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        General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Reversing lights
        
(Message started by: Bikerdon on Nov 1^st, 2008, 7:01pm)

Title: Reversing lights
Post by Bikerdon on Nov 1^st, 2008, 7:01pm

Hi all, does anyone know if reversing lights are required to work for an MOT?, as mine have decided to now stay on since the car has been laid up for a fortnight, typical with the test booked for monday. If they are does anyone know a quick fix and how difficult is it to access the gearbox switch. Bikerdon.

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Nov 1^st, 2008, 7:21pm

Remove the bulbs ;D

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by Snoopy on Nov 2^nd, 2008, 6:44am

See here for guidance but I think you will find that reversing lights are NOT part of the test http://www.motuk.co.uk/mot_testing.htm

Only obligatory lights and indicators are tested, and reversing lights are NOT obligatory.
Not even the number plate light is covered as not having one is NOT a RTA offence it comes under the Excise Act .

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by mijfife on Nov 2^nd, 2008, 12:45pm

My tester has certainly never tested the reversing lights so I'd have thought that removing the bulbs would be good temporary fix. It might be worth disconnecting the plug from the switch on the gearbox as it could be a sticky switch

Cheers Jim

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by Bikerdon on Nov 2^nd, 2008, 1:46pm

Thanks for the advice all, So has anyone replaced the switch in the gearbox, and if so how accessible is it, I have the feeling it will be the same as the older Granada's, ie, a right pain to do!. Bikerdon.

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by gozz on Nov 2^nd, 2008, 2:42pm

Bikerdon.
You're right ! the gearbox member and heatshield need dropping,let the box drop as far as it will,then with a cranked or specially bent spanner you can fiddle the switch out.Don't forget it could be the loom.
GOZZ.

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by Jonnycab on Nov 2^nd, 2008, 9:09pm

I removed my first post as I was obviously wrong about reversing lights being a part of the MOT test. But as regards to the reversing lights being on permanently, then surely it would fail an MOT because there would be white light showing from the rear cluster :-/

Also, isn't it an offence to show white light from the rear light cluster ?....driving around with reversing lights permanently on can confuse/dazzle other road users & soon attract the attention of the local plod who may issue a fixed penalty fine for driving a vehicle not fit for use on a public highway :-/

Also, if it were a problem with the gearbox reversing switch, then wouldn't it cause the reversing lamps not to work at all. This has certainly been the case in my previous experiences with these switches.
If the reversing lamps are permanently on, then wouldn't this indicate a wiring fault or bad earth somewhere ?....or considering it's been laid up for a couple of weeks, then water/moisture has got in somewhere ? :-/...... :)

P.S....My twice yearly licenced taxi MOT test does require the reversing lights & number plate lights to be properly functional. If they aren't, then the vehicle licence is suspended immediately (even if it's a blown bulb), & only reinstated when the problem has been rectified & the vehicle re-tested by the council MOT tester :)

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by Bikerdon on Nov 2^nd, 2008, 10:03pm

Hi again all, I have read through the mot manual, (thanks for the link Snoopy) and it certainly does not mention the reversing lights as being part of the standard mot test. As Jonnycab says it is an offence to show white light at the rear so bulbs are now removed as a temporary measure, will get it sorted out one way or the other as it also affects my passenger mirror too, will disconnect the plug for the dipping function in the meantime, thanks to all for the advice. Bikerdon.

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by Jonnycab on Nov 2^nd, 2008, 11:42pm

Bikerdon, I wonder if water has got into the dipping mirror & that is causing the problem :-/....It's a thought ;)

Good luck :)

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by Snoopy on Nov 3^rd, 2008, 7:21am

JC The test your licensed Hackney Cab goes through is different in a lot of ways .
and Yes it is an offence to show a white light to the rear except when reversing.

And I suppose if the reversing lights were on during the test then the tester cold fail it but they are NOT part of the MOT test . Worth asking a tester about that one .

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by Highlander on Nov 3^rd, 2008, 8:41am

Maybe ask him AFTER you get your ticket ;)

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by Bikerdon on Nov 3^rd, 2008, 3:51pm

Highlander, you must think the same way that I do. Thats exactly what I did. He said they are not a testable part of the MOT and provided they are not on while driving then no worries, So I now have a ticket for another years luxury motoring ;D with only 1 advisory, (lower N/S balljoint, very slight play), will get that fixed asap, thanks again to all for the advice, and thanks to Ghia x 8) for the transmission oil cooler which he kindly posted to me very quickly. Bikerdon. P.S. any other members of this site in Glasgow?

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by scorpio_man on Nov 3^rd, 2008, 4:39pm

on 11/03/08 at 15:51:47, Bikerdon wrote:

P.S. any other members of this site in Glasgow?

yes, me! ;D

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by rich1 on Nov 3^rd, 2008, 5:31pm

this is a ford problem , every ford ive had has done this , it was the switch on every one . i once had a transit and it took 5 switches before it was sorted :o

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by Highlander on Nov 3^rd, 2008, 5:34pm

I was in Glasgow today, does that count?? ;D

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by scorpio_man on Nov 3^rd, 2008, 5:36pm

on 11/03/08 at 17:34:21, Highlander wrote:

I was in Glasgow today, does that count?? ;D

i know!!! ;D

thanks again

andrew

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by Snoopy on Nov 4^th, 2008, 7:28am

I passed through on my way to Kintyre a couple of weeks ago
Does that count as well !

Title: Re: Reversing lights
Post by mr._floppy on Nov 4^th, 2008, 10:04am

It could be the wiring that goes to the boot lid lights have become frayed and fractured with the constant opening and closing of the boot.

A common fault on the Scorp.

Interesting to know that reversing lights aren't part of the MOT test :P