The Octy is in for its MOT, and I have had a call back from the tester, saying that there is a problem with the mainlights and dipped lights.

When the lights are switched on, they all seem to work, except that the sidelights work perfectly on their own, but then both go out when the switch is turned to select dipped beam, whch again works perfectly on its own.

The thing is, that I think this is how the car has been since I bought it, and it has been tested at this place twice before.

There is also an extra piece of wiring (which was there when I bought the car back in March 2012) which links the lights.

This is the only thing stopping it getting its MOT - really frustrating.

Should the sidelights go out when the dial is moved to select dipped beam?

 

Andy

No the sidelights should also stay on. I wonder if the previous owner fitted DRL's and that's what the extra wire is for

Sent from my Galaxy S5

I think you may be right. The MOT place are calling in an auto electrician, so I just hope it isn't going to cost too much because I am skint, and I had thought that I had everything sorted on the car.

Hopefully will just be a case of reconnecting it. Hopefully won't be too much mate

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Extract from the MOT regs, which I think means that if side lights are fitted, then they have to stay on when dipped/mains are on:

 

Obligatory front and rear position lamps are lamps required by Regulations to be fitted to a vehicle to indicate its presence and width when viewed from the front or rear.

Two front position lamps must be fitted, one on each side and show a steady white light to the front (or yellow if incorporated in a yellow headlamp)
.
Two rear position lamps must also be fitted, one on each side, showing a steady red light to the rear

Sorted now, but will have to see an auto elecrician for a permanent fix.

Spagetti junction on the wiring - three years without a problem, then it decides to emerge from the box. :wonder: