MOT test & Spotlights

[Kevin Mk2]

Hi guys. Got my MOT booked for the Van this Friday, so I'm trying to get time to go over everything.

 

I'm not sure about how the spotlights are tested, I seem to get a different answer depending on who I ask. Are they supposed to come on with main beam? or should they be independently switched? I can't seem to find a conclusive answer to this question on the web either.

 

Cheers!

[fieldy1972]

ive got spots on my escort that are on seperate switch. i did have an xr4i years ago that had spots behind the grill that came on with the high beam. both the escort and xr had no issues with the mot mate.

[katana]

It depends on the beam pattern and their location! Anything below the bumper level is classed as a FOG light (doesn't matter what beam pattern it has) and should only illuminate / extinguish with dipped headlights. Above the bumper you have spot and drive lamps - both should be wired to illuminate / extinguish with main beam. They may be seperately switched within that circuit eg. Main car Highs on but spots off, but cant be spots on with mains off and dipped on! Common sense really! If the Aux lights are fitted with H4 bulbs their use is identical to normal lights providing they are placed appropriately ie next to main lights. Aux. lights are an MOT fail same as normal lights - cracked lenses etc - just depends if the tester is a arse or not!

[Kevin Mk2]

My spots are currently disabled, or perhaps there is a switch somewhere that I don't know about. The previous owner sadly died, quite suddenly, leaving the van for me to take care of, so we never got the chance to really talk about details like that.

 

So I guess if an MOT inspector is checking my lights and spots are present but don't light up, that would be a fail? Here in NI we have Government run, dedicated MOT centres and the guys there can be right c**ts when they feel like it.. Time to get them fixed.

[katana]

Don't know about NI (but should be the same) - if the lights are covered ie plastic cover, bin bags, tape then they can't be tested as the tester cannot remove anything to establish function or condition - so should result in an advisory but shouldn't fail on that bit! Done it myself with bikes using spots for headlights - covered just gets you a Daytime only MOT,

Tape over the wording 'not for highway use' on an exhaust can as long as it isn't stupid loud is down to testers discretion!

[Kevin Mk2]

Well, she went through ok. The guy was actually very decent, he even overlooked a couple of minor issues.. so I've got the winter to get things sorted out for next year.

 

Thanks for the help chaps!

[marky4]

glad it passed