MOT changes?

tommie

Hi, any mechanics on the board?!

My `07 Honda Accord diesel is due the test in a couple of weeks, it has thrown up an orange vsa light in the dash. From what i read its a common fault and Mr. Honda want £1600+ for a replacement vsa modulator:eek:

How do you think the mot will go, will it fail?

BigAl94

Yes, it seems likely that it will fail http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/car-servicing-repair/mot-changes-2012.html

yorkie98

Not sure and probably differs from make to make but if you know someone with a car computer, they can probably reset the system, turn off the warning light or disable the system completely. This also goes for some other systems such as airbags etc.. Do keep in mind though that these are safety systems, there for your benefit so disabling resuces the vehicle safety.
I would take her to a non-dealership garage (try to find a specialist for your make) and see what they say, they often can fix problems for a fraction of the price.

yorkie98

You might be OK for another year...

VOSA, the government agency responsible for the MOT, has indicated that 'failures' relating to the new test items will be treated as 'advisories' in the first three months. This means that if you have any of the following problems with your car you've got until the first MOT renewal date after 1 April 2012 to get it fixed.

cavey76

Tommie, It is only advisory until the end of April...so they will note it and tell you BUT not fail your car...get your test before then, then look up an Accord forum for details of more reasonable priced fix than the actual honda stealership

cavey76

oops hadn't seen those posts...but please keep us advised of how it goes. I have an FRV with that VSA thing...not failed at all but the thought of a £1600 bill would scare me

Have a look around a few owners forums for a fix though some of the knowledge about is fantastic. I have a Sedona too and a forum has pointed out a fix/recondition steps for a starter motor that costs your £13 in parts and about 2 hours of time when a stealership would lighten your wallet of circa £200 to do the job.

Milko

Not sure about Honda & their VSA light as it relates to a "Stability issue" but my wifes Audi A3 has an engine management fault light relating to a faulty Throttle Control Module. The thing is, 2 independants & Agnews themselves have all confirmed that the module is 100% operational & causing NO problem. However to keep the light out & stop it from returning, they need to replace the module at a cost of over £500 ... when i spoke to the MOT inspector, he told me not to worry about it as it will not fail a test for EML faults providing all other tests (emissions etc...) are ok.
Airbag lights, parking brake lights & major warning lights etc... will fail

cillbill

Wilfie Pattterson Auto Electrics in Crossgar, Co. Down, should get to the bottom of your problem and get the light switched off at a more reasonable rate than the a Honda garage. He's an expert as this sort of thing and does an electronic check for around £20-30.

Bigcammy

Wilfie Patterson is a top bloke, highly recommended

noodles1063

was at wilfies today, he put out the en:T:Tgine management light on my rav4, charged £25. smiles all round!!!

caz2703

Daft girly question. The fan belt in the car is squealing like a pig in an abattoir. Is that something it could fail on or am I ok? Just got my MOT letter today and normally I'd just take the car in and see if it fails then get it fixed (never failed on previous car). This is a different car however and as I'm on my own with 2 kids, I can't risk the car failing nor can I afford a pre-MOT check.

What else should I look out for? There's no lights apart from a spanner symbol and a negative mileage figure on the dashboard which I presume is because I haven't taken the car for it's service. Tyres are all less than a year old and I can take a look at the oil level myself.

Oh and my wipers are leaving nasty streaks on the windscreens but Halfords don't stock the right ones so it's a rip-off dealer visit to get new ones. Again, can a car fail on the wipers?

Sorry for so many daft questions but the ex bought the heap from auction and it's been nothing but trouble & money and I don't want to throw good money after bad if I can help it. Thanks in advance folks