New (Used) Sym Citycom 300i battery issues

[cavenger]

So I just got this scooter the other day. It had been sitting for at least 4 months. The first day I looked at it, it wouldn't start, so we jumped it. I took it for a spin and bought it the next day. However, I couldn't get it to start again when I started to put it on the trailer, so I figured the battery was having issues.

Last night I put the battery on a charger for a bit and then put it and the scooter started right up. I left the battery in the scooter because I felt like i had ridden long enough for it to have charged.

Woke up this morning and it wouldn't start again. So I took it to Auto parts store and they tested it and said that it was good but it just needed a charge. Any advice?

Thank you! - Newbie.

[cavenger]

oh and its on a charger now. I am going to try to dig out my multimeter and test the charging system.

[cavenger]

Charged for a bit and then Put the multimeter on and got 12.5 with nothing connected. Then connected it to the scooter and tried to start, just clicking. Then put the multimeter on while the key was turned and lights were on and it was 11.63 and I don't think that is enough to start. It is back on the charger. This charger will do a 2 amp, 10 amp or 50 amp trickle charge. I guess I can't use the 10Amp option.....or I am scared to. Does anyone know if I can just try to jump it with the charger? it says to turn it to 50 to jump but it doesnt say anything about motorcycles.

[cavenger]

Bottom line is all I am getting is clicking at this point even when trying to jump it (read that I could do it). I put it back on the charger and will let it go all night.

[novaraptor]

Others will jump in, I'm sure. If you have a car and cables handy, you can jump it from the car battery, but WITHOUT the car running. Also, I don't think I would try using the charger at 50amps to jump the scooter. I would try at 10amps, after letting it charge the battery up a while. A lot of the time, small batteries like these will test good, but simply fail under pressure. Once you have the scooter charged and running, you will be able to test the charging system to see if it is in working order. Hope that helps...

[cavenger]

Others will jump in, I'm sure. If you have a car and cables handy, you can jump it from the car battery, but WITHOUT the car running. Also, I don't think I would try using the charger at 50amps to jump the scooter. I would try at 10amps, after letting it charge the battery up a while. A lot of the time, small batteries like these will test good, but simply fail under pressure. Once you have the scooter charged and running, you will be able to test the charging system to see if it is in working order. Hope that helps...

Thank you so much! I have had it tested at 2 different places and both places tell me its good. Trying to avoid spending $80 for no reason. I am going to have to really start to learn about these things....but this could be fun. :thanks:

[cavenger]

I have now tested this battery good 3 times at 3 different places. It definitely seems like it is something else. Im wondering if I blew a fuse. I don't even know how to remove the seat I guess the next thing I will try is jumping from my car (not started). All I hear is the fuel injecting and then clicking.

[cavenger]

ok...so i checked the fuses in the front panel and none were blown (my fuse panel is lose in there). I tried to jump it with my car and it doesn't even try to start. I hit the starter and then I get one click. If i turn the throttle before hitting the button, i hear the fuel pump but still I get one click when I hit the starter. What other fuse can I check? or any other ideas?

[cavenger]

I am not getting a spark.

[Shadowfire]

If you're only getting a click, the starter solenoid is activating, but either the engine is seized, the starter is dead, the battery is too low to turn the engine over, or you have a wiring/fuse issue with the starter circuit.

[cavenger]

If you're only getting a click, the starter solenoid is activating, but either the engine is seized, the starter is dead, the battery is too low to turn the engine over, or you have a wiring/fuse issue with the starter circuit.

Thank you! do you know if there is another fuse I should be concerned about besides those in the front panel? I am just about to go buy a battery to rule it out.

[kz1000st]

You might check the charging system first. It could be the original battery that came with the bike. I don't recall Rich ever mentioning a battery change. I have a battery in my garage that I bought cheap. If I left it in the bike for a few hours off the charger it wouldn't start the scooter even though it read 12.5 volts. I bought one from NAPA and put it in. It will hold its charge for weeks and reads 12.75 volts. To me that was indication that the cheap battery had volts but low amps.
When you start the scooter your volt/ohmmeter should read over 13.5 volts with it running across the terminals. If you're having a voltage drop at the battery simply because you tried to start it I would think the battery is bad.

