New (Used) Sym Citycom 300i battery issues

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.