New MOT rules in May - EML light

reddwarf2002

Ok, I think this will affect a lot of people with the EML light being a failure from May. I've lost count of the number of cars that I've seen with it lit up.

My question is if the EML light was on would the tester still proceed with the MOT but fail it at the end - or whould they just abort it?

If they do complete the test and fail it; assuming it passes everything else, would a re-test just check the EML light or would they also test things connected to it such as emissions?

I think the change will cause lots of headache for people, the end result being unscrupulous MOT testers taking advantage/getting more customers so it will be counter-productive to safety. Once someone goes to a dodgey tester there's no guarantee what else they will overlook.

forgotmyname

Slight issue is that manufacturers have said many times that the EML is only an indicator and does not mean a fault is actually present.

Watchdog had a story on a Citroen owner and Citroen said the same thing. Its just an indicator light.

sevenhills

I was under the impression it had to be more than just the EML?

My EML is on, triggered by the airbag; dealer did not fix it because they said it needed a new ECU, I think that is what he called it.

I was thinking about getting it tested before May.

Joe_Horner

Watch for EML light timers appearing on an ebay near you soon.....

chrisw

sevenhills wrote: »

I was under the impression it had to be more than just the EML?

My EML is on, triggered by the airbag; dealer did not fix it because they said it needed a new ECU, I think that is what he called it.

I was thinking about getting it tested before May.

The EML and airbag warning lights are two separate things. A faulty airbag will cause the airbag warning light to come on, not the Engine Management Light.

If an airbag warning light is on, it will fail the MOT as it stands today, the EML will also be a failure if that is lit up after May.

Raxiel

I've heard mention of this, but looking through the draft manual for the exact wording, I can't actually find it.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/671818/mot-inspection-manual-for-classes-3-4-5-and-7-from-20-may-2018-draft.pdf

There are sections for specific systems such as traction control or tire pressures, but I don't see a specific EMS test item.

Joe_Horner

Raxiel wrote: »

I've heard mention of this, but looking through the draft manual for the exact wording, I can't actually find it.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/671818/mot-inspection-manual-for-classes-3-4-5-and-7-from-20-may-2018-draft.pdf

There are sections for specific systems such as traction control or tire pressures, but I don't see a specific EMS test item.

It's tucked away in sect 8.2 (nuisance/exhaust emissions/basic emissions test or full catalyst test) as it's essentially a warning lamp for the various systems that can affect emissions..

sevenhills

chrisw wrote: »

The EML and airbag warning lights are two separate things. A faulty airbag will cause the airbag warning light to come on, not the Engine Management Light.
If an airbag warning light is on, it will fail the MOT as it stands today, the EML will also be a failure if that is lit up after May.

Come to think a little more, I think its the service light; which the independent dealer could not rectify.
My hazzards come on every time the car is started, I think it has been in an accident, years ago.

Raxiel

Joe_Horner wrote: »

It's tucked away in sect 8.2 (nuisance/exhaust emissions/basic emissions test or full catalyst test) as it's essentially a warning lamp for the various systems that can affect emissions..

Thanks, I see it now (page 103). I agree it seems pretty nebulous. So it's a fail if the "Engine MIL inoperative or indicating a malfunction." not necessarily if there is a malfunction with the engine (possibly just a fault in the MIL system itself).

Although I suppose cars have to be up to MOT standards all the time, not just the day of the test. A faulty MIL could prevent a driver being alerted to new faults that could result in emissions falling out of the allowed limits between tests, which may be the intention of the author.

Noree

If it is a stored fault, then a quick scan and fault code clearance will do it to pass on a re-test.

If there is a current fault, then Hey Presto! There is a valid reason for the failure to stand.

Simples.

Clear enough to me.

motorguy

Noree wrote: »

If it is a stored fault, then a quick scan and fault code clearance will do it to pass on a re-test.

If there is a current fault, then Hey Presto! There is a valid reason for the failure to stand.

Simples.

Clear enough to me.

Thats exactly it. A fault code reader for about a tenner off of ebay. Clear the codes and the light before going in. Unless its something dramatically bad, the car has a count to hit before the light will come back on, which could take several days.