Modern Vespa

Hi,

Not been used much for last couple of years, stupidly forgot to put it on charge over winter (UK). Fully charged it, but first run out, stopped after a few miles due to battery flat.
Tried new battery but same thing happened.

Local motorcycle mechanics say it is not charging but they do not do electronics, guessing they meant scooter/Piaggio electronics.

Not sure where to go next, cant ride it too far so even if I found a mechanic in the next town would not want to risk getting stranded.

Is there anything a layman with limited knowledge and tools could do to try and narrow the problem down? Is a new alternator the probable cause? What sort of job is it to replace it.

As it has not done many miles, don't want to be forced to scrap it or try and sell it for spares.

Any help, advice would be welcome.

Thanks

Take a look at this Wiki topic. Hopefully you'll get to Step 3) and find that the trouble is nothing more than the "new" battery is faulty too (it happens) and it can be replaced under warranty. Good luck!

Diagnosing Charging System Problems

If it's not the battery, sorry, that's about the extent of my knowledge of the MP3. I wouldn't know how to access the regulator or stator wiring, but I know it probably involves removing a lot of plastic.

The only tool you'll need to test the charging system is an inexpensive digital multimeter.

Thanks for the reply.

I have watched this video re changing 30 Amp fuse...Unfortunately the old fuse broke apart trying to take it out. I had to remove the whole unit by removing the allen bolts holding the two wires.

There looks like some of the green plastic from the old fuse is still inside the hole. If I dig in too much trying to clear it out I risk doing more damage to the unit and the new fuse may never go in properly.

Just wondering if it is worth changing the unit. Assuming I can get one in the UK, what am I looking for, the only identifying mark on it says... MR5 and below that 3 and to the side of that... 2F 01

Appreciate there is no guarantee that that fuse was the problem.

Thanks

standard part. should not be costly to replace. I believe I have a used one if you cant find one reasonable.

check with SIP

this part number from af1racing has a chart saying t is for your scoot

1D001697R

That 'hidden fuse' has been a scourge since the Fuoco/MP3 came out. ( Another Fuoco hidden fuse story... )

It's situated in the bike such that it can easily get corroded terminals, which heat up with the charging current, eventually becoming either so corroded that no meaningful charging takes place or the whole fuse melts and becomes an insulating blob.

I'd replace the whole starter relay, and ensure the new fuse has plenty of dielectric grease in and around it to ward off any future corrosion.

If it's still not charging, the regulator may be faulty - but I strongly bet that's it's AOK and the charging system works just fine with the new relay.

Thanks for the replies.

I have ordered the unit from easyparts.nl

I will report back when fitted.

I was hoping for a positive result but instead have made it worse.

Ateempting to fit the new relay through the ridiculously small hole I managed to drop both the bolts and washers that attach the positive and negative cables.

Although they sounded as though they landed on plastic, one of the bolts did fall through to the floor, the other and two washers are obviously hiding somewhere.

I don't suppose anyone knows if there is a way to access the bottom area without having to remove too much plastic and without lifting the bike off the ground.

I have ordered a magnet on a bendy pole thing as a possible first try.

Alternatively, what are the chances of buying replacements.

Thanks in advance.

Any motorcycle dealer will have spares knocking about, as each new battery comes with new nuts and bolts, so the old ones are spare - though after a few have been kept the rest get recycled with the old batteries!

Thanks Jim,

Unfortunately the missing bolt is smaller than the battery ones. It is the bolt that holds the cables onto the new relay I am missing, different thread and length.

No luck with magnet either.

Will take the one I have to a m/c workshop, might be lucky and it is a standard size. Not holding my breath though.

Thanks again.