Lifted from another foum

There are to be some changes to the MOT test from 1st January 2012 which are being introduced in response to European Commission Directive 2010/48/EU of the 5th July 2010 and which will effect those with aftermarket HID headlights and remapped ECUs:

4.1.4 Compliance with requirements:

(a) Lamp, emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements

B Products on lens or light source which obviously reduce light intensity or change emitted colour

(c Light source and lamp not compatible

4.1.5. Levelling devices (where mandatory):

(a) Device not operating.

B Manual device cannot be operated from driver’s seat.

4.1.6 Headlamp cleaning device (where mandatory):

Device not operating.

For anyone with a remap, section 6.1.9 may be relevant.

6.1.9 Engine performance:

(a) Control unit illegal modified.

B Illegal engine modification.

(by 'illegal', it is assumed that they mean changed/programmed differently from OEM specifications)

There will also be a new check on the general condition of the wiring:

4.11. Electrical wiring

(a) Wiring insecure or not adequately secured.

B Wiring deteriorated.

(c Damaged or deteriorated insulation

and on the function of airbag and seat belt pre-tensioner systems:

7.1.4. Safety belt Pre-tensioners:

Pre-tensioner obviously missing or not suitable with the vehicle.

7.1.5. Airbag:

(a) Airbags obviously missing or not suitable with the vehicle.

B Airbag obviously non-operative.

7.1.6. SRS Systems:

SRS MIL indicates any kind of failure of the system.

Some debate on another forum as to the definition of 'illegal engine modification' (undeclared re-map?) and

how the checks are made.

Discuss......

Edited 11 November, 201015 yr by Leeland

I dont see how they can check for remapped ECUs.

Shouldn't have any probs with my meagre 90 bhp then

surely the tuning companies who make good money from remapping can find a way around this problem ??

(by 'illegal', it is assumed that they mean changed/programmed differently from OEM specifications)

They'd have to make it illegal to remap a car first.

The directive only lists the section 6.1.9 checks as a visual inspection anyway, so it's not going to be able to include remaps.

They'd have to make it illegal to remap a car first.

The directive only lists the section 6.1.9 checks as a visual inspection anyway, so it's not going to be able to include remaps.

Comparing emissions to factory figures?

Chris

I can see me needing an MOT remap at this rate.

Comparing emissions to factory figures?

Emissions are measured at idle though - I'm not sure if there'd be much difference in emissions between a remapped and OEM engine at idle?

Emissions are measured at idle though - I'm not sure if there'd be much difference in emissions between a remapped and OEM engine at idle?

Idle is the first test, the second test is done at 2.5krpm or 1/2 engine speed:

"c. rapidly increase the engine speed to around 2500rpm or half maximum . engine speed if this is lower and assess the smoke emitted from the tailpipe. Allow the engine to return to idle."

And reasons for rejection:

"c. emits excessive dense blue or clearly visible black smoke during acceleration which would obscure the view of other road users."

I can think of several diesels which might fail that test

Chris

Edited 11 November, 201015 yr by ScoobyChris

Idle is the first test, the second test is done at 2.5krpm or 1/2 engine speed:

I stand corrected.

Nonetheless, it would still seem a poor way of determining stock configuration - emission control devices deterioriate with age and usage, so there's always going to be some deviation from lab-derived figures. An MOT tester is unlikely to be able to determine whether a higher-than-expected reading is down to a remap or a failing emission control system...

See page 8-9 "The Future of the MOT test" in the latest edition (No 48) of Vosa magazine 'Matters of testing'.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/publications/newsletters/mattersoftesting.htm

Other items – such as headlamp bulb and unit incompatibility, headlamp levelling devices and illegal engine ‘chipping’ – will need further thought before we can get a workable solution for MOT stations.

Edited 12 November, 201015 yr by Jim H

There is an interesting thread going on about it on SCN.

2011 VOSA changes to MOT

Its only propoed though, nothing set in stone. As soon as they realise how much the required equipment will cost this will all go away.

Its unworkable and wont be implemented IMHO.

4.11. Electrical wiring

(a) Wiring insecure or not adequately secured.

So MOT'ers are fully fledged electrical engineers now too? I don't think so. That is so ambiguous and subjective.

