17 replies to this topic

[whistler]

Hi - I find the standard front lighting on my Elise IIIR very poor.  With the new MOT rules coming into force (HID - washers), anyone got any bright ideas of how to get decent illumination on front dips, full beam and driving lamps?  I presume no fixes for missing washer units....?  All advice welcomed.  Thx all.

[Chris_edeson]

What new mot rules?!

[scatty]

they apparently came in jan 2012 i think.

although when i had my mot in feb , my man knew nothing about it, but tbh he was more concerned at how he could exit the car let alone worry about the strength of my lights....

http://www.theaa.com...anges-2012.html

Edited by scatty, 18 October 2012 - 09:38 PM.

[Chris_edeson]

I had a MoT at strats in august and no mention of lights or anything!

[scatty]

im guessing if they are factory fitted then there wouldnt be  a problem....

[Chris_edeson]

That link you posted scatty only refers to if you have HID's and they are dodgy and if you have washers that dont... So if you dont have either.... No problemo! 2 less things to fail on!

[lummo]

I seem to remember there was a lot of discussion on Pistonheads about this.

The following is taken from the AA website, but I think it is a repeat of the new MOT rules:

HID headlights can cause dazzle if they are dirty or aimed too high, so they are generally (if light output exceeds 2000 lumens) fitted in conjunction with headlamp cleaning and levelling systems.  Where HID or LED dipped beam headlamps are fitted the tester will switch on the headlamps and check the operation of any headlamp levelling and cleaning devices fitted.
The car will fail if a headlamp levelling or cleaning device is inoperative or otherwise obviously defective.

If I remember correctly, the consensus of opinion was that this ...check the operation of any headlamp levelling and cleaning devices fitted is the critical bit. In other words, if there is a washer or self-levelling system fitted it must work or it will fail, but it isn't mandatory for them to be fitted.

It does all seem a bit vague though.

Edited by lummo, 18 October 2012 - 10:01 PM.

[Chris_edeson]

It cant be mandatory to have them as i and i imagine most lotus owners dont have hid's and certainly dont have headlamp washers! My last mot on the elise was august thruain dealer and no mention at all. It must surely apply to cars that have them amd ensuring they work?

[scatty]

I've  got hid's fitted. they are bloody brilliant... i must be the person the aa is referring too... ;-)

Edited by scatty, 18 October 2012 - 10:26 PM.

[Dr H]

My 2001 S2 has been through 2 or 3 MOTs nowwith HIDs fitted no problems at all

[stockhome]

Mine has been through two mots with hids fitted no problems yet

[whistler]

Interesting feedback - thx for this.  The point is that 'the past is history'.  These are new MOT Rules for 2012.  Lummo is right to quote the AA webpage. That info comes from the Govt Instruction Manual ( www.dvlni.gov.uk/Freedom%20of%20Information/Light%20Vehicle%20Inspection%20Manual/Lamps%20-%20Headlamps.pdf) who say:
Headlamp cleaning and levelling devices
High Intensity Discharge (HID) and LED dipped beam headlamps (whether original
fitment or after-market) must be fitted with a headlamp washing system (a wiper is not
required) and be self levelling. This may be achieved by the use of either headlamp or
suspension levelling systems. However, some high performance vehicles fitted with HID
headlamps that have limited luggage space and stiff suspension do not require a selflevelling
system. 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.
Where headlamp levelling or cleaning devices are missing or defective, but there is doubt
as to whether they are required, the benefit of the doubt should be given.

and then:

Reason for Rejection
1. A missing or insecure obligatory headlamp.
2. Missing, faulty or insecure switch
3. An HID/LED headlamp, self levelling or cleaning device missing, inoperative or
otherwise obviously defective.

I agree there is a little ambiguity but it starts off very clearly that a washer is required.  Also - if there isn't one factory-fitted, as far as the MOT is concerned if there are HIDs, then it is 'missing' and that equals 'Fail'..  So - anyone had experience of a 2012 MOT pass or failure?  So back to my original question: Any ideas on getting better illumination without HID?

[scatty]

It must be vague then as mine passed its 2012 mot with hid's. as said my tester didn't know anything about it, as I asked.

Maybe the limited luggage space and stiff suspension makes it ok in an Exige/ Elise. Il find out from my mot man.

Edited by scatty, 19 October 2012 - 01:44 PM.

[russelld]

How about these !

http://www.autobulbs...s-NEW-pair.html

[Martin R]

If you have HID and they are correctly alighned and your MOT place fails your car, i suggest you find a new MOT place