Horn and blinker don't work- any ideas?

[apede]

Hi,
I live the middle of nowhere in WA and can't find a mechanic in town who will work on a buddy scooter. So naturally, I am turning to the internet for information

The horn on my 2009 Buddy stopped working a few months ago- nothing happens at all when you push the button. Everything else was still working fine, so I just thought I'd get it fixed if and when I can get the scooter over to Seattle. Today I was driving it and pushing the horn button to see if it would start working, and it started making buzzing sounds and then the blinker also stopped working. When I went to start it after finishing my errands, the starter button also was not working.

When I got home I started looking to see if I could find anything obviously wrong (though I really don't know what I am looking at) and I noticed the fuse was blown. I replaced the fuse, the starter worked again, but then I turned on the blinker and it blew again immediately. I went through 3 fuses this way.

Does anyone have any idea of what could be wrong and/or how to fix it? Is there any way that getting a new battery would help? What about a new black piece that contains the horn and blinker buttons? (and if so, any tips on where to buy that).

Thanks for reading

[TVB]

I don't have any real answers for you, but I can confirm that both the horn and blinkers draw their power from the battery (not from the engine), so the problem must be with that part of the electrical system.

[apede]

Thanks, that is definitely a start! I called my dad (he used to be a motorcycle mechanic) and he told me there is a short somewhere if I keep blowing fuses. So I took apart the piece with the horn/headlight/blinker switches, but couldn't take it apart completely enough to see the wires that those buttons are supposed to be connecting. A small piece of metal fell out of it that looked like it had broken off of something, so I hoped that was causing the short, but the scooter is still doing the same thing. I think my plan is going to be 1) verify that I am using the correct amperage fuse (1A?- the wiring diagram does not say!) and then 2) call genuine and see if I can order a new piece with those 3 buttons. Whatever the problem is I think it has to be in that piece

[ericalm]

Which fuse did you replace? The 1amp is behind the legshield. This is just for the 12v accessory outlet.

The main fuse is by the battery. Have you had other electrical issues? Trouble starting, weak battery?

It's probably the switch, which is easy to replace and can be bought at Scooterworks.com or Af1racing.com or Scooterlounge.com, among others.

Buuuuut, it could also be something like the voltage regulator, a short elsewhere or a bad ground, etc. Unfortunately, electrical issues are a pain to track down because it's all process of elimination. Even with a circuit tester and voltage meter, you have to start at each end and work your way down the line.

[apede]

I replaced the main fuse by the battery. What amperage is that supposed to have? I couldn't find it in the owners manual or service manual- they just say make sure you don't put one with too high of amps. The only other electrical problem I have is with the ignition button when the fuse it blown- I have been kickstarting it for now but I don't think there is any problem there once I get a new fuse.
Thanks for the info on where to get a new switch! That'll be the first thing I try (once I get the appropriate fuse in).