From "Testing Matters" - "headlamp bulb and unit incompatibility,": This will actually make installing plasma discharge units in halogen headlight reflectors illegal, which it presently isn't.

As for checking the wiring, I can hardly wait to see an MoT tester trying to check the wiring on a cleaned engine bay!

an MOT tester is not allowed to alter any part of the car to conduct the test....... lets all inner wing mount the looms and screw a cover over the ODB socket

Edited 12 November, 201015 yr by vRSsunroof

an MOT tester is not allowed to alter any part of the car to conduct the test....... lets all inner wing mount the looms and screw a cover over the ODB socket

That's true, but if a tester cannot access a testable item then he could refuse to test the vehicle or abandon the test and still charge for it.

I can't see that plugging into the OBD port will become part of the test as it will leave them open to allegations of 'what have you done to my car', should the engine management light come on shortly after the test.

They will concentrate on introducing items that don't require much extra time or equipment to check.

With regard to the wiring, it could be argued that some of it is already checked as part of the power steering check, specifically its drive system, which in the case of electro hydraulic systems means the alternator, drive belt and wiring.

You don't need to be an electrical engineer to assess as to whether the wiring is insecure or inadequately supported as these are mechanical attributes.

You don't need to be an electrical engineer to assess as to whether the wiring is insecure or inadequately supported as these are mechanical attributes.

Determining that is an electricians job as they are qualified to determine if wiring is kosha, unless your telling me MOT'er does extra courses to understand how electrics work then fine. Otherwise the test is very subjective.

To be clear, I am talking about more subtle wiring/loom imperfections, as this is a new regulation.

NOT broken rusted live wires sitting next to the engine block sparking away occasionally, I assume this would not pass current MOT regulations anyway.

As of yet we do not know what the methods of inspection and the reasons for refusal are for these proposed new items. I doubt that any of them will be beyond the capabilities of a VOSA trained person, with paper qualifications and at least 4 years workshop experience.

I suspect that it will be a visual check of the wiring loom that can be seen to ensure that it is routed away from moving parts, is adequately clipped into place and that where it passes through a bulkhead, there is a grommet present to ensure that it doesn't chafe. Anything more complicated than this is likely to make the test take longer, which will mean a higher test fee.

Bit more info on this........

For the true explanation for these changes, see page 8-9 "The Future of the MOT test" in the latest edition (No 48) of Vosa magazine 'Matters of testing'.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MoT%20-%20Issue%2048%20-%20Oct%202010.pdf

Quote:

"Other items – such as headlamp bulb and unit incompatibility, headlamp levelling devices and illegal engine ‘chipping’ – will need further thought before we can get a workable solution for MOT stations."

Edited 14 November, 201015 yr by Leeland

The checklist includes checking if the lamp leveling system works & the lamp washers, there are going to be of N/A with regards to these items as washers are optional extras on prob over 90% of cars they will do , & its not even ALL luxury marques that giev them as std.

These people that think up these changes, I somtimes wonder if they actually live in the real world at times.

Edited 17 November, 201015 yr by lfc958

The checklist includes checking if the lamp leveling system works & the lamp washers, there are going to be of N/A with regards to these items as washers are optional extras on prob over 90% of cars they will do , & its not even ALL luxury marques that giev them as std.

These people that think up these changes, I somtimes wonder if they actually live in the real world at times.

What's so difficult with those things?

Is headlight levelling fitted? YES/NO

If YES.Does it work? YES/NO

Ditto headlight washers.

Plus both of these would fit in with HID lights and the test, as both are compulsory if HID's are fitted (C & U Regs)

Other than the bit about "illegal chipping" which even they have admitted they can't go forward with, I don't see a problem with any of the proposals.

You might find they only care about headlight washers if the car has lighting that requires them (eg HID)

As for testing the levelling, bring it on, so many cars where the lights are out, this can't hurt.

The checklist includes checking if the lamp leveling system works & the lamp washers, there are going to be of N/A with regards to these items as washers are optional extras on prob over 90% of cars they will do , & its not even ALL luxury marques that giev them as std.

Is that a new version check list?, as those items are not on the current one.

I'm quite looking forward to these new changes.

just found a link to this on another site

http://wrecks2riches.co.uk/2010/10/2011-changes-to-mot/