electric starter . . . start switch or kill switch? By jomama0867 (Read 702 times)

[jomama0867]

My Tao Tao ATM50 runs great now from kick-starting (thanx Bashan!), and I have replaced the starter AND bendix, and still get sporadic starts. I'm convinced it's either the kill switch or the starter button, because the brake light works on both the front levers (same circuit as the safety switch, right?), and I'm leaning towards the starter button due to the fact that the kill switch still turns the motor off, and must be in the "run" position to kick start it. Does anyone disagree? If there's something I'm missing (still a novice, after all) please advise me before I order any more parts!

[Alleyoop]

What happens when you squeeze the brake and push the start button? Do you hear any clicking?
Also when this happens try JUMPING the two TERMINALS ON THE SOLENOID and see if it spins your starter. It could be just a weak battery.
Alleyoop

[Bashan]

Right on Alley. You also might try unhooking the red and black cable from the solenoid. Then put a multi on the solenoid set to continuity. Attach it to both poles of the solenoid. Then hit the start button. You should not only get a click but a continuity tone as the solenoid makes contact. Do this several times, it may do it sporadically, if so it's probably a bad starter button.....probably. If it doesn't give you a tone of continuity each time, even if it clicks, it's probably a bad solenoid. Rich

Solenoid and starter diagnostics

[jomama0867]

MANY THANKS to Alley AND Bashan! I'll try that. Sometimes I hear a single click, but mostly I hear nothing. However, it DOES seem to start after it has been sitting awhile with the button, so I could believe it's a weak battery. I'll do some more investigation and let you guys know the outcome.

THANKS AGAIN for your help.

[jomama0867]

Yep . . . starter button! I intend to order one, but meanwhile I substituted a momentary switch from the local electronics store, and owner and scooter are doing fine, thank you! Many kudos to Alley and Bashan . . . you two REALLY seem to know your stuff!