alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Just got our Xantia back with it's this year's MoT pass. Not bad for 158,000 miles, never gets serviced and 13 years old

However, talking with the tester, who I know well, he pointed out that there are TWO advisories, both of which will, he says, be an MoT fail next year.

First off is that the airbag warning light is flashing. It has been for five years now. We have a piece of tape over the instrument "glass" to block it from the driver's eye line

Apparently, it's "probably" the connector under one of the front seats.......but it'll still fail next year.
And taking the bulb out isn't an option, it's a full day's work to get the clocks out, airbag off, steering wheel off, cowls off, dash in bits

Secondly, he mentioned that the "engine management light" was on. Now I know something has been flashing, but I thought it was the dynamic oil level light? It went out when I filled up with oil.

I can see there being arguements about stuff like that at MoT in future, which dash lights cause a fail, and which don't.

Lastly the new MoT "certificate". It isn't, it's just an A4 printed black-on-white sheet, anyone could make one........except that it's now apparently on a national database.
But then, so was insurance SUPPOSED to be Until the proliferation of new companies made it nigh on impossible.

If we are following Europe with MoT rules, when does ours go every two years like theirs? Anyone know? Anyone like to bet they ignore that bit?

Let's be careful out there.

LSherratt

iTrader: (1)

My current car has it's airbag light on and it's due for an MOT in March. If you talk about it being a whole days work to get it sorted, how much is that going to frickin cost? The light isn't doing me or anyone else any harm... I can see it costing in excess of £150 to fix then.....?

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

I removed my AB light. Not worried about the rest - got a friendly MOTer.

The 2 year thing was mooted ages ago - not sure what's happening about it?

Thing is, what with the demographic who don't have passion for a car and just regard it as A-B transport; would you really want that to be enforced?! Hell, you only have to look at the state of some cars NOW, where owners scrimp, etc. Very worrying for road safety. The only 'good' thing, is that the 2 yr rule, might, just help in ridding the roads of cars 'on the brink'. As, invariably, such owners won't do any maintenance between MOTs. So when it comes to the next one, it'll be uneconomical to keep/repair the car. But this is what's worrying re. the safety aspect - don't like the idea of deathtraps out there.............

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Taking out bulbs from the instrument panel may not work...yet to see the full manual or guide, but there maybe a check to ensure the light comes on with the ignition....like the ABS light (even currently, if the ABS bulb fails to light when the ignition is turned on and the car is fitted with ABS it should fail the MOT today).


We're not quite european yet though; Spain's certificate is the actual sticker they put on the windscreen! They also take a picture of the car during the test.

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Yeah, that's the worry.

Does the resistor mod keep the light on when ign. is switched on, but then subsequently go out - as per OEM?

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

There maybe a few ways round it....like re-wiring the light via a simple monostable circuit (555 timer chip plus voltage regulator (or zener diode), resistors, transistor and breadboard). So it turns on when the ignition is switched on, then goes out after, say, ten seconds.

mattvortex

Talking about airbags, i know that many manufacturers ( if not all) state that the airbag should be replaced after 15 years. I bet next to nobody does this though but might explain tfe flashing light on an old xantia?

The Rig

iTrader: (13)

Having an MOT certifcate means squat anyway,hasnt done for a good few yrs now,its just handy to have.

And if airbag/engine lights are flashing,id rather get it fixed than leave it flashing,so no brainers really

Davey96wrx

iTrader: (1)

You seem proud that you don't service your car??? Odd.

GC8

Fantastic contribution; well done.

Saalro

iTrader: (8)

If the car is safe on the road regarding it stopping, the wheels not falling off... then personal securities such as airbags should not be an issue, it should be a personal preference.

The MOT garage that we use told us that a cat has to be present from sometime next year (Sometimes cars can pass with no cat.) and that the supplemental restraint system (SRS) needs to functon correctly with the relevent lights and so on. Basically airbag lights and seatbelt systems.

I've removed the airbag system so should be interesting to see what they say regarding this.

Thanks
Sam

corradoboy

Had our Octavia MOT'd today. It wasn't due until Jan 23rd or so, but within a month rule meant I could avoid the new airbag ruling. Only problem, it failed on 2x CV boots, headlight alignment, and an LED side repeater being too dim. On the plus side, their emissions testing rig wouldn't work so they couldn't complete the test. Almost full report but no charge, but I still need the MOT doing. Called in the main dealer and they are going to try their best to do it on Friday, so I still might sneak in before the new rules, giving me another year to sort the airbag light. On Skodas (VW's) it's usually the wiring in the seat, and a £20 loom sorts it, but it takes an age to fit and so costs a fair bit. If it turns out to be the igniter attached to the seatbelt mechanism then it's £200+ A local indi VW specialist wanted nearly £600 to do both boots, the indicator and headlights, and then I'd need another MOT. Main dealer is doing the lot for about £180.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Yep, I'm proud of it's lack of servicing. It gets new air filter and an oil change, but that's about it. Why mend something that ain't broke, plus it's a total dogger.

As for flashing lights, please bear in mind, guys, that this is a THIRTEEN YEAR OLD FRENCH CAR, and French car-electrics are suspect from very early on.

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

Alcazar doesn't need stick for not servicing his car. I dont do squat to my 1.8 Mitsubishi carisma and that's on 174k done Spain, Wales and Scotland in a year with no problems. The only thing it failed the mot on was front pads and a number plate bub...

If it was a car that deserved love then yeah I would do it. But it's a £300er so

Davey96wrx

iTrader: (1)

[QUOTE=GC8;10398051]Fantastic contribution; well done.

Fantastic contribution; well done. And you think you contributed to this usefully??

Ironic.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Lads, lads, let's not descend to arguing who is right and Davey is wrong
Seriously, if it needs owt done, it gets done, but I'm not spending £££ on a car that's worth £200.

steviefastbikes

The rfr in january will be advisory only to begin with.
As a current tester i dont agree with all the changes but bear in mind that if we are visited by vosa it could result in points on our licence or losing the test station the right to test.
So go easy on us guys.

addi monster

iTrader: (6)

dont worry pal we know you only read the rules not write them

EddScott

This business about dash lights failing - does this also include the rumour that aftermarket ECUs might also be an MOT fail?

I've heard this could be the case but don't know for sure. Even non OE maps might be an issue - apparently.

steviefastbikes

As testers we cannot remove things so in 99% of cars there are no ways of knowing if it has an aftermarket ecu.
Personally i took that part with a pinch of salt. i will not be failing cars for an ecu.