50cc Tao tao starter button no longer does anything. By danny (Read 2,934 times)

[danny]

recently when I press the start button to turn the scooter on, it does absolutely nothing and I have to kick start it. I have been having to kick start the scooter for the last two weeks. Before that, I could tell there was something getting shorted when I try to press the start button because it would not engage if the wheel was turned the wrong direction and only when I turn the wheel in to a good position where it catches, it will work fine every time. But now, even that good position it has completely stopped working. Im not a professional but im guessing its obviously a loose or almost broken wire or connection. If so, which one is it? Is it a symptom of the start solenoid gone bad?  

[sillylittleboy]

A few simple test working backwards will help pinpoint the problem. You can test your starter itself and potentially eliminate it by turning on your ignition switch, kill switch on, and then short across the relay terminals with a large metal screwdriver (be sure you're holding on to the handle, not the shaft) and see if the starter turns over and/or your engine starts up.

Next up would be the starter relay, which can easily be tested if you have some jumper wires and/or wires with alligator clips. Just connect the control input wires to your battery. Polarity shouldn't matter, it's just about getting the elctro-magnet engaged. You should be able to hear it click and if you've got the ignition switch and kill switches on, then again the starter should turn or start your engine.

That should at least start narrowing things down.

[daddymark66]

Check the brake light switches in the brake handle. These are also safety switches. Mine got jammed closed and wouldn't let the scoot start.

[jct842]

You have pretty well diagnosed the problem yourself danny. You had to turn wheel exactly so it used to catch. I doubt seriously if you have solenoid or other parts causing your problem.

What you have is wire breakdown around the steering stem location. Pull off all the plastic crap in that area and around the headlight, look for where the wire is stressed. Will probably have to separate it taking off the tape.
We have generic diagrams in the library and you will probably need a multi-meter and know how to use it.

[cyborg]

John is correct as usual,,if you have a sweet spot when you turn the bars then either a plug is not locked together and make contact in that position or a wire is broken internally

[dyoung1167]

check where the fairing goes around the steering column as they can rub against the wires and at the bottom where the right to left "stops" are as i have had wires get pinched there either grounding it or cutting it off completely