MOT changes in 2011 re HID and ECU

[Kev_Vtec]

I don't know if this has been mentioned yet, as HID, ECU and MOT don't register in the search function, but this has just come to my attention:

http://wrecks2riches.co.uk/2010/10/2011-changes-to-mot/

2011 VOSA changes to MOT

Still 13 months away until these new regulations come into force, but some interesting changes. From MOT from December 2011, the below changes will come into force, which will be very bad news for some.

HID lights – Specifically those aftermarket kits that give the very bright headlight beams. Any cars found with these kits will be an automatic MOT failure. Testers are able to easily spot the difference between HID kits, and manufacturer fitted Xenon’s. Easy to spot as Xenon cars have suspension level sensors, in car beam adjuster, and usually headlight washers.

Chipped ECU’s - Unsure of just how/if this one will realistically be enforced, but any cars with chipped ECU’s will in theory be an MOT failure. I can only assume VOSA have found an easy way of checking ECU software through the cars OBD port (diagnostic plug).

Wiring harness – The general condition of he wiring harness will be checked to make sure there is no rubbing or chaffing, and that the harnesses are in generally good condition. If unsecure, or damaged again MOT failure.

Airbag warning lights - If any warning lights are illuminated, it will again be an MOT failure.

Full details on the MOTester site

[CraigLovelock]

The only one i dont agree with is ecu remapping...

Its like needed. What are they saying? Your not allowed cams or a turbo etc...

What about a turbo change etc.

Needs to draw a line somewhere with this sheet.

[D--R--E--W]

Everyone needs HID's... How is it possible to see without...?

[CraigLovelock]

Everyone needs HID's... How is it possible to see without...?

Innit.

[chinkostu]

Everyone needs HID's... How is it possible to see without...?

with lights? ;)

properly fitted/factory HIDS are awesome i'll agree

the cock in the corsa who couldn't fit anything to save his life so point up at you as you're passing...not so good.

as for chipped ECU's, surely a remap/different ECU would be different?

[D--R--E--W]

Had HID's for 3 years now and couldnt honestly do without...

[NICK2506]

by chipped do you mean remapped or just people who put "chips" on from ebay to add 15bhp?

[Pixie]

I don't get it - call me thick ( cause I am)

Is this ANY HID kit will be an instant failure ?!?! :ponder:

[VTR-Chris]

these rumours have been on that site for ages, an spreadin round forums like wildfire

theres no truth in them , someone from the type r owners emailed vosa and they emailed back saying its bullshit...... dont flap!!

[Tringaling]

So if you take the HID Bulbs out and replace with standard but only for MOT time, is that still a failure?!

That is what i am planning to do this December?

[JAMason]

In the VOSA document it reads Illegal Chipped, so your probably looking at the Ebay shit that people fit, if its properly mapped for cams/turbos/ITB/Supercharges and the car wouldn't run with out it then i think its all good. As for HID kits, i can agree with them getting pissy about them, but again it says if they cant be adjusted correctly they will fail! So fitted properly, i cant see them being an issue. As for the warning lights...im screwed! Im currently running engine warning light because of the decat (Even with cat its on because its use to not having one!) Battery light...no idea why...and with my new OMP wheel and hub HELLO AIRBAG Light!!! (Although i can turn this off with the bi pas wires i think! :S we will see when i get it fitted!!)
Jack

[JAMason]

these rumours have been on that site for ages, an spreadin round forums like wildfire

theres no truth in them , someone from the type r owners emailed vosa and they emailed back saying its bullshit...... dont flap!!

There might be some truth in this as well, might be worth while one of the MODS emailing VOSA and asking the question and posting the reply...maybe?!

[M1VT]

badly adjusted HID's make me cry,and burn my eyes :(

[Furio-92]

It's alll bullshittttt!

[VTR-Chris]

HIDs in reflector lenses should be illegal yes, they look gay and dazzle like fuck

in projectors theyre fine though.. never had any aggro for mine, my headlights were designed for hid's anyways, theres a little space on the unit where the ballast go's

[akuakabucy]

Im ok mine are factory fitted :-)

[blackie_2k5]

There might be some truth in this as well, might be worth while one of the MODS emailing VOSA and asking the question and posting the reply...maybe?!

you need the mod's to wipe your ass like? if your that concerend email yourself, lmao its not the mods job to do this

[Reechard]

I dont know how true it is, the wiring and HID are valid. Especially as aftermarket HID kits arent legal as it is. The ecu is a bit of a strange one.

