Electrical, brake and starter not working By tobey (Read 927 times)

[tobey]

I have a BMS Pathfinder 200. It started yesterday. The starter doesn't work today. I checked the brake switches and neither causes the brake light to turn on. Horn, turn signals and fuel gauge all work.

I have a VOM but do not know what to check for. I presume there is a broken wire or short causing the problem.

Can anyone give me some pointers on what and how to check this out and hopefully get it started again.

Thanks,
Tobey

[Kaveman]

Check the technical section of this website for what to and how to do on checks with the voltmeter . There are several good pdf's ( that I made) for electrical trouble shooting. Sounds like a short of some sort. Have you checked your solenoid to see if that isn't functioning ? I would also pull and check the starter motor itself . will c.

[Bashan]

You'll have to pull enough plastic to check both brake light switches on the handlebars. Disconnect the wire on the switch and you'll find two blade connectors. Use your multimeter to check for continuity on the connectors when you pull the handle in. Here's a turn signal tutorial that has an explanation for using a multi about midway down (thanks Will!).

The solenoid circuit is energized off of the brake lights when you pull in the handle. Depending on how your bike is wired either brake light switch could keep the starter from engaging. Here's a simplified hi-res diagram for the GY6 scooter, you can see what I mean.

Let us know what happens. Rich

[tvnacman]

If you kick it started will anything that is not working work.
John

[tobey]

I really hate these kinds of problems. In trying to diagnose the problem, I started by checking the voltage at the switches and in the process found the left switch had burned up, with the bad switch disconnected, the right switch works again. I looked to see if there were any loose leads but never found one. I just hope I don't get stranded somewhere. I will order a new switch and hope there is nothing else wrong.

I never have been able to use the kick starter on this scooter, it's too tight and I am afraid it will break something.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and support.