Now the blackjack feels left out - more electrical fun!!!

Tam Tam · Post by **Tam Tam** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:17 pm

So, this morning I gave in and took the Stella to the shop (it's gonna get a new battery & plug on my $$$, and the warranty is good for 1 more month) - so they can see if there is a wiring problem.
Then I realize, "Cool! I've still got the blackjack! When I get home, I'll take that one out to the grocery store!

" And when I pull it outta the garage - won't start, no power at all.
So I kick start it, and ride around for for 45 min approx 30-40mph (but did 10 min. on the highway at 65 WOT), hoping to charge the battery, even just a little. But I had no signals or horn - when I would try to signal, all I would get would be a "mzzz" ing sound. When I finally came home, I could only get any turn signal light up by revving the engine hard.
I have LED lights on it (wired to a separate switch with a separate fuse) and also have the deadlights wired (also to a separate switch n fuse)...I thought I had developed a damn near OCD level of checking both switches every time I turn off the engine (not to make fun of OCD - a close family member has it). I have never had any hassle with this scooter ever - none at all.
So I ask, o electronic masterminds, what does this sound like? Could the battery be saved by charging? or will a new one be needed? please help - the Blackjack was supposed to be the dependable one

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 4:24 am

How long since the BlackJack's been ridden?

Rippinyarn · Post by **Rippinyarn** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 3:03 pm

What he said, and what brand of float charger do you use? The tiny batteries in these scoots are not only small (don't have a lot of extra cold cranking amps to spare), seems to age faster than the scoot and are sometimes woefully undercharged in "normal" scooter use. My Blur battery is already a bit dodgy (after 19 months), so I pay close attention to it and top it up after each commute (heated grips).

I bet that your battery is marginal due to age, but if you get a float charger (Battery-tender or a Harbor Freight cheapie) you might be able to get some more use out of it.

Tam Tam · Post by **Tam Tam** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 12:01 am

The Blackjack probably went 2 weeks with no ride. But I took it to the shop, the mechanic there ( a cool guy - thorough, honest, & knowledgable) listened to the symptoms n said - "Battery. Gotta be. " So, I bit the bullet n bought a new one, as this scooter is my prime transport (the civic is awaiting service itself, and Stella is still being looked at by the shop.)
"Is it easy to put in?" I ask, then in a lower voice, "better to do it myself than pay $65 for labor?". He gives me a look, and says, "Man, I'm not gonna charge you to put in a battery. It's easy".
The way I see it, aside from one case of vaporlock, the Blackjack has given me no trouble at all. The shop has been good for advice, and tips, and I'm always impressed when a store will dissuade you from buying something they carry, saying, "Well, we have the item, but we've turned out to not like how it works/attaches/performs etc..." and then tell you why they don't care for it. So I figure, better safe than sorry.
Hopefully, it was just a pooped out battery. And, I think I need to see about getting a tender.

Raiderfn311 · Post by **Raiderfn311** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 12:15 am

Battery Tenders are cheap, and IMHO, a must for scooter owners. Hope everything works out with the BlackJack.

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Mon Mar 05, 2012 5:45 pm

Looks like you've already bought the battery, but did you check the connections on the old one before you bought the new? I've had several instances where my battery connections worked their way loose.

Howard