Will cause more problems than it will solve. Amount of people out of work as a result, businesses lossing potential income etc.
Plus its difficult to test for. MOT's would become a lot more expensive as they would take longer.

[AXracing]

It is not surprising. EU regs have had it illegal to alter ECUs for a long time already. The thing is with anti lock braking, traction control, stability control, active suspension, fly by wire throttle, electric power steering, air bags, seat belt tensioners and such like often being controlled by the ECU there is a very real fear that something could go very wrong. I can see why there doing it but it does suck big time.

[L720]

Good riddance, I hate HID lights.

[Tontsy]

there was a letter in work a month or so ago saying about new changes.
HID were on the list.

not too sure about the ECU or wiring as its impossible to check he whole harness without removing parts to see. and as for the ECU, plugging it into a computer will tell, but then vosa would have to fork out and supply all testing stations with it costing hundereds of thousands. which i cant see them doing.

also on the list was, tread depths going upto 2mm, imo fucking great change! :y:
any warning light on the dash
and there was something else that caught my eye. ill update later / copy the letter or something.

[CHIP]

you need the mod's to wipe your ass like? if your that concerend email yourself, lmao its not the mods job to do this

I think he meant hopefully a mod would tell the truth and not some spotty little kid come on here saying 'HID's r band blud' :P

[Nik_L]

They will simply be checking the ECU for tampering or them stupid resistor mods.Some cars have 2 maps from factory anyway so theres no way they can enforce a fail on remapped cars.

[Nik_L]

So if you take the HID Bulbs out and replace with standard but only for MOT time, is that still a failure?!

That is what i am planning to do this December?

Let me know how you get on with this impossible task you are going to try and carry out.

MOT stations cant fail it for having HID kits fitted if the beam pattern/height is all set correctly.Theyr simply isnt anything to fail them on.

[Tontsy]

Let me know how you get on with this impossible task you are going to try and carry out.

MOT stations cant fail it for having HID kits fitted if the beam pattern/height is all set correctly.Theyr simply isnt anything to fail them on.

after market kits have a scattered pattern. not a solid pattern.
resulting in fucking annoyance! for the person coming towards the vehicle with them fitted.

this is what they are trying to get at.
regardless if the height is adjusted corretly.

feel silly now?

[Nik_L]

But they can still be set up correctly on the beam setter.

The scattered light output will be due to non projector headlights surely??

[Rogue_Shadow]

Remaps are for fuel efficiency too! Not every remap is designed for performance increase.
I disagree with that new ruling, but glad the tards in cheap HID kits will get a beating. I'm sure alot of you have fitting them correctly and it's sad a few fuck wits can't level the beams.

But I was under the impression that checking the ECU returns it to default anyway, or am I mixing something up?

[jonathon5]

The will not be able to tell if a ecu has been modified,

Even the dealers can't tell

It will relate to exhaust emissions that's all

[JAMason]

I think he meant hopefully a mod would tell the truth and not some spotty little kid come on here saying 'HID's r band blud' :P

Exactly my point! Thanks!

[AXracing]

MOT stations cant fail it for having HID kits fitted if the beam pattern/height is all set correctly.Theyr simply isnt anything to fail them on.

Well the conversion bulb kits are not road legal as is and this would be why they could add them to the MOT. So if they do add HID to the MOT check list it will probably be like seat belts that they checked for the correct E mark and fitting. So legal OEM HIDs will still pass and the illegal retrofit kits would fail.

[J222JRA]

Doesn't ecu remapping normally reduce emmision levels when the car is driven normally??

As for the wiring loom.....what total shit, how will they possibly check this in the areas where damage may occur wihout removing carpets etc etc. An mot place iirc can't remove anything from the car during the test.

People who come up with these ideas are fucking retarded.

[Piggie]

Decat is a fail never stopped anyone............ A little bit more work may be required before an M.O.T in the future thats all

[Sophia_Bush]

shouldn't have any problems here cars have passed mots no problems last few years without having to do anything extra

[_-john-_]

Not read all the posts, but I have to say I'm glad HIDS might make a disappearing act. I absolutely hate having someone behind me/coming towards me with them. They're blindingly bright :( Xenon's can do one too!

Chipped, I can understand that one, if you have a turbo and need remapping..it's different to sticking on some crappy chip that just ruins the fuelling ratios isnt it.

Airbag lights...well thats every saxo owner fucked then haha!