2012 MOT regs and C4 headlights

Thu 27 Oct 11 11:46

2012 MOT regs and C4 headlights

Hello everyone - it's my first post, although I've owned the car for a while now.

Apologies if this has been covered before.

From 1st January 2012 the MOT test is changing, and there's a new element I fear will trip up my 1990 ZR-1 and presumably a lot of other UK-converted C4s as well.

Like most, mine has the parking lights repositioned into the headlights as part of the UK conversion. No problem, except you have to turn the headlights all the way on (to get them to pop up) then back to the sidelight position. Never been a problem in the past.

But next year the MOT test is changing, and there's a new line in the test procedure that reads: "Check that the front and rear position lamps illuminate with a single operation of the switch"

Seems ridiculous, and I've no idea why they've added that requirement to the MOT, but I'd hate to fail the test next year over something so trivial. Anyone know a solution, perhaps a method to get the lights to pop up with the switch in the sidelight position rather than having to turn it all the way on and then back again?

Last edited by BenP on Fri 28 Oct 11 10:06; edited 1 time in total. [2 %]

Thu 27 Oct 11 18:26

Re: 2012 MOT regs and C4 headlights

Before going to the MOT Station, raise the headlights then disconnect the motor connectors and flip the lock rings! They will remain up during the MOT.

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Ray Quayle
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Fri 28 Oct 11 10:05

Re: 2012 MOT regs and C4 headlights

Thanks, that should work. Certainly going to be easier than rewiring the switch or trying to move the parking lights into the fog light/indicator units. I really can't understand why they feel the need to add a regulation about the amount the switch has to be moved: if the parking lights work, why does it matter what the procedure for turning them on is?

Fri 28 Oct 11 14:35

Re: 2012 MOT regs and C4 headlights

I only had to fit the side bulbs last year and that was only because the boss walked in as the lights were being done. I'm sure a 'friendly' garage will be ok.

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Tue 10 Jan 12 13:03

Re: 2012 MOT regs and C4 headlights

I had my 1990 convertible MOT'd last month (Dec 2011) and the tester pointed out that the front side indicators were non-compliant as they could not be seen from the rear of the vehicle. Also, there were no rear reflectors. He passed it anyway as they were minor points.

Cheers
David

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David Stafford
1990 Convertible

Tue 10 Jan 12 13:32

Re: 2012 MOT regs and C4 headlights

BenP wrote (View Post):But next year the MOT test is changing, and there's a new line in the test procedure that reads: "Check that the front and rear position lamps illuminate with a single operation of the switch"



But they do illuminate with a single operation of the switch anyway...