The ask an MOT tester thread
Discussion
jonwm said:
Friend has used a local MOT place for donkeys, do the extended families too, they are the sort with the XX name XX plate spelling her name on an X3, they never get them serviced just MOT'd, its a 65 plate 20d with a EML light on, they took it to him the other week and he cleared the fault FOC for them but didn't look what it was, it came back on 5 mins later and its still on now.
When it goes for MOT they are anticipating him clearing the code and doing the test meaning it will pass, he already turns a blind eye to the plate every year, its a decent sized garage, question is can this be ignored or is it traceable so to speak?
I’m pretty sure the date or mileage of the last code reset is quite easily traceable in my 320d. I wouldn’t expect the ECU to settle any arguments about who performed the reset though. When it goes for MOT they are anticipating him clearing the code and doing the test meaning it will pass, he already turns a blind eye to the plate every year, its a decent sized garage, question is can this be ignored or is it traceable so to speak?
I want to put my classic Rover through an MOT (it's exempt but I'd like it for the history file). One of the rear seat belts has jammed and I'm unable to fix it in situ. It's been bolted in fairly close to the rear screen and I can't get easy access to the bolt. I realise that if fitted it must be operational. If I manage to get it unbolted and just remove it does its prior fitment mean it should remain present?
Removing it will be a bit of a pain - much easier with the rear screen removed, but I've just paid several hundred pounds to have it put back in!
SD.
Removing it will be a bit of a pain - much easier with the rear screen removed, but I've just paid several hundred pounds to have it put back in!
SD.
shed driver said:
I want to put my classic Rover through an MOT (it's exempt but I'd like it for the history file). One of the rear seat belts has jammed and I'm unable to fix it in situ. It's been bolted in fairly close to the rear screen and I can't get easy access to the bolt. I realise that if fitted it must be operational. If I manage to get it unbolted and just remove it does its prior fitment mean it should remain present?
Removing it will be a bit of a pain - much easier with the rear screen removed, but I've just paid several hundred pounds to have it put back in!
SD.
Take the rear seat out, the belt is not then a testable item Removing it will be a bit of a pain - much easier with the rear screen removed, but I've just paid several hundred pounds to have it put back in!
SD.
InitialDave said:
Slow said:
Well he passed it on everything it failed on last time. Except now he reckons there is a missing cat.
There is, but was also missing last time and he never mentioned it. Being an import I didnt think any emissions systems mattered as long as it passes the emissions bit of the test which he refused to do due to missing cat - passed this bit last time.
Edit: To add to this he said just stick something in place that looks like it works and he will pass it...
IIRC the "emissions equipment obviously missing" is a separate subsection to the test limits themselves, along with the "exhaust leaks" failure criteria.There is, but was also missing last time and he never mentioned it. Being an import I didnt think any emissions systems mattered as long as it passes the emissions bit of the test which he refused to do due to missing cat - passed this bit last time.
Edit: To add to this he said just stick something in place that looks like it works and he will pass it...
Edited by Slow on Thursday 14th April 21:39
So if it blatantly has a decat, I think technically he is correct to fail it for that, even if it would pass the emissions requirements, as they're separate test items.
Though I agree it's a bit silly.
As for why he didn't do it last time, maybe in the intervening period he has been given advice/guidance/a severe b
king on the subject.Seems he has been told off lately!
Just bought a car, and it looks like someone has replaced the sidelight bulbs with LEDs.
As far as I'm aware, the rule on not fitting aftermarket LED bulbs is only in 4.1.4 for headlights, and the equivalent section 4.2.3 for sidelights does not concern itself with bulb type.
Am I correct, or have I missed a clause?
As far as I'm aware, the rule on not fitting aftermarket LED bulbs is only in 4.1.4 for headlights, and the equivalent section 4.2.3 for sidelights does not concern itself with bulb type.
Am I correct, or have I missed a clause?
My 1989 Lancia failed mot on emissions.
CO and (HC)3 were way within % and so passed. Picture of emissions fail below. non-cat test up to 1992 I think.
However, smoke test was fail.
Is this a visual test after fast idle for 30 secs? Or is it a metered test?
Tester thought it was running rich. However it is electronic fuel injected. No adjustment as far as I know.
Thanks!
edit: according to Mot station the smoke test is done on the analyser...pass or fail. Is this right? Seems odd to me. Exhaust is clean as a whistle, both on idle, and after revving.
Edit 2: I took it for a blast around the bypass and back 6500 revs. Now passed emissions no problem
Still intrigued as to the "smoke test" though as I can only find stuff about visual smoke on Gov.uk mot documents.
CO and (HC)3 were way within % and so passed. Picture of emissions fail below. non-cat test up to 1992 I think.
However, smoke test was fail.
