Happy new MOT? Test now includes warning light check

As of the 1 January 2012 the MoT Test will incorporate a malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) check. This will call for the examiner to visually check that warnings lights for ESP, SRS, ABS and TPMS are not permanently illuminated. This will come into effect from 1 January but will be highlighted as an advisory item only until 31 March. From 1 April onwards, vehicles will fail an MOT if these lights are illuminated. Warnings lights or MIL that are to be noted if illuminated include ESP; Electronic Stability Programme, SRS; Safety Restraint System, ABS; Anti-Locking Brake System, and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

Although diagnostic kit is not required to carry out the visual check of these warning lights, a diagnostic scan tool can read the fault code and establish the precise problem, allowing garages to then fix the fault and proceed to reset the warning light.  Therefore having a diagnostic tool can aid garages in two essential ways. One, in terms of customer service, so garages can at least highlight the precise problem to customer.  Also for garages that repair and service in addition to MoT increased revenue can be generated from locating, fixing and resetting faults without sending the car to a diagnostic specialist.  

Amongst numerous others Omitec, offers a product that fits the bill for this.  The OmiCheck Service features a menu system that allows technicians to locate ABS, SRS (Airbag), Climate Control, Electronic Park Brake, Service Reset, Steering Angle Sensor and Tyre Pressure Monitoring faults.

The OmiCheck Service is fully upgradable to the full diagnostic suite, OmiCheck Professional, and both have the advantage of never switching off. OmiCheck Professional has all of the servicing capabilities of the OmiCheck Service tool but also covers some in depth diagnostic applications on a wide range vehicle manufactures with such as Seat Electrics, Climate Control, Injector Configuration, Engine Management, Body Control Unit, Electronic Suspension, Transmission, Key/Remote Programming, Steering, Park Distance Sensors, Particulate Filter, Security & Lighting to name but a few.