Traction control and ABS light MOT Issues
Traction control and ABS light MOT Issues
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Discussion

Geekman

Original Poster:

2,908 posts

177 months

Wednesday 10th April 2013
quotequote all
My volvo is coming up to the dreaded MOT time, and the regulations have apparently changed since last year.
Currently, there are two potential issues with the car: the TRACS OFF light is permanently illuminated on the dash, and the ABS light does not illuminate at all. I was told this was due to the two systems being removed (the car used to be a track car), although I cannot say for sure whether this is true.
Having done some research, I've found two opposing points of view: some people say they will fail the MOT, and others say it will just go down as an advisory. Can anyone confirm which one is correct, and, assuming the former, what can I do to solve this? I've heard all kinds of crazy strategies involving wiring lights to timers and suchlike, but basically I'm looking for the cheapest and easiest way to get it to pass. I don't particularly want the traction control or the ABS working: I use it as a fun weekend car and have never felt the need for any electronic aids.

TheEnd

15,370 posts

219 months

Wednesday 10th April 2013
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There is an allowance provided it was purposefully done, and not an excuse because the system is broken.

"If an ABS or ESC system has been intentionally rendered inoperative, the whole system must be removed. However, this does not apply to sensor rings or other ABS components which are an integral part of another component e.g. brake disc or drive shaft."

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_340.htm

There is some clarification note about too, it might supersede that, but they want to see something better than "it broke one day and I never got round to fixing it"

Ozzie Osmond

21,189 posts

277 months

Wednesday 10th April 2013
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I guess the big question is whether the ABS computer/pump/controller is still on the car. If it is, I think you'll struggle to get an MOT pass.

If it isn't still on the car you'll need to make sure your insurers are aware of the "modification".

yorkshireegg

107 posts

166 months

Wednesday 10th April 2013
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I would imagine the ABS light issue wouldn't fail the car; if it doesn't come on at all, it isn't a testable item AFAIA.

The traction control light, however, I'm not sure about but it may fail under the new rules.

Bulb out of dash job?

superfuzz

4 posts

163 months

Wednesday 10th April 2013
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My Mini One had a senser fault for some time and the ABS light was on although it was working fine. I had never got around to fixing it as the garage will need to take the whole system apart to find the fault.

I now can't get it through an MOT as they told me it is an automatic fail.