dont know if much of this effect the 300zx but it may our daily drivers so lifted this for a look at.

 

dan.:whistling:

 

On 1 January 2012, new rules were added to the current MOT by the Department for Transport (DfT) to comply with European testing procedures.

 

It's a pretty substantial list, but there's one which could mean big bills for thousands of drivers. If your car has any illuminated warning lamps, whether it is the airbag, seatbelt, ESP, SRS, ABS or others, it will soon fail the MOT.

 

 

It's not all bad news. If your car's MOT runs out before the 31 March 2012 and you have a warning light that needs addressing, the testers will treat it as an 'advisory', i.e. advice on what needs to be done for the next MOT.

 

However, if your MOT is due after 1 April 2012, you better get your skates on and get the warning light (or other faults in the list below) fixed, otherwise you'll receive the dreaded red fail sheet.

 

The AA has kindly published a summary of the new rules. If you think your car needs attention on any of the points below but still has a long MOT left, we recommend getting it seen to sooner rather than later.

 

The main changes from 2012

 

Electronic parking brake

 

Electronic parking brake controls are now included and must be present and not inappropriately repaired or modified - repair obviously likely to adversely affect the roadworthiness of the vehicle or modification that has seriously weakened the component.

 

(The 'inappropriately repaired or modified' check is to be applied to a wide range of systems and components throughout the vehicle.)

 

The car will fail if an Electronic Parking Brake warning lamp is illuminated to indicate a malfunction.

 

Electronic Stability Control

 

Checks of anti-lock brakes will be extended to include Electronic Stability Control if fitted. The tester will check for the presence and correct operation of the ESC malfunction warning light together with looking for obviously missing, excessively damaged or inappropriately repaired or modified components and electrical wiring, as well as an ESC switch missing, insecure or faulty.

 

Warning lights

 

As well as electronic parking brake and electronic stability control warning lights (where fitted) the MOT test will also include checks for the correct function of the following, where fitted;

 

Headlight main beam warning light

 

Electronic power steering warning light

 

Brake fluid level warning light

 

Tyre pressure monitoring system warning light

 

Airbag warning light

 

Seat belt pre-tensioner warning light

 

Steering & suspension

 

The new test includes a check on the presence and correct function of the steering lock where fitted as standard.

 

Missing, or split/damaged dust covers on steering and suspension ball-joints will result in failure if they will allow dirt to enter the joint.

 

Power steering fluid level must be above the minimum level indicated on the reservoir.

 

Lighting

 

Products on the lens or light source that obviously reduce the light's intensity or change its colour will become a reason for failure – applies to front/rear position lamps, registration plate lamps, stop lamps, rear fog and direction indicators,

 

Headlight requirements are updated to take account of the particular characteristics of High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps.

 

HID headlights can cause dazzle if they are dirty or aimed too high so car manufacturers must fit headlamp cleaning and levelling systems. A car will fail if a mandatory headlamp cleaning or levelling system is missing, doesn't work or is obviously defective.

 

Vehicles fitted with aftermarket HID systems must also be fitted with properly working washer and levelling systems.

 

If a headlamp bulb is not seated correctly the resulting beam pattern will be indistinct and this will result in a test fail.

 

Electrical wiring and battery

 

An insecure battery will be a reason for failure as will a battery that is leaking electrolyte.

 

Visible wiring that is insecure, inadequately supported or likely to cause a short will also result in a failure as will wires bared by damaged insulation.

 

Trailer/caravan electrical socket

 

There will be a basic security/damage check of 7-pin sockets,

 

13-pin sockets will be subject to a full electrical connectivity check and incorrectly connected or inoperative circuits will result in failure.

 

Tyres

 

Tyre pressure monitoring systems fitted to vehicles first registered after 1 January 2012 must be working correctly and not indicating a malfunction.

 

Supplementary restraints

 

The vehicle will fail the test if any airbag fitted as original equipment is obviously missing or defective.

 

A seatbelt pre-tensioner fitted as original equipment but missing or that has obviously deployed will be a reason for failure.

 

Seatbelt load limiters that are missing where fitted as standard or folding webbing type limiters that have obviously deployed are also reasons for failure.

 

The vehicle will also fail if an SRS malfunction light is missing, not working or indicating a fault.

 

Speedometer

 

The car will fail if a speedometer is not fitted, is incomplete, inoperative, has a dial glass broken/missing or cannot be illuminated.

 

Seats

 

It must be possible to secure the driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism in two or three different positions. On electric seats the motors must move the seat fore and aft.

 

Doors

 

A rear door that cannot be opened from the outside using the relevant control is a new reason for failure.

 

Doors must be easy to open and close – hinges, catches and pillars will be inspected.

 

Towbars

 

Inappropriate repair or modification to the towbar assembly will be a reason for failure if judged likely to affect the roadworthiness of the vehicle/trailer.

