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Shutting off and now won't start

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4 views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  Windfly  
#1 ·
Hello, I have a Vitacci Tank 200 EFI scooter that I got last year.

A few weeks ago, I accidentally left the kickstand down, and it scrapped, caused the scooter to jolt, and it shut off. It turned back on without issue, and was fine until a week later.

I ended up hitting a bump, and it shut off again. It would start, go a little, then shut off again, and one of the times backfired a bit.

I looked things over the best I could; wires for the engine and battery all looked to be secure. I also changed the spark plug. I did notice that when the handlebars were turned left, it wouldn't start, or if it was running, it would shut off. While taking apart the front, I did move a couple wires, primarily the one connected to the ignition switch (as it had been suggested before to me), and since then it hasn't started at all. All connections seem secure as well, but I will be getting someone else to check them in the near future, just in case.

It does TRY to start, but it doesn't turn over. Lights and the speedometer all turn on.

I'm trying to get a better idea of where the issue is, and any help is appreciated.
 
#2 · (Edited)
What year Vitacci? They are just U.S. importer who buys low-end foreign-made bikes and puts their name on it. So actual manufacturer will change depending upon year. As will manual.

Do you have owner or service-manual with wiring-diagram?

Unless you're Superman and can see electrons moving inside wiring, there's absolutely ZERO chance any human can determine wiring's ability to conduct electricity just by looking at it. Luckily we have instruments that can:

Image


https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-use-a-multimeter/
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-multimeter/all

Now you've got one or more of following problems:
  • broken, loose or mis-aligned kickstand switch
  • broken wiring or connectors between kickstand switch and ECU
  • broken or loose wiring or connectors in harness up front under handlebars (this is actually common issue on many BMWs)
Steps #1 - 3 below will 100% for-sure identify your exact problem cause and that will tell you how to fix it.

1. Test function of kickstand switch, should make contact when kickstand is up.​
2. Test continuity of kickstand wires end-to-end​
3. Test continuity of each wire end-to-end in harness that gets pulled and stretched when turning handlebars left​

We actually know less than you about this problem. If this was my bike, I would do exact same troubleshooting steps above to identify problem and fix it. So you can be our hands and eyes to gather important data. Help us help you.


 
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#3 ·
All I can add is that in addition to a wire that is loose and may break the electrical circuit (Open Circuit) when you move the bike a certain way, or get a bump or some vibration .....

another possibility is a wire that has worn insulation or is backing out of a crimped connection and the wire is grounding to the frame and creating a "short circuit" --that means electricity is flowing but wasted, killing your electrical system and maybe draining your battery.

I had a positive electrical wire in the headlight bucket of my Honda shadow that some prior owner has spliced into and wrapped with electrical tape. Well, the electrical tape had come off and that wire was hanging loose with bare copper exposed-- inside the metal headlight housing. I found accidentally while doing some other maintenance. I fixed it before it caused any electric electrical short circuits, but it could have happened .