Is this a visual test after fast idle for 30 secs? Or is it a metered test?
Tester thought it was running rich. However it is electronic fuel injected. No adjustment as far as I know.
Thanks!
edit: according to Mot station the smoke test is done on the analyser...pass or fail. Is this right? Seems odd to me. Exhaust is clean as a whistle, both on idle, and after revving.
Edited by courty on Monday 25th April 09:20
Edit 2: I took it for a blast around the bypass and back 6500 revs. Now passed emissions no problem
Still intrigued as to the "smoke test" though as I can only find stuff about visual smoke on Gov.uk mot documents.
Edited by courty on Monday 25th April 22:38
My turbo Diesel is of 2005 vintage.
I'm sure on the emissions test that the smoke limit was 3.0 until the last year or two but it's now on a test limit of 1.20.
Isn't the pre 2008 limit 3.0 for turboDiesels, or was that revised downwards.
Would especially welcome the definitive answer from an MOT tester, it failed for the first time this year, just over the 1.20 but a can of injector cleaner the garage used sorted it easily (also probably needs the EGR and intake cleaning out, that's a job for summer), just wondering if my garage are inputting the wrong test figure or would that come up automatically on the system when they input the reg.
I'm sure on the emissions test that the smoke limit was 3.0 until the last year or two but it's now on a test limit of 1.20.
Isn't the pre 2008 limit 3.0 for turboDiesels, or was that revised downwards.
Would especially welcome the definitive answer from an MOT tester, it failed for the first time this year, just over the 1.20 but a can of injector cleaner the garage used sorted it easily (also probably needs the EGR and intake cleaning out, that's a job for summer), just wondering if my garage are inputting the wrong test figure or would that come up automatically on the system when they input the reg.
Edited by Smint on Friday 29th April 20:51
My Alfa Romeo recently passed an MOT without any fails/advisories. This was done at a local testing station which I've not used before.
Subsequently I remembered that one of the windscreen washer jets was blocked - which I've resolved. The windscreen also has a couple of chips which normally show up as advisories.
Have I been relieved of > £50 without an adequate/complete test having been done ?
Subsequently I remembered that one of the windscreen washer jets was blocked - which I've resolved. The windscreen also has a couple of chips which normally show up as advisories.
Have I been relieved of > £50 without an adequate/complete test having been done ?
Chris Type R said:
My Alfa Romeo recently passed an MOT without any fails/advisories. This was done at a local testing station which I've not used before.
Subsequently I remembered that one of the windscreen washer jets was blocked - which I've resolved. The windscreen also has a couple of chips which normally show up as advisories.
Have I been relieved of > £50 without an adequate/complete test having been done ?
Aslong as sufficient water is sprayed it be a pass on the windscreen may get a advisory or not depends on the tester.Subsequently I remembered that one of the windscreen washer jets was blocked - which I've resolved. The windscreen also has a couple of chips which normally show up as advisories.
Have I been relieved of > £50 without an adequate/complete test having been done ?
Smint said:
My turbo Diesel is of 2005 vintage.
I'm sure on the emissions test that the smoke limit was 3.0 until the last year or two but it's now on a test limit of 1.20.
Isn't the pre 2008 limit 3.0 for turboDiesels, or was that revised downwards.
Would especially welcome the definitive answer from an MOT tester, it failed for the first time this year, just over the 1.20 but a can of injector cleaner the garage used sorted it easily (also probably needs the EGR and intake cleaning out, that's a job for summer), just wondering if my garage are inputting the wrong test figure or would that come up automatically on the system when they input the reg.
Limits changed in 2018-I think!- from simply using default limits to using the manufacturer limits for the vehicle. This information is on the vin plate or a sticker somewhere under the bonnet and the limits are more often than not considerably lower than the default, particularly on older vehicles. I'm sure on the emissions test that the smoke limit was 3.0 until the last year or two but it's now on a test limit of 1.20.
Isn't the pre 2008 limit 3.0 for turboDiesels, or was that revised downwards.
Would especially welcome the definitive answer from an MOT tester, it failed for the first time this year, just over the 1.20 but a can of injector cleaner the garage used sorted it easily (also probably needs the EGR and intake cleaning out, that's a job for summer), just wondering if my garage are inputting the wrong test figure or would that come up automatically on the system when they input the reg.
Edited by Smint on Friday 29th April 20:51
Little Pete said:
Smint said:
My turbo Diesel is of 2005 vintage.
I'm sure on the emissions test that the smoke limit was 3.0 until the last year or two but it's now on a test limit of 1.20.
Isn't the pre 2008 limit 3.0 for turboDiesels, or was that revised downwards.