[cavenger]

You might check the charging system first. It could be the original battery that came with the bike. I don't recall Rich ever mentioning a battery change. I have a battery in my garage that I bought cheap. If I left it in the bike for a few hours off the charger it wouldn't start the scooter even though it read 12.5 volts. I bought one from NAPA and put it in. It will hold its charge for weeks and reads 12.75 volts. To me that was indication that the cheap battery had volts but low amps.
When you start the scooter your volt/ohmmeter should read over 13.5 volts with it running across the terminals. If you're having a voltage drop at the battery simply because you tried to start it I would think the battery is bad.

The only problem is, I can't start it at all. Even with a jump.

[kz1000st]

Have you checked the kill switch? That might explain the no spark. Next jump the solenoid if it has one and see if the starter motor spins. I just find it hard to believe that scooter suddenly fell flat. Rich was using it every day right up until the end.

[cavenger]

Here is a video showing my issue:

https://youtu.be/DiessLBPH2c

[Shadowfire]

Edit: Disregard the prior contents of this post, the battery is toast.
A fully charged battery should read 13.5V to 13.8V with no load attached.
Seeing the battery below 12V with only the lights running is another indicator.

[cavenger]

ok it is for sure not the battery. I put a new battery in there today and it did not solve the issue. Dangit. I guess I am in deep now. I need to find the solenoid.

[novaraptor]

Also, just occured to me. If you have been removing and reinserting the battery, check the terminals and make sure that they are clean and tight...

[Shadowfire]

At this point, is it possible to tell if the click is coming from the starter motor?
If the starter itself is clicking (and not just the starter relay), you can rule out electrical problems and start REALLY worrying, because something mechanical is preventing the engine from turning over.

[cavenger]

At this point, is it possible to tell if the click is coming from the starter motor?
If the starter itself is clicking (and not just the starter relay), you can rule out electrical problems and start REALLY worrying, because something mechanical is preventing the engine from turning over.

It is definitely the starter relay (solenoid) that is making the click every time I hit the button.

[cavenger]

My plan for today is to try these things:

1. I really want to try to make sure I have properly tested the starter in the bike before I pull it. I am not sure if I did it right. I do know it is getting power when the starter button is pressed. My testing of the solenoid seems to indicate it is good as well.

2. Check the ground from the battery to the frame. Tried once but I guess I need to take the right side flaring off. to actually see it because I can't see it with just the luggage box off. If anyone know where it attaches to this bike, please let me know.

3. Try to see if there are any other wires that are lose or frayed like John suggested from the stator.

4. Pull the starter and bench test it. It looks like I have to remove the air hose and then two bolts to remove it. Is this something a local auto parts store is going to have or am I going to have to order it online?

Thanks everyone!

[kz1000st]

Let me ask this. When you jumped it to start, the other vehicle wasn't running was it? I'm dealing with a Kymco with a toasted starter motor. Because the former owner wasn't a reliable source I have my suspicions about how it burned out. Either it was run to death or over-amped to toastiness.

[cavenger]

Let me ask this. When you jumped it to start, the other vehicle wasn't running was it? I'm dealing with a Kymco with a toasted starter motor. Because the former owner wasn't a reliable source I have my suspicions about how it burned out. Either it was run to death or over-amped to toastiness.

It was not running... But it wouldn't jump. I would be extremely happy right now if I knew the starter were toast. At least I would know what it is.

[kz1000st]

How are things going. Did you get to the bottom of the problem? I have to say this is really ironic and Rich must be doing somersaults in his grave.

Nevermind. I see you went someplace else and they're helping you. $185 for a starter-OUCH! I guess my $70 Kymco starter is cheap by comparison.

[cavenger]

Yep.... And actually ooty gave me a better quote of $135....I mistakenly thought dealers would have the same price. But my friend in Nashville is pocketing some change apparently. Live and learn.!

Yea and I feel like it just checking couldnt be something this seriously wrong with his scooter so quickly but that starter is not working even outside of the bike connected straight to power. Here's the thing, it worked some but would stop and start with a tap of the hammer.

[kz1000st]

I'm having the same thing with a broken Kymco I bought. The starter won't spin with 8 or 10 amp scooter batteries but will hooked up to a big amp car battery. Then it gets raging hot in seconds. I'm just letting the scooter sit while I try and forget my rage. Then I'll buy a new starter motor.

[cavenger]

I have been waiting for a starter I ordered through the dealer for 10 days. I would be fine if I had a tracking number or something. I can't get a hold of the dealer, but he has my credit card.....so I am just in limbo for now. Its frustrating.

[kz1000st]

It should be there soon. The dealers these days are up to their butts in work so it might have been slow going out the door.