Dead Buddy...

Colinchristian · Post by **Colinchristian** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 7:16 pm

I bought my buddy on September 2. I have driven it several times, but since I don't have my M license, I'm not driving it exclusively. I went to take buddy out on Saturday morning, only to find it dead as a doornail. I let me father-in-law take a look at it, (ASE Master Tech) and we charged the battery for about 1 hr, hooked it to a voltometer and the charge was fine, ~12v. He e-mailed me this morning to say that he checked it again last night, and it is completely dead again. He thinks it's possible that
A. Defective Battery -OR-

B. There is a connection issue from the battery to the alternator, causing the battery not to recharge at all while I'm driving. ( I drove for 30 mins-1 hour at a time; plenty of time to warm up and all)

I am inclined to agree with one of these assumptions. We'll be taking buddy to the shop on saturday, but I'm wondering, would both of these issues be covered in the warranty? hopefully i shouldn't have to pay anything out of pocket... right?

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 7:54 pm

Will it kick-start?

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:10 pm

Silly question, maybe, but you aren't leaving the ignition switch on, are you? There was somebody 'round here a while ago who used the kill switch to stop the engine but left the ignition on, and returned to a flattened battery.

Colinchristian · Post by **Colinchristian** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:10 pm

It doesn't even have the kick starter on it. I forgot to ask about that in the OP. I'm not sure if the 170's didn't come with one, or if the dealer forgot to give me one...
So, I have no idea...?

Colinchristian · Post by **Colinchristian** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:13 pm

PeteH wrote:Silly question, maybe, but you aren't leaving the ignition switch on, are you? There was somebody 'round here a while ago who used the kill switch to stop the engine but left the ignition on, and returned to a flattened battery.

We thought about that. It's possible, but i don't think so. I've only left the key in the ignition once (It's in a locked garage) and came back to it in the "off" position...

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:14 pm

Ah. The 170i doesn't have a kick starter because the fuel injection system needs power to run (the electronics and fuel pump) before the engine ever moves. Kicking a FI bike with a dead battery wouldn't do a thing.

Assuming you've checked the obvious things like ignition-left-on and/or cellphone plugged into the charger, shoot, just call up Roadside Assist and have them take it to your dealer for a checkup. Should all be free. If you haven't got your Roadside card in the mail yet, the number is 866-311-8982, and your ID number is your bike's 17-digit VIN.

Colinchristian · Post by **Colinchristian** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:17 pm

PeteH wrote:Ah. The 170i doesn't have a kick starter because the fuel injection system needs power to run (the electronics and fuel pump) before the engine ever moves. Kicking a FI bike with a dead battery wouldn't do a thing.

Assuming you've checked the obvious things like ignition-left-on and/or cellphone plugged into the charger, shoot, just call up Roadside Assist and have them take it to your dealer for a checkup. Should all be free. If you haven't got your Roadside card in the mail yet, the number is 866-311-8982, and your ID number is your bike's 17-digit VIN.

Yeah, that's a great idea. I haven't gotten the card yet, so I'll use that number. Super job!

jonlink · Post by **jonlink** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:33 pm

I hope you are able to get a fast resolution. Once you find out the problem please post back. I have a 170i as well, so knowing this kind of thing may come in handy one day. Hopefully not.

Good luck!

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:17 pm

Bad battery or any kind of wiring issue will be covered by the warranty.

Colinchristian · Post by **Colinchristian** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:20 pm

UPDATE:

Taking Buddy to the dealership/shop tomorrow morning. Here's hoping that it's only a defective battery....

Colinchristian · Post by **Colinchristian** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:56 pm

Well, we were right!

battery cables had not been tightened correctly upon setup, and that was causing the battery not to charge during driving. They checked it, (which I had already tightened and re-connected) and hooked it up to a voltometer, and showed normal charge. It was a little disheartening for them to be able to start it when I couldn't, but at least buddy is back from the dead.

I took him out for an amazing ride through the city to celebrate. He deserved it, after all.
Moral of the story: when you get your scoot home from the dealer, you should check it too. Just to be sure.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 4:58 pm

^^^ Well, glad it was something simple and you are back up and running. Check those bolts in a week again to make sure they aren't vibrating loose

desmolicious · Post by **desmolicious** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 5:43 pm

Colinchristian wrote:Well, we were right!

battery cables had not been tightened correctly upon setup, and that was causing the battery not to charge during driving.

You know, glad it was a simple fix but it really sucks when a dealership - that charges you a set up fee - is either this incompetent or careless.

If I were you I would also check your tyre pressures, and the oil levels (transmission and motor). Just in case they screwed that up too....

Colinchristian · Post by **Colinchristian** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:21 pm

You know, glad it was a simple fix but it really sucks when a dealership - that charges you a set up fee - is either this incompetent or careless.

If I were you I would also check your tyre pressures, and the oil levels (transmission and motor). Just in case they screwed that up too....[/quote]

Right, and I already did. They were/are fine.
now, I just need to have time/make time to drive him more.