Can this pass an MOT?

[chris182]

My mothers old fiesta is going in for its MOT soon but it has a slightly unusual problem. The steering lock/ignition barrel wore to the point where it wasn't possible to disengage the steering lock by turning the key, so I removed the ignition switch from the steering lock barrel and that allowed the key to disengage the steering lock. To start the car it is now necessary to insert the key, turn it to disengage the steering lock and then turn the ignition switch with a screwdriver.

The car has been like this for nearly a year now, and the police have seen it and had no problem with it (once they realised it wasn't nicked). My question is, will this fail an MOT or not? Thanks.

[thinfourth2]

Don't know

But its a slight risk that you can start the car with the steering lock on

Remove the steering lock guts and refit the ignition barrel

[marshalla]

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_210.htm

Might be something on item 5 re locking devices.

[GC8]

Im assuming that the sprung loaded switch can only be turned (to on then against the resistance to start and then off afterwards) by using a flast bladed screwdriver?

[chris182]

GC8 said:

Im assuming that the sprung loaded switch can only be turned (to on then against the resistance to start and then off afterwards) by using a flast bladed screwdriver?

Yes, a flat bladed screwdriver is required.

[jagracer]

marshalla said:

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_210.htm

Might be something on item 5 re locking devices.

The manual you quote is way out of date, best going to the VOSA version http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/index.htm

[GC8]

I dont think that itll pass, because you cant turn it off. As suggested though; you should either ask the tester who will decide or find a copy of the testers manual online.

[chris182]

To turn it off one does require the screwdriver again (or the more traditional technique of deliberately stalling it). Thanks for the links, I shall peruse those and see if I can find out anything.

[Mr2Mike]

It's your mums cars, why not fix it properly for her?

[ridds]

Are re-wire it with a switch to control the ignition?

[ADEuk]

Pass and advise

[Liquid Knight]

Someone took the keys to my Rover so I had to break in, take the steering lock off only to find my keys the next day in my postbox, prank gone pear shaped.

So as I couldn't find a new barrel (obselete part) I attached what was left of the ignition switch to a blank trim piece....



...and fitted it to my dash.



So long as there are no sharp edges to catch your legs on then it shouldn't fail. The Rover didn't.

[GC8]

Remember though, that cars used to be failed (incorrectly, according to VOSA) for insecure batteries.

Bearing this in mind a chat with the tester would do no harm, even if it should only be an advisory.

On a separate note: its your mothers car - get it mended for her, you slacker. :

[mcford]

The steering lock operation is not a testable item, just ensure that the tester knows how to start/stop the engine. If the car was first used after September 1st 2001, it will be a testable item next year.

[fatspud]

Does your insurance company know about the lock, as this could invalidate your insurance if it's not disclosed i would have thought.

[bluebear]

Mr2Mike said:

It's your mums cars, why not fix it properly for her?

+1 you cheap git