Failed MOT on headlight washers ??

[Doodle]

I was of the opinion that if they are fitted they have to work to pass the Mot. Alternatively they must be removed. I think I'm right.

You probably are, but I believe with some headlight types, as Doodle inferred in post #7, they are obligatory, so shouldn’t/can’t be removed.

Under the new regulations that came in a couple of years ago, inoperative washer/wiper on "normal" headlights is only classified as a minor failure. Minor failures do not constitute reason to refuse ticket so no, they don't need to work.

 

[Weds]

My W212 failed last year on headlight washers (didn't realise I had them) read the handbook which said you need to operate the screen washer about 5 times (can't remember exactly) before the headlight washers come on. Took the car back and showed them working, pass issued no problem, a bit annoyed that the didn't know about the operation of the washers (but then neither did I). Found out the wifes VW EOS has the same sort of system too.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

As above they only work when you wash the windscreen pressing the button at least 5 to 8 times . Totally stupid idea unless driving through a desert.

 

[markjay]

On my Omega the headlamp washers worked with each operation of the windscreen washer... not only did it spray half the the bonnet, but it emptied the windscreen washer reservoir in no time

I was almost tempted to switch-off the headlamps (while driving at night!) before using the windscreen washer.... but didn't.

 

[cbmsys]

MOT Testers Manual:
4.1.6. Headlamp cleaning devices
You must inspect vehicles first used on or after 1 September 2009 equipped with headlamp washers.
You can identify HID headlamps from:

• 'DCR’ mark on the headlamp lens or body
• an igniter module or inverter behind the headlamp
• taking a few seconds to reach full intensity
• a bluish tinge to the light

HID headlamps use high voltage. You should take care when inspecting these headlamps.

Defect	Category
(a) Headlamp cleaning device: (i) inoperative (ii) inoperative in the case of LED or gas discharge systems (HID)	Minor Major

So if it's registered after 1st September 2009 and has them fitted, they have to work. The only difference is that with HID or LED lamps the failure is a Major one, instead of a Minor one. Don't get me started on the nonsense about Minor/Major fails, its a fail.

As pointed about above, the MOT is completely separate to the Construction and Use regulations, (or ECE regulations) which may require the vehicle to be fitted with washers for whatever reason, the MOT test does not check to see that the vehicle meets C&U regulations. Even the DVSA Categorisation of Defects manual simply says "Headlamp washers (Where Mandatory)" so I can't comment on which vehicles require them and which don't

Also as someone mentioned above regarding Xenon conversions, the MOT testers manual is quite clear:

"Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with HID bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp. "

Nothing about LED conversions tho...

 

[cbmsys]

On my Omega the headlamp washers worked with each operation of the windscreen washer... not only did it spray half the the bonnet, but it emptied the windscreen washer reservoir in no time

I was almost tempted to switch-off the headlamps (while driving at night!) before using the windscreen washer.... but didn't.

Same on my Seantors/Carltons. They headlamp wiper (which rarely worked properly anyway)/washer operated every time you used the windscreen washer with the headlights on, and yes, it drained the tank very quickly. For some reason the pipe to the windscreen washers was 1/4" piping, while the headlight pipe was 5/8"

My (ex)W209 and W211 simply have a button next to the headlamp switch to press when you want to wash. Much simpler all round.

 

[markjay]

...My (ex)W209 and W211 simply have a button next to the headlamp switch to press when you want to wash. Much simpler all round.

Agreed. I'm guessing that some EU regulation came into effect at some point, stipulating that the headlamp washer must operate automatically.

 

[stevenicks]

Maybe this regulation could be scrapped now we have left the EU.

 

[baxlin]

Maybe this regulation could be scrapped now we have left the EU.

When the rest of the EU (and probably the world?) comply?

 

[markjay]

Maybe this regulation could be scrapped now we have left the EU.

Not sure that scrapping automatic headlamp washers is top on the government's priority list right now......

 

[stevenicks]

Hmm,you could be right about that.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Did the op try pressing screenwash several times to get headlights to wash ??

 

[firstmercedes]

Thanks for all the input on this. As a footnote, I was a shocked that on collection was advised the cost of the repair (seized washer pump) was £200. The actual part was listed as £65. I have used this little indie garage for many years with no issues so assuming it took a long time to fix.

 

[firstmercedes]

Did the op try pressing screenwash several times to get headlights to wash ??

Yes tried for a long time.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Yes tried for a long time.

Its all good now though .

 

[Sweetooth]

On a skoda superb mk2 when you switched from h/lights to s/lights h/light washers wouldn't operate,used with h/lights they would wash every 5th time.

 

[firstmercedes]

Its all good now though .

Yes, all good thanks although £200 seemed expensive

 

[Eddy77]

Our A6 squirts them every time you do the windscreen. Which is bloody annoying. Much like the rest of the car! By contrast my CLK has light washers but I have never ever even tried to use them. I have no idea if they work or not!

 

[steveskeggy]

My S-class just passed the MOT with the headlight washers disconnected!
Could be because I have removed the pump.
It could also be because the tester knew that repairing the leak is on my Loooong list of things to fix.

 

[Liam900]

I’ve just had my MOT failed for the same issue. Any suggestions how to fix?

Headlight washer

Watch "Headlight washer" on Streamable.

streamable.com

This is the video of the fault