My model of MX-5 is: MK 2.5 2004 Arctic Special Edition
I’m based near: _Gloucester
I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: an MOT failure.
Apologies if this has been discussed before but couldn’t find it when searching forum topics.
Previous owner installed a set of Angel Eyes headlamps in 2018 which I love and look great - a real nice modification. Unfortunately because they don’t connect to the headlamp levelling device on the dashboard it failed the MOT as the switch must be operative apparently. When I explained that there is no way that the headlamps can be connected to the switch as there’s no electrical output but they can be adjusted manually they said that the MOT guidebook states that all cars that are fitted with a headlamp levelling device must ensure that it’s working. The annoying part is that the headlights are perfectly aligned. Equally annoying is that since the angel eyes were installed they’ve never been part of a failure until now. Perhaps there’s been a change to the MOT test?
The upshot is that I’m going to have to buy a new pair of headlight assemblies. Looked at MX5 parts and they’re out of stock for this model and will take 6 to 8 weeks to come back into stock as they ship them from Japan. Mazda main dealer want over £900 for a new pair. So I’m asking for advice or suggestions on what to do with this situation. Are there any other suppliers I could try. I did consider removing the levelling switch completely and replacing it with a blanking plate but was told that it wouldn’t be compliant as cars of that year must have one fitted.
Not keen on waiting nearly 2 months before I can get my beloved Mazda back on the road. Equally not keen on forking out over £900 for a new pair plus fitting. Looked on eBay but parts are scarce and ones that are available are tarnished/damaged. Any advice or suggestions from fellow owners would be greatly appreciated.
I’d do what you suggested and replace the leveling switch with a blank and take it to a different test station. Or if you’re feeling brave, take it to the original test station and state that there is no manual leveling device fitted, there is no failure item for it not being fitted. I can’t see in the MOT Inspection Manual anything about cars of a certain year requiring a manual leveling device.
Thanks for the advice Roadster_Robbie much appreciated. Just concerned that if it’s failed and that’s now recorded against the car won’t other test centres look for that fault and check it’s been rectified. Certainly a cheaper option though.
I took mine to a different MOT site without issue.
I’ve found that MOT testers differ in their interpretations of what is or isn’t a fault.
It can be quite subjective.
One tester will pass something another will fail.
Often it comes down to luck of the draw.
I know it shouldn’t as there are clear parameters in place but my experience suggests it just does.
Hope you find a successful solution and get your car back on the road ASAP.
“Sometimes it is not easy to determine if the self-levelling systems work. In such cases you should give the benefit of the doubt.”
Looks like you caught the tester in a bad mood. “they said that the MOT guidebook states that all cars that are fitted with a headlamp levelling device must ensure that it’s working” Well, that’s not apparently true, as it DOES NOT directly say that in that link I’ve given you. Besides, your car is NOT fitted with a headlight levelling device (it was removed), and I think you should make that clear to them and threaten to escalate it to the MOT should they contest it.
And as for their terminology: There is no OFFICIAL, GOVERNMENT SACTIONED “guidebook” for MOT testing, there is a MANUAL and it is PUBLICLY AVAILABLE.
The manual does not state any regulations that say anything to the effect that “ALL vehicles that left the factory with a headlight levelling device operable from the driver’s seat must remain so”, at least not that I can find, nor does it state that cars made after a certain date MUST have a levelling device… All it says is “make sure the levelling device is working”. Your car is not fitted with a levelling device. Thus, there is no device to test, thus it cannot be failed on said device.
Give them an earful or take it somewhere else. Silly sods, failing a perfectly decent car on something so stupid. Really tops up my bottled rage, that does!
The system does exist as the switch is present and the car is tested as presented, if the switch was not present no problem as it does not exist, welcome to the mad world of MOT testing!
Thanks everyone for your valued help, guidance and advice. I’ve decided to reluctantly buy a pair of second hand original headlamps. My Mazda is in the garage today. Mechanic will swap out the Angel Eyes for the original lights and then do an MOT. So by the end of the day I should have my car back on the road
