CDI not working? Open it up!

[ChrisH821]

If your scoot isn't running and all the specs for checking everything attached to the CDI are good(see manual), chances are you need a new CDI. Or do you?

*not totally necessary backstory*
Well just today I was poking around with the spree and all the sudden it stopped running... I was a bit upset because I had just finished the SE50 swap and wanted to ride a little. So naturally I went straight for the service manual, did all the checks and everything was good and I am thinking "$&^% it's Friday afternoon, where am I going to get a CDI quickly?" Then I remembered researching CDI stuff before and that you can open it to check the soldering joints, I have done this in the past so thought it was a long shot that one would crack in such a short time but decided to open it back up anyway.

To open your CDI, a dremel tool with some cutoff wheels is probably easiest, but they get gummed up from the plastic so do what you like. If you cut around the bottom(not the side with the plug!) just above the corner you should eventually be able to lift it off. This will be difficult because there is rubbery stuff inside that is holding it. Just be patient and careful. Once you have the bottom "cover" off you will be greeted by the circuit board partially of totally covered by the aforementioned black rubbery stuff, take it off carefully being sure not to damage the board.

Once you have cleared off the gunk, check all the solder joints, even with a magnifying glass if you have one and you may find a crack around one or more of the pins coming through the board, as I did. And before you ask yourself, yes, that will keep your scooter from running.

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If you do find any cracks, just dust off your soldering iron, heat it up and put just a dab of new solder on the joint, making sure it melts together with the solder that was already there. Put the cover back on with hot glue(easiest) or RTV(takes forever to cure).

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Pop it back on your scoot, start it up and go for a ride.

[mousewheels]

Good job

[SuprasNsprees]

excellent !


mine cuts out over bumps, and i may take a peek at this

[deuce217]

Very cool! Thanks I am gonna try this today.

[deuce217]

I tried that on my 85 spree cdi today. I used a milling machine, it did not work too well once I cut through the corner it seemed that the top was still molded to the circuit board. Is that how yours was? Do I need to just pry the top off? Thanks

[ChrisH821]

I tried that on my 85 spree cdi today. I used a milling machine, it did not work too well once I cut through the corner it seemed that the top was still molded to the circuit board. Is that how yours was? Do I need to just pry the top off? Thanks

Pretty much, the black rubber stuff sort of holds onto the plastic and the circuit board. It takes some effort to get the plastic off once you have cut all the way around the edges, just be careful not to damage the board in the process.

[deuce217]

I tried that on my 85 spree cdi today. I used a milling machine, it did not work too well once I cut through the corner it seemed that the top was still molded to the circuit board. Is that how yours was? Do I need to just pry the top off? Thanks

Pretty much, the black rubber stuff sort of holds onto the plastic and the circuit board. It takes some effort to get the plastic off once you have cut all the way around the edges, just be careful not to damage the board in the process.

thanks, I will post my video of the milling process. I have a new cdi coming soon so I decided to say F it.

[ChrisH821]

Nice. Did you manage to get it opened and did you find anything?