 

Exhaust

 

A catalytic convertor fitted as original equipment but missing will be a reason for failure.

 

Fuel system

 

Damaged or chafed fuel pipes will result in failure.

HID's aren't banned - as long as they have the correct beam pattern, then it's ok.

 

not quite true..... you will need working headlight washers (see the rule below from VOSA)

 

it's blatantly apparent that even if your MOT tester lets you off on some things the old bill may still pick you up on it and that would be trouble for both you and the tester (might be work printing the regulation and keeping a copy in the car).

 

This is the VOSA instruction/rule…

 

http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/repository/technicalpenpicture3-lighting.pdf

 

 

“Products on the lens or light source’ is now an RfR as well the previous ‘excessive damage or deterioration”

 

So any tinted front, side or rear light will be a failure….

 

Quite a few of us have HID’s and this has been a major point of concern as the VOSA guideline is:

 

“The Department for Transport considers that after-market systems should be required to meet the same safety standards as that applied in respect of these lamps at vehicle Type Approval. Therefore, in order to pass the MOT test, vehicles fitted with after-market HID systems would also need to be fitted with headlamp cleaning and self-levelling systems.”

 

BUT… in our favour:

 

“It is also worthy of note that a few high performance vehicles fitted with HID headlamps that have barely any luggage space and stiff suspension do not require a self-levelling system.”

 

So as long as you have headlight washers (and they work) they should be a pass…..

Also if you have an import and therefore no washers, the later models came with hids and no washer

Also if you have an import and therefore no washers, the later models came with hids and no washer

 

yeah, you could use that as an example but the old bill prefer to see things in black and white... if there is a rule in the regs that exempts you that is much better than just words. :)

 

so I'm suer we can get away without auto levellers but washer jest may be a littler more difficult since the rules don't seem to have an exemption for that, unless its somewhere else to do with imports.

Agh! They will eventually just ban anything modified, bikes and cars or just change the rules so it becomes impossible to comply.

 

What annoys me more though is that I guarantee that the UK will be the only ones that actually tries to enforce it. The French and Spanish will publish the rules and then everyone will just ignore them.

Heres the testing criteria for HIDS:

 

Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted with headlamp washers and a suspension or headlamp self levelling system. Where such systems are fitted, they must work; however, it is accepted that it may not be possible to readily determine the functioning of self levelling systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt must be given

 

They are only tested if fitted

 

Seems silly but this is the criteria from the testers manual which all testers have to test by!

 

:smartass:

yeah... but I think you'll find that that applies to "factory fitted" not "after market"... and that doesn't mention washers.

 

as this line clearly says:

 

“The Department for Transport considers that after-market systems should be required to meet the same safety standards as that applied in respect of these lamps at vehicle Type Approval. Therefore, in order to pass the MOT test, vehicles fitted with after-market HID systems would also need to be fitted with headlamp cleaning and self-levelling systems.”

 

 

again it will be down to the tester and their interpretation of the rule.... however the only real get out of jail free line written in the regs (as far as I can see is):

 

“It is also worthy of note that a few high performance vehicles fitted with HID headlamps that have barely any luggage space and stiff suspension do not require a self-levelling system.”

 

 

It would be great if anyone can find a line in the regs (not just hearsay, as that doesn't wash with the cops... lol... 'wash') that gives cause to exempt the the washer jets.

There is no distinction between test procedures in the manual for OEM or aftermarket.

 

Legally how you would stand if you get a pull from mr plod may be a different matter - but inspection criteria as far as the MOT is concerned is as above!

Maybe just carry a set of brand new packaged OEM bulbs purchased from a Nissan dealership, in the glovebox, that way when you do get pulled (record the conversation on a dictaphone; for your own future reference only etc) then replace the HID's with stock bulbs at the officers request. He'll clearly see how shockingly shit the stock bulbs are, but no doubt will be so anally retentive that he'll insist that you keep them fitted......then proceed 20yds down the road and drive straight into the nearest bush

 

minor whiplash, minimal damage to vehicle and then take legal action against the Police for 'lack of due diligence'

 

Simples!

There is no distinction between test procedures in the manual for OEM or aftermarket.

 

Legally how you would stand if you get a pull from mr plod may be a different matter - but inspection criteria as far as the MOT is concerned is as above!

 

yeah.. agreed... :) it's only the plod one I'm concerned with..

 

realistically you can do anything in advance and then change it back after an MOT but getting pulled is a different thing... it's best to be pre armed... and be able to prove it..

The one burning question I have about the MOT is why is there such a difference in price from garage to garage? Some around here charge £50 others £30. It's a standard test so why?

The one burning question I have about the MOT is why is there such a difference in price from garage to garage? Some around here charge £50 others £30. It's a standard test so why?

 

VOSA standard charge is £54.85 - if garages want to discount this price it is up to them!