Hi everyone, i have a 1994 FAVORIT LXE plus that's just failed it's MOT on a dashboard switch that is no longer available from the dealers. Does anyone know where i can get a side light switch from? Preferably ASAP as the garage won't release my car until it's fixed!

Go to a website like Yell.com the UK's local search engine - search for UK businesses and find all the local scrap yards in your area. They are more than likely to have a large collection of Favorit parts which you should be able to pick up quite cheaply.

Here's one on ebay Skoda Favorit Side Light Switch-BRAND NEW on eBay, also, Skoda, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 08-Mar-08 17:36:19 GMT) check your switch is the same one. All you have to do is remove the screw to the right of it in front of the instrument panel and it unclips. As I found out not so long ago there are two types of connectors for the switch. The bulky original Skoda ones as per the one in the auction (mine has the same and mine is a 94 model) and a later VW more slimline connector. Edit: Actually the wires can be cut and soldered onto the old connector, AFAIK the switches themselves are the same.

An easy method to replace the switch is to replace the entire panel if you can find a suitable replacement at a scrappie. But to be honest, the switch itself is very easy to remove.

AFAIK the garage is not legally allowed to retain your car the way they are doing, I would check this out and possibly make a complaint to VOSA once you have the car back. Hopefully someone can back me up on this as I'm no expert.

Skoda Favorit Side Light Switch-BRAND NEW on eBay, also, Skoda, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 08-Mar-08 17:36:19 GMT)

EDIT: Too late...

If you contact the guy (Graham) selling the switch he is usually quite good with unavailable Skoda parts, he may have another one and may be able to send one straight away for an agreed price - although that auction only has a day or so left.

I am almost 100% certain an MOT testing centre has no legal right to impound a vehicle. Even if there is a dangerous fault. A sidelight switch obviously has little danger associated with it.

Ive got a second hand one . Where are you?

You do not have to get the car fixed by the testing station, but if you take it away they are allowed to charge a retest fee dependent on the failure items and the length of time between the test and retest.

:)I just read the emails you sent me!

Jorrily ebay shop is the best place to buy parts for Skodas, especially hard to get ones for the older cars. He's always given me superb, rapid service and is my favorit supplier! Seriously though, he is very good.

MOT stations, or any garage whatsoever have no right to insist they keep your car until they have fixed it. It's YOUR car, if you want it back, take it back. I run a garage/MOT centre myself and hearing stuff like this really annoys me because it gives people like me a bad name.

Yes i agree Graham is your man he used to work for another skoda supplyer who i new,and he was the store man b4 starting up is self,But if you get stuck let me know as i may have one,lots of bits in my garage 4 favorits

I used to have loads of Favorit bits at home, and we have a few new old stock at work, but none of those, sorry.

Jorily is very good by the way!

Cheers

I can't help with the switch, but the people who say that the test station has no right to impound your car are correct!