Good luck!

[quote="GermanGTSDriver"]
I don't think that a dropped screw, washer or nut caused a short circuit (In every Vespa lies several loose screws, clips, etc. carefully draped inside by Luigi during assembly...).

You will have to remove at least the handlebar cover, maybe the glove box. Check all fuses (not only visual inspection, measure for continuity), do not simply replace a defective fuse, look for the cause.

Good luck!
[/quote

Thanks, i'll start stripping it down & i've never looked at motorbike wiring, but i do have a multi meter & i can use it, still i'll probably need the luck !.

Found what the burning Smell was the bulb assembly connector is burnt out, but what would/could have caused this(see pics) help!! please

Corrosion in the contacts can create a resistance in the connector that builds up heat as the relatively high headlight current courses through. Not enough overcurrent to blow the fuse, but enough heat to melt plastic over time.

It's also possible that too bright of a headlight (high wattage/current) was installed, so too much current was going through the connector - but the more typical symptom of that is a melting reflector or plastic lens in the headlight housing.

Thanks for the reply, would you know which pins i should meter out to check if there is still voltage ?.
Thanks, Graham.

This and inferior electrical connectors.

So is it possible this is nothing more than a crappy burnt out connector ?, is so is there a better aftermarket connector ?.

Juan is spot on about why it happened. As far as finding a better connector, I'm sure you can find one that's better built. If not, replace with stock, clean the mating services well and use dielectric grease to keep the moisture out and corrosion down.

What kind of bulb and how many watts?

Hi, it's a H4 60/55

Just to close the thread off, fitted a new connector & headlamp now working, even with original bulb .
Just an aside the GTS which is 2012 1 owner & looks beautiful is a great example of a genuine owner having his scooter worked on by an animal that's stripped threads rounded socket screws & broke nearly every plastic lug that i've had to work on, shit head !
Cheers, Graham.