From January 2012 a big overhaul of the MOT test has been implemented. There are many new checks to be aware of, includiing trailer/caravan electrical sockets. In case you weren't aware, we've summarised some of the changes you need to be aware of.
I am sure we all check our towing electrics regularly and if we have a warning light on the dash we all get it seen to. A lot of that is already included in the MoT indirectly anyway.
I HAVE JUST HAD MY MOT AND NOTHIMG WAS DONE OR SAID ABOUT MY TOW ELECTRICS. MY "S"SOCKET IS NOT FULLY CONNECTED UP YET AS I AM AFTER A AUTO ELECTRITION TO WIRE IT
Quote: Originally posted by ad210358 on 08/3/2012
12n is only checked for damage and security so they would not have tested it, 12s is not included, 13pin is checked fully.
just had my MOT car passed ,as I stood chatting to the tester I mentioned the changes and towbar electrics He said yours is ok you only have a 7 pin socket they don't come in till 1st of April,to say he had a Red face when i lifted the cover to reveal 13 pins would be a understatement.
I have a towbar on my car when i bought it i have never used it dont have a caravan or trailer tent so do i need to get it removed or disabled in some way for the mot
As an MOT tester I would like to add, if any of the warning lamps bulbs have been removed, these cars will still fail, unless there is any doubt as to the vehicle having the systems fitted. If you want to remove the tow bar then u must remove it in is entirety i.e not just the tow ball and wiring.
7 pin wiring will be checked for security of mounting/wiring only,
Quote: Originally posted by sidsmut on 17/3/2012I have a towbar on my car when i bought it i have never used it dont have a caravan or trailer tent so do i need to get it removed or disabled in some way for the mot
No, just unbolt the ball if you want to be on the safe side.
We have a detachable on ours hidden behind a cover and was not asked about it, so I asked the tester and was told they can only look at what they can see and not take covers off to check structural integrity. It could possibly be put down as an Advisory.
According to the information below they should remove covers if it doesn't involve the use of tools and just unbolting the towball isn't enough.Not sure how you can render it unfit for use!
Some tow bars are ‘hidden’ behind an access panel in the bumper or bodywork Unless requiring the use of tools or specialist equipment, these panels must be removed to facilitate the inspection of towbar components, as well as checking inside the luggage compartment, including lifting of loose fitting mats or carpet.
Retractable towbars should be tested in their ‘in-use’ position unless this requires the use of tools or specialist equipment. If a tow ball or pin is not fitted at the time of test, e.g. because it is detachable, has been unbolted or otherwise removed, but the attachment brackets are still in place, these brackets should still be assessed unless they have been deliberately rendered unfit for further use.
Quote: Originally posted by darthillcat on 15/3/2012
just had my MOT car passed ,as I stood chatting to the tester I mentioned the changes and towbar electrics He said yours is ok you only have a 7 pin socket they don't come in till 1st of April,to say he had a Red face when i lifted the cover to reveal 13 pins would be a understatement.
Men don't need instructions? Oh yes they do! A friend of mine had a huge classic BMW which was his pride and joy. At the MOT it failed on "Play in the steering". Doug was extremely upset and asked my opinion and IMHO there was nothing wrong with the car. I did however tighten up the steering by a tiny fraction of a turn. The car was sent back and the bozo tried to fail it again! "No" said Doug, "with a steering box you ONLY check for play with the wheels set straight ahead". The bloke blushed as red as a traffic light and grudgingly wrote out the certificate. You just can't get the right staff anymore.
One little query. Are they going to frown on NATO jaws and US 2-5/16" tow-balls in the MOT? Allegedly the NATO hitch has never been Type Approved but soldiers have guns LOL!
Checked with my local MOT station today as car is due its first MOT in 2 weeks, informed me it is not necessary to attach the tow ball (detachable) as the test only checks the mounting of the tow bar to the vehicle, not the ball and attachment of the detachable part. with regard to the electrics (7pin) this is checked for the lighting circuits. I asked what happens if no electrics are fitted as this is not a legal requirement even if a tow bar is fitted (eg vehicle used on the road but only towing on private land {farmer/construction site etc}). No definitive answer, he commented that as it stands the advice from VOSA is not completely clear and the system is a complete mess.