MoT regs for 2012

[Luxobarge]

Apparently there's a new set of MoT regs being phased in next year. I had an MoT recently, and was chatting with the gaffer and he confirmed that the following is about right.

I mention it here, because I know a number of members have removed the CAT from their car, and have also fitted after-market HID lights - see the items below that concern this. You might want to think twice about removing the CAT if you're planning to do this.....

Given the number of Volvos I've seen with dash lights not working - especially the EML light - the second item is worth noting too.

Copied from another forum:

Copied from UKFN (ANDY G) mot tester for ford

Tonight I attended what is known as an MOT seminar, basically the head honchos from VOSA go to each area, and talk about the MOT scheme, including changes to the test.

As I said in the thread about the new EU directive, as soon as I knew what was changing in the MOT test I would post it up. These changes are to be brought into the test on 1st January 2012, not before. So here goes...

Steering lock operation - Steering locks not engaging when the ignition key is removed will fail.
Engine warning lamps, brake fluid warning lamps, ESP lamps, EPB lamps illumination - ANY of the above illuminated indicating a fault will fail.TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring systems) warning lamps - Again, if illuminated indicating a fault, will fail.Airbag/SRS lamp illumination - If this warning lamp is illuminated it will fail.
HID Headlamps - Now, a little grey area here. They will be included in the new test, and will fail if they prove to be outside of the specified conditions... but the conditions and reasons for rejections haven't been written/decided yet, so sit tight.
Wiring - Any wiring (loomed or otherwise) that is damaged, or fitted in such a way that could cause damage to said wiring, or other systems will fail.
Engine mountings - Engine mountings will be a part of the test. incorrect mounting, corrosion in a prescribed area etc will fail.
PAS (Power assisted steering) fluid level will be tested.
Rear doors must open in the new test. Previously (and currently), if the tester feels he can access the testable items in the rear (seatbelts, prescribed areas etc) without needing the doors open, they don't need to open. This will now be a failure.
13 pin towbar sockets - tested for correct operation using a plug in testing tool.
Inappropriate modifications or repairs - The wording on this is quite vague at the moment, but if a major component has been modified, and that modification/repair makes the vehicle dangerous or seriously weakens the original component, expect it to fail.
ANY ball joint dust cover - The small rubber boots over ball joints must be intact and free or splits, tears or holes, or it fails.
All CVJ gaiters will be tested - Currently, only the front outer] CVJ gaiters are tested. This new rule extends it to inner and outer, front and rear.
A catalytic converter missing WILL be a reason for failure, regardless of whether or not the emissions limits are met.
Fuel pipe chaffing or damage - Currently they only fail when they are leaking, this rule means that any chaffing or rubbing causing damage will fail.
The braking imbalance limit is lowered to 30% across all axles.
Vehicles built post July 2010 will have to have at least 58% braking efficiency to pass (currently it's 50% for a dual circuit braking system)
Insecure batteries will become a failure
The main beam warning lamp must illuminate with the main beam lamps
All light switches must operate the corresponding lights immediately. No tapping, or wiggling to make it work!


Remember, these changes will all be brought into testing starting from the 1st January 2012. The exact wording of each failure has yet to be released, but the above list is what was presented to us earlier this evening. I've posted all I know currently, so unfortunately I can't help with any questions .

[The Hooded Claw]

Oh Bugger !!!!

Real glad I got rid of the Zantia .. it had been "Front Ended" & had the SRS light on & wot remained of the steering wheel airbag Gaffer taped in place.

[961]

Steering Lock must engage immediately key is withdrawn...

Does this mean it is ok for the lock to be activated so that a steering wheel can initially be turned until it reaches the first locking point at which time it can no longer be turned

or that the steering wheel cannot be moved at all once the key is withdrawn

[Luxobarge]

Originally Posted by 961

Steering Lock must engage immediately key is withdrawn...

Does this mean it is ok for the lock to be activated so that a steering wheel can initially be turned until it reaches the first locking point at which time it can no longer be turned

or that the steering wheel cannot be moved at all once the key is withdrawn

Most modern cars I've driven need the wheel turning a little for it to engage, so I'm sure this will be the case, I wouldn't panic on this one. For example, I'm equally sure that they'll allow Saabs to pass the test, where there is no steering lock. The ignition key locks the gearbox in reverse instead.

I'm sure sense will prevail on items like this - after all the above is only notes taken by the Ford man at the mmeeting, not the official MoT manual definitions - yet.

[NI_Volvo_Nut]

Most of the above is non-sense

The main one will be SRS lights working for MOT, the rest of the stuff is already tested, the likes of CV joint boots, shouldn't fail if there's no greese coming out of them, but will go down as advisory

HID's shouldn't be fitted unless fitted with self levelers and headlamp washing system, at the minute they are just tested for beam pattern, I can't imagine that will change until Mr Policeman starts showing an interest in them

Did you know, if a car is presented for a driving test with the SRS light not working, the test will be abandoned.....

[961]

Originally Posted by Luxobarge

I'm sure sense will prevail on items like this

Where European regulations and our own gold plating get stuck in sense is the first thing to fly out of the window

[scottishvolvo]

!3 pin towbar electrics are to be tested??? why not the standard 7 pins?
Wiring test? This could take a while. we better be ready for an increase in the fee to cover all this, it's going to take a lot longer.

[Photoguy]

Glad I've gone back to a Volvo...

My Saab would never have passed the steering lock test!

[t4 tony]

A catalytic converter missing WILL be a reason for failure, regardless of whether or not the emissions limits are met. that has to be wrong too ? the cat is only there to bring emissions down, if the car is running good with out one and meets the pass level it should there for pass. why would they punish said catless drivers for nothing ? what about classic cars and motorcycles ???

and this still wont stop the people who 'know a mate who dose mots', if you know what i mean...

[ade555]

I belive it all depends on the guy who does the mot test, some are more picky then other I always use the same guy longest the car is general good condition, breaks tyres, all lights working, shocks, suspemsion arms and the other parts that could be danger to you and other road user all working fine it will pass, who cares if you have steering lock or higher emission you not going to save the earth anyway, if you want get electric car LOL