My x type recently failed mot on several things. But one I don't understand is 'engine mil inoperative or indicates a malfunction '. All lights come on and go off when started. If you don't start the car the lights still go off after a while. There are no fault lights present. On the gov.com website for mot's it says it's a common mistake some mot testers make as lights go off at different times on different cars. Have messaged the garage about this. What is problem and what they would do about it? But no reply for over a week. Anyone know or had this before?

 

1) Go to the garage & speak to the tester with what you think.

2) Get it retested at a different garage & explain the previous item to the tester beforehand.

 

mick3162, it is possible what they are trying to say is that while your CEL went off, the car has not been able to complete all of its checks to give you a P1111 code. Instead, it is giving you a P1000 code (ie, this code means 1 or more checks have not been completed to say all of you drive cycles have been met). If I need to be more specific or explain something in a bit more detail, let me know.

 

I am fairly sure it's not that. The MOT isn't checking monitors (or P1000/P1111).

Instead, the MOT part concerned is checking what the MIL does, from key in, key to position II, etc. (Checking the condition sometimes known as Prove Out IIRC.)

To me it sounds OK, but I _thought_ the MIL would stay on indefinitely (even with no DTCs) in one of the ignition positions (not RUN) (and I think it would be position II). Here it seems the MIL goes off after a while.

Maybe someone else can check what a similar X-Type does, I think it's when turning key to position before Run (aka Start) and leaving it there for quite a while. (A bit like when wanting to use OBD without engine on.)

 

HI all,

In my view the tester is being over zealous, so while not an answer, maybe some points of clarity.
UK MOT tests do not connect an OBDC device to read codes, full stop.
or a car can fail if the CEL (or whatever the yellow engine light gets called) does not go out once the engine starts - the light can be on up until the engine starts running, that but not after. If it is on when the engine is running its a fail, full stop.
In the UK emissions testing is done with a probe up the exhaust looking at actual emissions of the engine. not engine codes.
My limited understanding from someone I know in California (it can differ between states) is that a smog test does look at the codes to check that the engine has indeed completed its cycles and that the CEL is not illuminated, in order to pass, I guess there is some actual checking of exhaust gases but he got a bit vague at that point and explained it can cost for a garage to 'get your cycle' completed code to show. That sounds like fun.

 

Thanks to everyone for your replies and thoughts. It's a grey area and still not resolved but may be soon. It's great there is a site like this with members who actually care and are willing to help.