Modern Vespa

Yesterday on the way home from work for lunch, the gas gauge on my LX150 slid down to below empty (the light did not come on) for a few minutes and then climbed back up to 3/4 full, then as I drove up the driveway, back down to below empty. I didn't have the inclination to check it out at that moment, but when I came back out to start the scoot to return to work, I turned the key to the start/run position and attempted to start, but there was nothing! Nada! The gas gauge was still in the below empty position. But the headlight came on. Hmmmmm!

So I got out the manual to find out where the fuses are located and discovered that there are 2 15 amp fuses right next to the battery and 2 7.5 fuses behind the horn grill on the front of the scoot. So I pulled both 15 amp fuses, and although they looked good, I tested them for continuity on my multi-meter, and they were fine. Reinstalled them, still nothing. Then I pulled off the horn grill (easy--just pop off the Piaggo emblem, remove the screw hidden there, and slide the grill up to disengage it). I pulled both of the 7.5 amp fuses, tested them for continuity, and they both were fine, too. Now what? So I reinstalled them, and lo and behold, now the gas gauge read 3/4 again, and the starter worked!

So I concluded (I think) that some corrosion was interfering periodically with the continuity in the fuse box in the front--perhaps because of the heavy rain I had been in a couple of weeks ago. By pulling the fuses and reinstalling them, I "cleaned" the corrosion. In any event, there have been no further problems yesterday afternoon or today.

All this FWIW.

Cary

sounds like some good thinking on your part. I am glad you got everything figured out.

I have a similar problem with my coolant temperture gauge, and it's been suggested that moisture under the sensor boot may be the problem. Maybe your problem too?