OP
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Member
Vespa et4 2004
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Posts: 7
Location: Santa Ana
 
Member
Vespa et4 2004
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7
Location: Santa Ana
UTC quote
Hi

I need your help again. My 2004 Vespa ET4 won't start. This is what it is doing:

When I press the ignition, it sounds like its going to turn over, then it does one of three things: it either just stops trying, or it makes a clunking sound and stops trying or it makes starts making a whizzing sound, as if something has become disengaged and a rotor-type thing is spinning wildly.

I am mechanically challenged, so if you are so gracious as to respond, please try not to write in jargon-ese (unless it is absolutely necessary to convey the point...I can always do some research if necessary to interpret what is written.)

Thank you for your time. Its warm in Southern California and my wife misses riding her baby.

Brian
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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Posts: 44570
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44570
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
Best bet - battery is FUBARed - possibly not helped by a dodgy bendix.

Best cure option - open the transmission case, check the operation of the bendix gear (and while you're at it all the other innards), and if and when that is judged fine get the battery checked out and fully charged before trying again.

Then report back.
@ctl73 avatar
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Hooked
GT-200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 216
Location: PA
 
Hooked
@ctl73 avatar
GT-200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 216
Location: PA
UTC quote
Get your self a volt meter $20.00 at raido shack and up.
Take the battery cover off and check the battery voltage 12.6 volts is a fully charged battery. If the voltage is below that charge it if you have a charger. On the lowest setting and watch the voltage, don't let it go over 15.5
If you think the battery is the problem remove it and take it to some place to have it tested.
If the battery has never been replaced put on in your a bout due they don't last for ever.
Chris
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
Check out my post here.

https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic40841?highlight=

you should be able to figure it out. Most likely it is the battery.
OP
UTC

Member
Vespa et4 2004
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7
Location: Santa Ana
 
Member
Vespa et4 2004
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7
Location: Santa Ana
UTC quote
Thanks

I'll check the battery and report back.

Thanks for the feedback

Brian
⬆️    About 1 month elapsed    ⬇️
OP
UTC

Member
Vespa et4 2004
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7
Location: Santa Ana
 
Member
Vespa et4 2004
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7
Location: Santa Ana
UTC quote
I'm sorry for taking so long to reply with the solution. I had purchased a new battery just a few weeks before this problem occurred, so I was skeptical that it could be the battery.

I took the battery back to the dealer, they tested it, and determined that the battery was defective, so they replaced it free-of-charge. After the battery was charged and re-installed, all the problems disappeared and the machine is running great.

Again, thanks for your insight.

Brian

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