Modern Vespa

I've done the search and haven't found an answer so now I'm forced into bugging you guys for help.

My girlfriend's ET4 all of sudden doesn't want to start. You turn the key, and the dash and headlight s l o w l y come on. When you try the e-start, NOTHING happens, as if the battery is dead (which it isn't as I pulled the BRAND NEW battery out of my ET and it worked fine, plus hers worked in mine with no issues).

Kick starting works, but it doesn't want to idle at all, and she can't kick start the ET anyway which defeats the purpose of her taking her scoot to work and back.

I've decided that maybe the a ground cable is loose or something, but I don't know where to look. Any suggestions? OR, if i'm way off base, I'm very much open to any tips.

Thanks in advance!

Try checking the ground cable from frame to engine, if this is broken or loose it can cause the problem your describing. It's located on the LH side right under the passenger foot peg area of the frame and is bolted to the engine case cover just behind the crank case breather hose. If it looks ok I recomend still removeing it and clean up the connections to be sure.

Bad connection or poss. faulty starter motor.

make sure the brake switch is making. When you try to start does the brake light come on?

Yeah you can start it by holding down either brake side. Check both as maybe one side works and the other doesnt, also your ground cable. Exactly where it was described.

check/clean the battery connections too

I have the same problem on my ET4 starting from cold - the starter motor tries but fails to engage/turn the engine. Don't think its the battery.
Did you get to the bottom of your issue? Thanks.

I had the same problem with my ET4 with only 654 miles on it-unfortunately long after the warranty timed out. I replaced the battery, even thought the previous owner claimed it had a new battery in it, Turned out to be a bad starter motor. Absolutely no problems since replacing it.

sorry about the long delay..

It's not just that the bike doesn't start. The lights are super slow to come on, as if the battery has no juice, which isn't the case. I've been too busy to try to find the ground and make sure it's still connected, but as so as I try that, I'll let y'all know.

thanks for all the advice!

I had same problem with mine justcome out of garage they said they changed the s/h switch on the fuel, starts first time every time now, part was a £5.00 and £20.00 labour. Well happy now

I had this the other day. try both the fuses. happened to me mid ride during the no to parking tax protest. funny thing is it was fine for the journey to town altho my fuel gauge and indicators didn't work.

I tried to start the bike and i heard was the started so i reckon it could be something as simple as a fuse!

good luck