OP
UTC

Lurker
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2
Location: Akron, OH
 
Lurker
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2
Location: Akron, OH
UTC quote
Hello All,

Has anyone experienced an intermittent no-start condition that can be tied directly to the Security/Ignition Module? After much troubleshooting (with the wonderful help of Rob and Brett at Vespa Cleveland), I have been able to ascertain that this module is "likely" the culprit.

Condition: No start
Symptom: No Spark

After verifying the satisfactory condition of the spark plug, wire and coil, there was only one place left to look. The security/Ignition Module (Not Cheap).

For anyone new to Vespas, a simple verification of the security light on the dash can save you a lot of time, as ultimately, I discovered that there was no verification blink when cycling the ignition to the on position. That said, check your light for the proper sequence. I believe it to be:

Ign off: Blinking
Ign On: 1 blink, then off

After re associating my keys with no change in condition.

This is where my situation goes south. When my no-start condition occurs, there is no verification blink from the security light. I have remedied this by simply removing the glove box and unplugging both harnesses from the security/ignition module for 30 seconds. Having a technical background, I equate this with a "Hard Reboot". Consistently, after plugging in again, she starts immediately and runs great.

This has happened several times now, about 80 miles apart. My question is: Is this a known condition? Is there any circuitry that could be adversely affecting the module?

My thought is that I simply have a faulty module as it seems to be at the heart of the issue. Any advice that may keep me from spending several hundred $ on a new module would be greatly appreciated.
UTC

Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
Joined: UTC
Posts: 173
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
 
Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
Joined: UTC
Posts: 173
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
UTC quote
Sven,

This is a good one. I had a similar problem with my ET4. It just stopped running and would not start. It turned over just fine but would not run. This all happened in Puerto Vaqllarta, MX. I was close to the Suzuki shop and took the ET4 in to see if they could figure out the problem. Don't think they tried your reset suggestion but they completly went through the electrical system and decided it was the CDI. They didn't have a spark so they looked at the magneto, etc., before I got a new CDI to Mexico.

As things turned out, with the new CDI installed, it would run but would cut out when trying to rev the engine above idle. This problem turned out to be a key issue. You have to replace the keys when a new CDI is installed. You can not program old keys into the new CDI. Another but temporary delay. I got new keys, barrels, and antenna, just to be sure that was not a problem. It started right up and has been running fine.

Two mechanics worked on my ET4, in their spare time, got everything fixed and charged me only $35. Wish I could bring them back to the U.S. I did give them a small party in the shop and slipped them a bonus for all their work.

Hope this helps a little and please let us know how you solved your problem.
UTC

Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
Joined: UTC
Posts: 173
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
 
Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
Joined: UTC
Posts: 173
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
UTC quote
One final thought, it could be the antenna around the lock. They are relatively cheap......you never know until you start replacing everything.
OP
UTC

Lurker
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2
Location: Akron, OH
 
Lurker
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2
Location: Akron, OH
UTC quote
Thanks PVR39!

Key issue (Limp mode) aside, sounds like yours was the CDI (Likely the proper name for what I am referring to as the ignition module). I'm thinking mine is the same condition.

In regards to the antenna; I would think a bad antenna or broken antenna wire with-in the harness would be more pronounced and not as reliable to fix. So far, the problem has been rectified by simply unplugging power from the CDI and as simple as that, she starts.

I think the writing is on the wall!
UTC

Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
Joined: UTC
Posts: 173
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
 
Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
Joined: UTC
Posts: 173
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
UTC quote
Sven,

I would think that you could disconnect the battery cable and it should be the same as a disconnecting the CDI module. Right? Anyway, I think that my guys at the Suzuki shop tried that but nothing......so, a new CDI is in order, and don't forget new keys and barrels too.

Good luck.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44558
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44558
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
You shouldn't need new keys and barrel. Just program the new (unprogrammed) immobiliser/CDI with the old keys. It's only when the red (brown) key is missing that you need new keys and lock-set.

And yes, I think the diagnosis is correct that the CDI is intermittent and unreliable. If only they could be opened up and the dry joint found - but they are 'tamper-proof' for good reasons.
UTC

Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
Joined: UTC
Posts: 173
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
 
Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
Joined: UTC
Posts: 173
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
UTC quote
Jim,

Hate to disagre with you, but I sent the new CDI, keys, and antenna back to Scooterwest, Max, in San Diego. He tried to program the new CDI with the old keys but no success. So, he sent me new keys and barrels and programmed the new CDI. He thought that the old keys, with master key, should have worked too, but they didn't. That was my experience. For what ever reason, the old keys failed to program the new CDI. Max can verify.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44558
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44558
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
That would lead me to suspect the old keys *or* they were different model CDIs, which might be more likely.

A new CDI (current model for the bike in question) should be programmable by the old keys that matched the same model.

New CDI's will know if a red (brown) key's RFID is within its 'range'. If so it should accept any associated 'black/blue' keys. No ifs or buts.
UTC

Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
Joined: UTC
Posts: 173
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
 
Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
Joined: UTC
Posts: 173
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
UTC quote
Based on Jim's input you should get a new CDI and try and program it with your old keys. According to Jim it will work and I hope that it will. Based on my experience it didn't work for me and I had to get new keys and barrels. Good luck and let us know how it comes out.
DoubleGood Design banner

Modern Vespa is the premier site for modern Vespa and Piaggio scooters. Vespa GTS300, GTS250, GTV, GT200, LX150, LXS, ET4, ET2, MP3, Fuoco, Elettrica and more.

Buy Me A Coffee
 

Shop on Amazon with Modern Vespa

Modern Vespa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com


All Content Copyright 2005-2025 by Modern Vespa.
All Rights Reserved.


[ Time: 0.0175s ][ Queries: 3 (0.0077s) ][ live ][ 327 ][ ThingOne ]