9 replies to this topic

[m1n1]

~~~~~Please delete this text before posting the topic~~~~~~
Please give your topic a title that quickly describes your problem. Just putting 'Help my Mini doesn't work' is useless to anyone trying to help.
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Model: open classic
Year:1994/5 L-reg
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

dad took the project mini for its mot today.. when i came back from work they have failed it on emmisions. Looks quite harsh to me; its got a carb and the limits for c.o are 0.75 on idle and 1.09 fast idle. so its failed on those as well as something called lambda.

am i right in thinking that a carb mini will never reach these limits? and they have tested it if it were injection?

can i complain to vosa if i'm right?


Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem? no its standard.

[huntface]

I think you're right, you've been done.

Lambda sensors were only fitted to injection cars.

I dunno how you contest a MOT failure, but there must be a way, and you seem to have strong grounds.

[minidaves]

yup wrong test, vosa complants are done via a form from the test station, or of course the vosa site

dave

[m1n1]

rite. I'll go down there in my old dirty clothes, look grumpy and have a 'word' on monday.

thanks lads

[huntface]

Seems a strange error for a MOT station to make.

1994 was the change over year i think so that may have caused some confusion.

Before causing hell, point out the carb and say "You've done the wrong test, do it again"

let us all know what happens.

Edited by huntface, 27 March 2009 - 09:39 PM.

[daemonchild]

Seems a strange error for a MOT station to make.

1994 was the change over year i think so that may have caused some confusion.

Before causing hell, point out the carb and say "You've done the wrong test, do it again"

let us all know what happens.

"Blimey guvnor, what's that thingy down the back there? He's gawn and left 'is thermos in there!"

[Dan]

Whether it's got a carb isn't really relevant, the MOT has simply been done wrong. If any car of that year fails the basic emissions test the station is supposed to look for the exact make and model on a list of vehicles and see what the limits for that specific model are, if the car isn't listed it should take the same test as it would have before the 'cat test' was introduced. No carb Mini is listed, there are no special limits for any Mini. The car has been tested to the wrong standards as you suspect. There will be an FAQ on this very soon.

Edited by Dan, 28 March 2009 - 04:25 PM.

[bigmotherwhale]

they have used the mpi or spi model of car for the test data, take it back and tell them its a carbed model, the lambda doesnt refur to the lambda sensor as such but the air fuel mixture, which is what the numbers were that you stated, i should know my mpi is a **** to get to pass and it always seems to fail on lambda.

[tommy13]

When a tester begins the gas analysis test of your vehicle he must enter the date of first use into the gas analyser. The analyser then performs the test relevant to cars manufactured in that date range, irrespective of whether they are fitted with a catylitic converter and Lambda probe. In your case (cars first used after August 1st 1992) a BET test is applied. See the flow diagram at the bottom of this link.
http://www.motinfo.g...m3s07000306.htm
The "Basic Emission Test" is a sort of fast track (quick) test using set limits which, which if met by any car is an automatic pass. In your case the chances of passing this are slim, although I have to say your CO readings are very low.
Having failed the BET test the tester should then perform a full CAT test using limits in the analyser database or the booklet provided by VOSA. If a match cannot be found then your car should be tested to lower limits i.e. 3.5%co and 1200ppm hydrocarbons. Please study the Flow diagram in the link below and take particular note of NOTE 2 . If for any reason your engine code cannot be read then no match will be able to be found (wink)
http://www.motinfo.g...m3s07000307.htm

I realise this is pretty much what Dan has said, but I do not have your exact vehicle details or the emission limits book in front of me, nor would it be right to comment without seeing the full analyser printout or the details of your car. I would advise you to familiarise yourself with what is stated in the links, which are taken from the testers manual, perhaps even print them out and when you see the tester ask him to explain which test standards have been applied and show you the match in the database. As stated in a previous post you can ask for an appeal form at the test station. This usually involves filling out a form and you will have to pay the full fee again and have your car retested at a neutral station in the presence of VOSA area inspectors. The test fee is refundable if they find in your favour, but it's a can of worms you would be best leaving the lid on if possible.

Edited by tommy13, 28 March 2009 - 09:49 PM.

[alicetheauto]

If you have to have the insector from the VOSA out, dont forget the garage will be on best behaviour and wont be able to let any marginal items be missed. You may find it fails on a LOT more. Have a word with the MOT guy first.