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Post by JoeyBee on Jul 22, 2015 17:19:54 GMT -5
November 2014 I bought a new 2014 TaoTao Powermax. This week I started to have my first problem. I am having problems with my electric start. I thought it was my battery, so I ordered a new one thinking the factory battery failed on me. I installed the new battery and am having the same problem. I have already ordered a new stater.
I figured I would post my troubleshooting process in case someone else has the same problem.
Problem started with hard electric started. The video shows the problem. Kick starting will start the motor. With the motor off, multimeter shows a voltage of 12.89, and 13.5 while running. This shows the stator is charging. The replacement battery shows the battery is not the issue. The ability to start by kickstart shows the engine or valves are not the problem. The part left that is causing the problem is most likely the starter motor.
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Post by JerryScript on Jul 22, 2015 20:57:25 GMT -5
Long shot, but this happened to me. Loose plug boot cap, kickstarting made it connect. Replaced and no problems since (9 months).
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Post by JoeyBee on Jul 22, 2015 21:24:11 GMT -5
Long shot, but this happened to me. Loose plug boot cap, kickstarting made it connect. Replaced and no problems since (9 months). Thanks for the suggestion. I'll take a look at the boot cap. Replacing the stock cap and wire with an NGK setup has been on my list of enhancements. I'm eager to fix the problem before I'm another cager driving to work. |
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Post by ghcoe on Jul 22, 2015 21:38:12 GMT -5
I would check all your electrical contacts. Battery, starter solenoid, starter, frame and engine ground. Starter sounds like it is dragging. Could be a bad starter, but best to check electrical contacts first.
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Post by JoeyBee on Jul 22, 2015 22:15:54 GMT -5
I would check all your electrical contacts. Battery, starter solenoid, starter, frame and engine ground. Starter sounds like it is dragging. Could be a bad starter, but best to check electrical contacts first. I checked all the connections. I was recording a video of how to check the path of current from the battery to the stater. I thought I could make a troubleshooting video showing all connections were good and the path of current was good till the spark plug. The only conclusion left would be the battery. I would install the new battery and at da... Scooter fires up. Well... That didn't work out. Every electrical component was good, I installed the new battery, and NOTHING... At least with all the testing, and taking readings, the stater motor stood out as the problem. |
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Post by wilds on Jul 22, 2015 23:13:59 GMT -5
Before you buy a new starter motor. Test the starter using jumper cables.
I suspect that your battery cables are too weak...
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Post by JoeyBee on Jul 25, 2015 23:02:39 GMT -5
Just as an update, the stater motor was replaced today. The engine is cranking better, but still not electrically turning over. However, the engine still starts easily with the kickstart.
I have a new ignition coil and starter relay arriving on Tuesday. At this point I'll replace each component to find the problem. How I see it, I needed the replacement parts anyways. The defective part will go in the trash.
For anyone who hasn't replaced a stater motor this is a very good video on how to do it.
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Post by ghcoe on Jul 25, 2015 23:38:17 GMT -5
Good video for sure. I would like to add one more important thing though. Make sure you disconnect your battery before doing anything electrical and even sometimes mechanical to your scooter. Otherwise the next video you will be watching could be "how to rewire a scooter". That is if it don't burn down to the ground. |
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Post by JoeyBee on Jul 25, 2015 23:57:02 GMT -5
Good video for sure. I would like to add one more important thing though. Make sure you disconnect your battery before doing anything electrical and even sometimes mechanical to your scooter. Otherwise the next video you will be watching could be "how to rewire a scooter". That is if it don't burn down to the ground. Thanks for the advice. Sometimes it feels like over kill, but I always disconnect the battery before electrical work. The stater swap was very easy. It took longer to watch the video than the actual swap. |
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Post by wilds on Jul 26, 2015 1:17:46 GMT -5
if you have the original battery cables still on they are crap.
Make new ones with a pair of jumper cables.
I did that on mine and never had any problems cranking it with the starter motor.
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Post by JoeyBee on Jul 26, 2015 7:23:19 GMT -5
if you have the original battery cables still on the are crap. Make new ones with a pair of jumper cables. I did that on mine and never had any problems cranking it with the starter motor. , thanks for the suggestion. I forgot to mention that upgrading the ignition/battery wires was one of my first modifications. I figured it was a good way to get familiar with my electrics. |
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Post by tvnacman on Jul 26, 2015 13:31:45 GMT -5
that starter was dragging, poor or under sized wire or weak battery.
John
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Post by JoeyBee on Jul 26, 2015 13:41:22 GMT -5
that starter was dragging, poor or under sized wire or weak battery. John Wire was upgraded, and battery brand new. |
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Post by tvnacman on Jul 26, 2015 13:56:27 GMT -5
can we see what you did to make the wires better?
John
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Post by JoeyBee on Jul 26, 2015 14:29:03 GMT -5
can we see what you did to make the wires better? John Just changed it to a thicker gauge. Specifically the wire from the starter to solenoid. |
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