2011 VOSA changes to MOT

anewman

Taken from http://wrecks2riches.co.uk/2010/10/2011-changes-to-mot/

Still 13 months away until these new regulations come into force, but some interesting changes. From MOT from December 2011, the below changes will come into force, which will be very bad news for some.

HID lights – Specifically those aftermarket kits that give the very bright headlight beams. Any cars found with these kits will be an automatic MOT failure. Testers are able to easily spot the difference between HID kits, and manufacturer fitted Xenon’s. Easy to spot as Xenon cars have suspension level sensors, in car beam adjuster, and usually headlight washers.

Chipped ECU’s - Unsure of just how/if this one will realistically be enforced, but any cars with chipped ECU’s will in theory be an MOT failure. I can only assume VOSA have found an easy way of checking ECU software through the cars OBD port (diagnostic plug).

Wiring harness – The general condition of he wiring harness will be checked to make sure there is no rubbing or chaffing, and that the harnesses are in generally good condition. If unsecure, or damaged again MOT failure.

Airbag warning lights - If any warning lights are illuminated, it will again be an MOT failure.

The HID change I approve of, no more blinding people to look cool - brings a clear and concise end to after market HID's.

Chipped ECU - not sure how that would be enforced or why this is being introduced. It also seems unclear (to me) as to whether this applies to chips (such as a resistor or other physical modification) or a software remap of the actual ECU.

Wiring loom, yep like that takes a minute to check and will help prevent fires.

Gloomendoom

That is just somebody's interpretation of a single paragraph from an article in VOSA's magazine "Matters of Testing" (October 2010) where possible changes to the current MoT are explored.

The actual text reads...

Other items – such as headlamp bulb and unit incompatibility, headlamp levelling devices and illegal engine ‘chipping’ – will need further thought before we can get a workable solution for MOT stations.

LandyAndy

Gloomendoom wrote: »

That is just somebody's interpretation of a single paragraph from an article in VOSA's magazine "Matters of Testing" (October 2010) where possible changes to the current MoT are explored.

The actual text reads...

Other items – such as headlamp bulb and unit incompatibility, headlamp levelling devices and illegal engine ‘chipping’ – will need further thought before we can get a workable solution for MOT stations.

I wonder what constitutes illegal engine chipping?

Keith

Illegal Chipping :rotfl:Whats that!

Gloomendoom

LandyAndy wrote: »

I wonder what constitutes illegal engine chipping?

Exactly. Engine chipping isn't illegal. As long as the emissions are kept within legal levels, why should they care.

Those articles should be taken with a pinch of salt. Last year they reminded all MoT testers that 4x4's had the same max speed limits as vans (50mph on single carriageways). That is not true as they are classed as dual purpose vehicles so the speed limits are the same as for cars.

I pointed out their error and they printed a correction in the next mag.
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Lirin

The chipped ECU- could be a fun one, I doubt they'd be able to test at least one of my cars!

harveybobbles

The airbag light one is a bit pointless, as if someone has a child seat fitted in the front and have the airbag turned off, it puts the warning light on.

I agree with the HID bulbs though - some are just a joke!

hewhoisnotintheknow

harveybobbles wrote: »

The airbag light one is a bit pointless, as if someone has a child seat fitted in the front and have the airbag turned off, it puts the warning light on.

but still easily testable by pressing the airbag button....

Gloomendoom

It seems there is some basis of truth in the claimed changes. The objective is to harmonise the various MoT type tests across the the EU (groan). VOSA, apparently, has said that any checks will be purely visual.

Other changes mooted are changing the testing period to 4 year old cars and then every two years after that. A Department for Transport analysis estimated that this would result in 400 extra road deaths and 2,500 serious injuries per year.

You've got to love the EU. They obviously know what's best for Britain.

Source 1, Source 2
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harveybobbles

Some cars, like certain BMW's require a trip to the dealer to get the airbag disconnected. Cant see someone or an MOT tester paying for this to get it thru an MOT...

forgotmyname

Air bag light, Take the bulb out and it passes.

Testing to see if a cars chipped would be very hard, Manufacturers update ECU maps every now and then
to cure one fault or another. Sometimes creating brand new faults.

Raising the tickover slightly to cure starting or stalling issues, Is that allowed?

HID lights, Well i can see those getting banned, My MOT guy said some of the cheap imports are useless fail
to get any decent beam pattern. The car should have self levelling lights and washers to be legal.

Lots of them do not dip to the left, He doesnt even look at them like he would with standard bulbs, Adjusts them for free.
But aftermarket HID lights he just fails.

Nothing stopping you removing them and refitting after the MOT, Like lots of dodgy number plates i see daily.