Feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you ride your reliable scooter on the open road with excitement. But, what happens when your scooter refuses to start after sitting parked for a long time? The excitement quickly turns to frustration as you're left wondering why your scooter does not start.
This common issue can be attributed to a variety of factors, including dead batteries, stale fuel, and corroded components.
In this article, we'll delve into the possible causes behind a scooter that won't start after an extended period of inactivity and provide you with practical solutions to get your ride back on the road.
Troubleshooting Steps to Get Your Scooter Running Again
By methodically working through these steps, you should be able to identify and address the problem preventing your scooter from starting.
Step 1: Check the Battery
One of the most frequent reasons a scooter won't start is a dead or weak battery. To diagnose the battery:
- Make sure you've charged the battery: Examine the voltage of the battery with a multimeter. About 12.6 volts is what a completely charged battery should read. Use a battery charger to charge the battery if the voltage is lower.
- Use a battery trickling charger: To keep the battery's charge level stable if it isn't holding a charge, consider utilizing a battery trickle charger.
- Replace the battery if it's too old or degraded: If the battery is more than three years old or shows signs of physical damage, it may be time to replace it with a new one.
Also read: When and How Often to Charge an Electric Scooter: 5+ Tips
Step 2: Inspect the Spark Plug
It's possible that a bad spark plug will keep the engine from starting. To check the spark plug:
- Look for dirty or worn-out spark plugs: Take out the spark plug and look for wear or fouling. When necessary, clean or replace the spark plug.
- In case the spark plug needs to be changed: Replace the spark plug with a new one if it is worn out or damaged.
- Verify that the spark plug is inserted correctly: Check to ensure that the spark plug wire is undamaged and that the plug is firmly attached to it.
Step 3: Verify the Fuel System
The engine may not get the fuel it needs to start due to a clogged fuel system. To check the fuel system:
- Make sure the tank has enough fuel in it. To make sure there is enough fuel to start the engine, check the fuel level.
- Inspect the gasoline line for obstructions. Look for any kinks, obstructions, or indications of damage on the fuel line.
- Ensure the manual petcock (if applicable) is not set to off: If your scooter has a manual petcock, ensure it is set to the "on" position.
Step 4: Examine the Carburetor
A clogged or dirty carburetor can prevent the engine from getting the air-fuel mixture it needs to start. To examine the carburetor:
- Check for a clogged nozzle: Remove the air filter and inspect the carburetor nozzle for any blockages or debris.
- Adjust the carburetor for proper fuel-air mixture: Adjust the carburetor to ensure the correct fuel-air mixture is being delivered to the engine.
- Clean any dirt or debris in the carburetor: Use a carburetor cleaning kit to remove any dirt or debris from the carburetor.
Also read: How To Protect Your Electric Scooter From Rain
Step 5: Check the Ignition System
A faulty ignition system can prevent the engine from starting. To check the ignition system:
- Ensure the ignition key is in the ON position: Verify that the ignition key is turned to the "on" position.
- Inspect the kill switch: Check the kill switch to ensure it is functioning properly.
- Check the ignition coil and wiring connections: Inspect the ignition coil and wiring connections for any signs of damage or wear.
Step 6: Inspect the Air Filter
An unclean or obstructed air filter may impede the engine's ability to receive the necessary air for starting. To check the air filter:
- A clean air filter should be checked. Take off the air filter and look for any evidence of trash or dirt.
- Verify that the air filter is properly installed: Ensure the air filter is securely installed and not loose.
- Remove any excess junk or debris from the air filter: Clean the air filter to ensure it is free from any debris or obstructions.
Step 7: Attempt to Kickstart
If the scooter still doesn't start after checking the above components, try kickstarting it:
- Use the kickstart lever to attempt starting: Use the kickstart lever to try and start the engine.
- Ride the scooter to recharge the battery if it starts: If the scooter starts, ride it for a few minutes to recharge the battery.
Also read: Common Electric Scooter Issues & How to Avoid Them
Conclusion
A scooter that won't start after sitting parked for a long time can be frustrating, but by following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to identify and address the problem. If your scooter does not start, it's a reliability issue that can be solved with Bounce Infinity scooters, built with reliability in mind so that you can focus on the ride, not the repair.
Get a scooter that starts when you need it to - choose Bounce Infinity for reliability you can count on!
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