Quick Troubleshooting Menu

Important

Some troubleshooting procedures involve fuel, ignition, electrical systems and moving engine components. Use appropriate safety precautions and consult a qualified technician when you are unsure about a repair.

01

MY SCOOTER IS NOT CHARGING

Check the following:
• Make sure the fuse in the scooter is good.
• Check the wires behind the fuse holder and the charging jack. Sometimes they can come loose.

02

MY SCOOTER WILL NOT START

• Make sure fuel is getting to the carburetor.
• Check the spark plug for signs of wear or damage.
• Make sure a brake lever is being held in. If one lever does not work, try the other brake lever.
• The starter relay may be defective.

The original guide recommends using starting fluid to aid the starting process. If using starting fluid allows the scooter to start but the engine dies after the fluid is consumed, this indicates a possible fuel-delivery problem. Check the carburetor and fuel system.

A possible vacuum leak or loss of engine compression may also be involved. Severe piston damage caused by lack of oil may require piston and ring replacement.

03

MY SCOOTER IS HARD TO START

• Check whether the spark plug is dirty. Clean or replace it if necessary.
• Make sure the carburetor and intake manifold are tightly secured to the engine.
• Inspect the gasket between the carburetor and intake manifold for leaks or damage.
• Replace a damaged gasket and make sure the carburetor is properly secured.

04

STARTER WORKS BUT SCOOTER WILL NOT START

Step 1 — Check fuel flow
Check the clear fuel filter, normally visible under the seat in the middle of the fuel line, to see whether fuel is flowing.

If fuel IS visible:
1. If the scooter has been cranked repeatedly with the throttle open, the engine may be flooded. Allow it to sit and then retry.

2. If the throttle has not been opened, check for spark. Remove the spark plug, reinsert it into the plug cap and place the plug against the cylinder head. Crank the starter and look for spark. If there is no spark, the ignition coil may need attention.

If fuel is NOT visible:
Check the fuel vacuum line and make sure it is attached. Inspect the entire line for kinks or damage. The original guide suggests checking whether fuel can be drawn into the filter through the vacuum system.

If fuel is flowing through the filter, verify that it is also reaching the carburetor. If fuel and spark are both present but the engine still will not start, the automatic choke may be inoperative.

Check the wiring from the choke mechanism to its connector on the right side of the frame. The original guide notes that the choke shares a common ground with the taillight, so also check whether the taillight is working.

05

SCOOTER RUNS BUT IS VERY SLOW

• Check tire pressure. The original guide recommends 32 PSI cold.
• Check both wheels to make sure they rotate freely.
• Brake adjustment may be too tight on drum-brake models.
• On disc-brake models, check the brake system and reservoir.

06

ENGINE IDLES BUT THEN DIES

The source notes that this can occur during initial startup. If the problem continues, the idle speed may need adjustment.

The idle-speed adjustment screw is located on the right side of the carburetor. The source recommends turning it approximately 1/2 turn clockwise to increase idle speed. Idle may need to be reset after the first 50–100 miles.

Turn Signals:
If one turn signal does not work or both come on together, inspect the wiring under the front cowl. Check connections between the turn signals and wiring harness and make sure connectors are secure.

07

HEADLIGHT DOES NOT COME ON

According to the supplied guide, the headlight will not operate unless the engine is running.

08

SCOOTER BOGS WHEN I TURN THE THROTTLE

The source recommends checking the carburetor adjustment screw with the spring on the side of the carburetor. It describes clockwise adjustment as reducing fuel flow and counterclockwise adjustment as increasing flow.

Allow the engine time to warm up. If the problem continues, the source suggests that the carburetor may need replacement.

09

OIL LEAKING AROUND CARBURETOR / MUFFLER

Check the gasket between the carburetor and intake manifold. It may be damaged, or the carburetor may have loosened because of engine vibration.

10

SCOOTER IS NOT HOLDING ITS CHARGE

Using the headlight, electric start and alarm, when equipped, can drain the battery.

A gas scooter can charge its battery while running, but charging may be slow. The source recommends using an appropriate battery charger when needed.

Over time, batteries naturally lose their ability to hold a full charge. Extended storage can also contribute to battery problems. If the battery drops below a certain voltage, a charger may not recognize it.

Use a charger appropriate for your battery type and follow the manufacturer's charging instructions. Do not use an unsuitable high-current charger simply to force a deeply discharged battery to accept a charge.

11

MY ELECTRIC START WON'T WORK

• Squeeze the left handlebar brake while pressing the electric-start button.
• A clicking sound from the electric starter may indicate a weak battery.
• Check the fuse.
• Check the key switch.
• If the starter has a burnt smell or otherwise appears damaged, it may have failed.

12

MY ENGINE FROZE

The supplied guide attributes engine seizure to inadequate oil reaching the piston and needle-bearing areas. It recommends maintaining the proper engine oil level to help prevent this type of failure.

Depending on the extent of damage, engine replacement or rebuilding may be necessary.

13

HOW DO I ADJUST MY BRAKES?

The supplied guide states that brakes can be tightened at the handbrake area near the handlebar or near the wheel area, depending on the brake system.

14

RIDING PRECAUTIONS

15

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

Idle Speed Screw
The small gold screw on the side of the carburetor controls idle speed. The supplied guide states that the tip should extend approximately 1/8 inch (4 mm). Adjust it so the engine idles just fast enough to remain running.

High-Speed Mixture Screw
The brass-colored screw located lower on the side of the carburetor near the choke lever controls the high-speed mixture. The source describes a factory starting point of turning the screw fully in and then backing it out two full turns. It recommends making fine adjustments no more than 1/8 turn at a time.

Important:
The supplied guide warns that turning the mixture too far in can cause a lean condition at full speed and potentially damage the piston. Adjustments should therefore be made carefully and according to the specifications for your specific scooter.

Main Jet Adjustment
The source describes another adjustment screw located near the center/top of the carburetor and states that it is commonly set one full turn out. Follow the specifications for your particular carburetor and engine.

After the engine has started and warmed up, make sure the choke lever is fully returned to its normal operating position.

16

ROUTINE CHECKUPS

TX POWERSPORTS

Ride Safe. Maintain Regularly.