Headlights, Starter, and things of that nature. By kerwinmc3 (Read 1,039 times)

[kerwinmc3]

I bought a scooter a few months ago and it was a fixer upper. I have spent a lot of time on it and manically the scooter is running great now. But, I am having some electrical issues and unfortunately I do not understand electronics very well. So I was hoping to get some help form those of you that are more electrically inclined.

A few weeks ago my scoot stopped electrically starting and at the same time my lights stopped working as well, only flickering on occasionally while the scoot is running.

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, MC

[Random Hero]

The stator could be the issue or maybe a ground wire.

[Cruiser]

Welcome to Scooter Doc, MC. What kind of scooter (make and model) is it? This helps us determine some basic trouble shooting techniques.

[kerwinmc3]

Thanks Cruiser. I am glad to be apart of this forum.

I have a 2008 Yamati Strada

[Bashan]

The commonality between the starter circuit and your lights is the main ground. You will find a black cable running from the battery to the frame. Check it carefully, it's probably loose or corroded. Rich

[kerwinmc3]

I checked the ground and it does not look suspect but I may replace it because that is cheep and easy.
Could it also be the battery it self?

[jct842]

Also check that engine is grounded to frame and to battery negative as rich suggested.

[Bashan]

If you said the ground was good I was going to mention that it could be the battery. If a plate is bad or a terminal is cracked it can act just like a bad ground. Try jumping it off from any 12v battery (jump vehicle not running!), if the starter works it's the battery. Rich

[kerwinmc3]

After cleaning up the ground the stater is working fine. but the headlights are still not working. I tried installing an HID kit because, the original lights were not very bright at all. The headlight requires a constant flow of 12v. What would cause an inconsistant flow of voltage to the lights? Is it best to maybe scrap the HID try another Kit?

[Cruiser]

Most 150cc scoots use AC to power the headlights directly off the stator. HID lights require DC and are usually connected directly to the battery through a controller and an in line fuse. Most 150cc scoots do not have enough generating capacity to power the HID lights and many people will convert their scoots to full DC power to use HID lights. This requires reworking or replacing the stator and regulator rectifier.

I have heard good results with 35W xenon bulbs as a direct replacement of the original bulbs. They work on either AC or DC so there is no conversion required and they come in the BA20d socket size.

[kerwinmc3]

Thanks. I don't know why but my friend, who has a masters in EE, was able to help me and get them going some how. Thank you everyone for your help.

[Alleyoop]

Well it would be nice for everyone on here and future folks with a similiar problem to know what was the problem and what was the fix. It is only right to share what the problem was and how it was fixed. So please ask your EE friend to write down or tell you what he did so others can benefit as well.
Alleyoop

[kerwinmc3]

Absolutely. I will get to work on taking some pics and getting together all the info i can for everyone.