11 replies to this topic

[pothole]

i just took my classic mini sidewalk for an MOT it had only done 100 miles since the last one, and they failed it on, near side headlight aim too low, rear fog not working, Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content both after 2nd fast idle, exhaust emissions lambda readings outside limit, said it needs a good run as it's been standing for a while, but he knows without MOT or tax that's not possible then he said would cost £60 to get through MOT. I have looked at the fog light and there is no power to the lamp and the light inside the car does not come on it might be the inline fuse but I don't know where that can be can anyone help. I can see the headlamp is low and have adjusted it up, but does anyone know the correct settings to set it too. I feel with the emissions I am being ripped off as they did not give me the read out on the fail certificate. if I can do the fog and headlight that might reduce the cost. Bit of a catch 22 I could take it somewhere else but that would cost me another £40 and it might still fail, or do I just cough up £60 for the pass. I don't know why I keep taking it to the same place, one year he only failed it on the front number plate being loose but he tightened it up and passed it, I had too certificates one a fail one a pass. So can anyone help.

[skoughi]

I think the fuse for the fog is one of the inline ones underneath the scuttle (however I could be wrong!), what age is your mini? The reason I ask is my clubman is 1973 so I've been told by a local test centre (fussy as well) that it'll only get a test that was typical of its age, ie; it gets started and as long as there is no blue/white/heavy reek coming out the exhaust then that'll be fine. So I've always wondered if an eighties or nineties mini will have the same type of test relative to it's age? You could always sort the headlight and fog yourself then book into a test centre that's a good distance away and give her beans on the drive there to clear her out!!

Edited by skoughi, 23 July 2015 - 12:51 PM.

[gazza82]

Has the old MOT actually run out as it is still in effect even if you fail the new test?

 

You can use the car to go to an MOT test IF you pre-book it. Take the car for an "Italian Tune-Up" on the way there ... gets the catalytic converter heated up.

 

Or take it somewhere else that's (a) further away to get heat into the engine/exhaust and (b) are more forgiving of Classic cars.

[pothole]

The mini in question is a 1995 sidewalk and the MOT expired in March, I planned to take it this time of year as its warmer to work on than in the spring.

[Zara]

I had the rear fog/interior light problem on mine.... (1991 Cooper Carb)

 

It did turn out to be the inline fuse under the bonnet (under the scuttle) the wiring was frayed aswel... Have ended up putting a spade fuce box in place of the inline fuses which has sorted it right out :)

Edited by Zara, 23 July 2015 - 02:44 PM.

[Guess-Works.com]

£60 at general labour rates is an hour or two, which is probably what it'll take to sort out any electrical issues and the emissions, so to be honest, pay the £60, get your MOT and job done...

 

If you feel like you've been had over, then just don't go there again...

[pothole]

Thanks to all for the info regarding the fog light it is now working it was the fuse, the aim has been adjusted, all I need now is some tricks and tips to pass the emissions, burning it up and down before the test sounds a good idea.

[cal844]

What engine is fitted? (Carb or injection)

[pothole]

It has an injection single point engine

[Carlos W]

Get it hot before the test

[james113]

I had the rear fog/interior light problem on mine.... (1991 Cooper Carb)
 
It did turn out to be the inline fuse under the bonnet (under the scuttle) the wiring was frayed aswel... Have ended up putting a spade fuce box in place of the inline fuses which has sorted it right out :)

I have had the same issue with mine and tried fixing it in the same way, with a blade type box still no fog light though. Any other ideas? Cheers.

[Blatherskite]

£60 at general labour rates is an hour or two, which is probably what it'll take to sort out any electrical issues and the emissions, so to be honest, pay the £60, get your MOT and job done...
 
If you feel like you've been had over, then just don't go there again...

Just for info, here in Norway, £60 would get you about 30 minutes of a mechanic's time.