2011 MOT Changes

Found this on a forum elsewhere http://wrecks2riches.co.uk/2010/10/2011-changes-to-mot/

Looks like aftermarket HID kits could be a no-no

 

All seems to relate to cars.

 

Its been doing the rounds on various forums.
General consensus is that its bollocks.

 

As with all the best scarey-hype stories, there's a modicum of basis in
reality.

Pages 8 & 9 of http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MoT - Issue 48%
20-%20Oct%202010.pdf

But, really, it's just the MOT starting to enforce a couple of things
that are already C&U requirements. Yes, it probably does mean the end of
aftermarket HIDs. <shrug> They're already illegal. Always have been. This
is not news. They're just generally ignored at the moment. Not exactly a
surprise that this is being cracked down on.

But most fuss is being made about remaps - which definitely isn't
supported there. The sole mention (which basically says "But that's going
to need a lot more work before it can actually happen") actively refers
to "illegal" remaps. I'd presume that only refers (in an EU-wide context)
to non-TuV approved in countries that require TuV approval, and to
breaches in existing emissions/noise regs.

 

That's very interesting, as it happens. Going via the link to the
advice to testers, it seems a lot is changing.

 

"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)"

Utter *Utter* fucking cunts. Get *out* of my fucking life you cunts.

 

<shrug> Dual-boot ECU?

 

...they will find the chipped cars as they will probably fail the
emissions test

 

That isn't always the case and not with bikes either

 

that might work for something made in the last century. Most ECUs made in
the last decade will use flash memory rather than (E)PROMs. Flipping maps
would be a simple process for someone with the right cable & suitably
equipped laptop. If, like the R & K series of BMW bikes, there is a demand,
someone will knock up a cheap gadget that can be used by the hobbyist.

 

Well if it doesn't fail and if they don't use a code reader you'll be
ok.

 

The only one that could be a worry for many is the airbag warning light.

That could instantly consign many older cars to scrap.

Could be a PITA for me, as our 156 has had the light illuminated since I
bought it - and it won't reset.

Suppose I could just wire it in parallel with another time delayed
warning light.... or just get my act together to replace the airbag ECU
with a working used example.

HIDs aren't an issue, as it's a trivial job to switch back to standard
lights for the test and back again afterwards.

Even the 'chipped ECU' fail doesn't worry me, as the only car I have
that's chipped is the Cinquecento track car, for which I have a spare
OEM ECU, which takes a couple of minutes to swap over.

 

We just paid a stupid amount of money to have the airbag ECU replaced on
our Audi. It wouldn't have been so bad except the controller itself costs
£700 from Audi, and it takes about 2 hours to dismantle enough of the car
to remove it.

You're going to say, I could get a second hand one or get it repaired but
if it's that expensive to get to I want a brand new one in there thanks.

 

My 944 was chipped, but it still passed the tough NI MOT. It wouldn't be
hard to identify at an MOT either.

 

I think Steve already identified the "proper" repair.

 

http://www.mybluefin.co.uk/

 

no good for the C2 VTS - although they offer a 6 (yes, six) bhp increase
for £239 by installing a Superchip[1]

[1] something of a misnomer

 

http://www.mybluefin.co.uk/curves/saab9318taero210.pdf
Hmmm. With added Hmmmm.

 

The last five test certs for the Vectra note the presence of the
illuminated 'airbag' warning light. I think it is down to a 'fired'
seatbelt pre-tensioner rather than a screwed ECU, but may well be "Game
Over" when it fails on it.

I think your first solution is the elegant one.

 

Seems rather optimistic for a chipped N/A engine.

The only reason I have a chip is that it cost me a fiver on ebay,
including delivery, and that it smooths out a slight dip in power which
is engineered into the OEM ECU in order to pass noise and emissions
tests.