Lights, key positions and MOTs
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi,

In replying to someone elses question (http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?a=editpost&postid=265327) I've remembered I need to ask something myself.

Do sidelights need to work without the ignition key in to meet an MOT? Is there an "age" of car that before which is exempt - like emmisions & fog lights?

My lights work through a relay that's "held" off to keep the lights off - of course holding the relay off does slowly drain the battery (I asked a question about this on the original TM website, in a nutshell the battery will be flat in a couple of days). So I want to have the relay (lights) wired to the fuse assigned to key position 1 on the ignition. Is this allowed for an MOT? I fear not as technically if you park facing oncoming traffic you're supposed to leave sidelights on.

All it needs is a change of fuse box position for the MOT. Not strictly allowed I know, but then how many people park and leave sidelights on? That, or an off/on/on metal toggle switch!

Many thanks, Dave.

Yes i moved to the darkside

Instagram @jdm_brett

All Subarus have the light switched through the ignition.

However, they all have an extra switch that puts the sidelights on when the ignition is off.

I suspect that this switch is never tested as part of the MOT. Also, when MOTs are done as far as I can tell they always have the car running when they tset the lights.

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

Hi,
Why have you got the relay wired like this to start with? Sure you could use pin 87A on a five pin relay instead of having the winding live all the time, but why the need to do it in the first place?
Cheers,
Gavin :)

VEMs Authorised Installer / Re-seller. K head kits now available!

WB/EGT gauges. Click here for customers write-up

Visit www.doyouneedabrain.co.uk

My Mini build diary

Ah, sorry all. Some info was missing. At the time of putting together a new switch panel it proved nigh on impossible to find an off/on/on switch to match the other off/on switches, i.e. to ensure that "all switches were off when up".

I have an on/off/on lights switch working through a normally on relay to "hold relay off" when the switch is up [on], and "be normally on" when the switch is in the centre [off].

You may need to read that twice to get it straight in your head.

For this to work, the relay must be "energised" (right word?!) for the lights to be off. i.e. when I'm not in the car, thus draining the battery. Hence not wanting to leave the lights wired such that they are held off via the relay when the car's not being driven, so wiring to ign pos 1 seemed a way out off it.

What I hope to do ultimately find an off/on/on metal toggle switch!

Hi,
Now it makes a bit more sense.
Why not have 2 switches instead one for side, one for headlights? Much easier :)
Cheers,
Gavin :)

VEMs Authorised Installer / Re-seller. K head kits now available!

WB/EGT gauges. Click here for customers write-up

Visit www.doyouneedabrain.co.uk

My Mini build diary

Hi Pottsy,

If you look here http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-...tches/lever.php under "Metal lever switches and optional rubber cover" item 64500 is a off/on/on switch that should be suitable :)

Thanks for the feedback, 2 switches was another option I'd considered actually Bat, but Sturgeo's off/on/on might be the "neatest" solution - espicailly since the cage is out at the moment and I can get to the switch pod easily...

(http://www.turbominis.co.uk/photo/1212/)

Thanks again,

Dave

PS Way OT, how do I make a link become a hyperlink, or insert an attachment?

Edit: Don't worry - figured the attachment!

Attachments:

81.45kb

Edited by Pottsy on 14th Jan, 2009.