Would especially welcome the definitive answer from an MOT tester, it failed for the first time this year, just over the 1.20 but a can of injector cleaner the garage used sorted it easily (also probably needs the EGR and intake cleaning out, that's a job for summer), just wondering if my garage are inputting the wrong test figure or would that come up automatically on the system when they input the reg.
Limits changed in 2018-I think!- from simply using default limits to using the manufacturer limits for the vehicle. This information is on the vin plate or a sticker somewhere under the bonnet and the limits are more often than not considerably lower than the default, particularly on older vehicles. I'm sure on the emissions test that the smoke limit was 3.0 until the last year or two but it's now on a test limit of 1.20.
Isn't the pre 2008 limit 3.0 for turboDiesels, or was that revised downwards.
Would especially welcome the definitive answer from an MOT tester, it failed for the first time this year, just over the 1.20 but a can of injector cleaner the garage used sorted it easily (also probably needs the EGR and intake cleaning out, that's a job for summer), just wondering if my garage are inputting the wrong test figure or would that come up automatically on the system when they input the reg.
Edited by Smint on Friday 29th April 20:51
Hi, would any of you MOT testers out there be kind enough to confirm if the EML on exemption for pre 07/2003 petrol vehicles has been scrapped? I can’t find anything on the gov site stating this but when I asked my local testing place they reckon it’s now if the EML is on then it’s a fail regardless of age? Thanks in advance!
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (engine management light or ‘EML’)
Turn on the ignition and check that the engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates and then goes off. On some vehicles it will be necessary to start the engine before the MIL goes off.
You need to inspect MIL fitted to:
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2003
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
gas and bi-fuel vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
Kit cars, amateur built vehicles and American pickups are not required to be fitted with an engine MIL.
Turn on the ignition and check that the engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates and then goes off. On some vehicles it will be necessary to start the engine before the MIL goes off.
You need to inspect MIL fitted to:
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2003
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
gas and bi-fuel vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
Kit cars, amateur built vehicles and American pickups are not required to be fitted with an engine MIL.
XR said:
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (engine management light or ‘EML’)
Turn on the ignition and check that the engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates and then goes off. On some vehicles it will be necessary to start the engine before the MIL goes off.
You need to inspect MIL fitted to:
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2003
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
gas and bi-fuel vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
Kit cars, amateur built vehicles and American pickups are not required to be fitted with an engine MIL.
Thanks, that’s what I found too on the GOV site, however my local MOT place say this has been superseded by new legislation. This is what I’m trying to get a definite answer on!Turn on the ignition and check that the engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates and then goes off. On some vehicles it will be necessary to start the engine before the MIL goes off.
You need to inspect MIL fitted to:
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2003
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
gas and bi-fuel vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
Kit cars, amateur built vehicles and American pickups are not required to be fitted with an engine MIL.
Rsdop said:
XR said:
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (engine management light or ‘EML’)
Turn on the ignition and check that the engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates and then goes off. On some vehicles it will be necessary to start the engine before the MIL goes off.
You need to inspect MIL fitted to:
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2003
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
gas and bi-fuel vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
Kit cars, amateur built vehicles and American pickups are not required to be fitted with an engine MIL.
Thanks, that’s what I found too on the GOV site, however my local MOT place say this has been superseded by new legislation. This is what I’m trying to get a definite answer on!Turn on the ignition and check that the engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates and then goes off. On some vehicles it will be necessary to start the engine before the MIL goes off.
You need to inspect MIL fitted to:
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2003
petrol vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
gas and bi-fuel vehicles including hybrids with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008
Kit cars, amateur built vehicles and American pickups are not required to be fitted with an engine MIL.
Rsdop said:
Thanks, that’s what I found too on the GOV site, however my local MOT place say this has been superseded by new legislation. This is what I’m trying to get a definite answer on!
It hasn't changed at all and there hasn't been any special notices about it. Either ask them to show you exactly where it states what they are claiming or pick another station. If however you do have it tested there and they fail in on the EML and it is pre 1st July 2003 then request a VT17 appeal form which will soon get them to change their minds as DVSA will not be happy if they are failing items that aren't testable/applicable etc.wolf1 said:
It hasn't changed at all and there hasn't been any special notices about it. Either ask them to show you exactly where it states what they are claiming or pick another station. If however you do have it tested there and they fail in on the EML and it is pre 1st July 2003 then request a VT17 appeal form which will soon get them to change their minds as DVSA will not be happy if they are failing items that aren't testable/applicable etc.
That’s good to know, thanks. It was registered March 2003 but probably easier to take it elsewhere I think.Hole in the sill - obviously a fail. However, is it a "dangerous defect" such that the car cannot be driven after a fail if the old test is still valid? Thinking about getting it tested early and if it otherwise doesn't need much done finding someone to do the welding. Would be useful if still driveable.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff