ABS Warning Light - Is it an automatic MOT Failure ?

[mikeyboy]

I really don't get why anyone can recommend ripping out an ABS system.....(if you want a shit bike why not buy one in the first place?)

Maybe some folk don't want to spunk over a grand having it repaired?

 

[Rushy]

Yes it is. And no it should not have. An empty screenwash IS an instant MOT failure, yes, not only that but its one of THE most common failures!. It is also your legal responsability to make sure you have enough screenwash in your vehicle for your journey and you can face penalties for having no screenwash. Yes this is extraordinarily unlikely, but it is the law. Quick google check leads me to this...http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2583943/Easy-fix-MoT-failures-cost-thousands-Poorly-placed-stickers-windscreens-screen-wash-ridiculous-reasons-cars-failing.html

Also, as of 2012 any warning light can lead to an MOT failure, this was a European initiative brought in Europe wide. It has taken a while for the legal side of things to take effect in the UK, but i believe they took effect in 2013/14. My vehicle failed its MOT for a air bag warning light, despite the airbag being disconnected and no airbag present. My truck failed its plating for an Engine Oil Light warning, and that was a dodgy sensor.

There are many MOT stations that pass vehicles that technically should not pass, I have had cars pass with bald tyres, Motorcycles with straight through noisy exhausts and semi slick race tyres. This doesnt mean they arent MOT failures, just not so great testing stations.

You are not seriously using an article from the Daily Mail as a point of fact are you?
As I said if you have an Abs warning light or an Airbag warning light then that will be a Fail . A warning light for low screen wash it not the same as having no screenwash. However, you stated that if you have ANY warning light on then its and instant fail and I can assure you it isn't.
if you read that article it is vague and implies that a warning light can be a failure which it can be BUT it ain't an instant failure because it depends what it is. In my case it was a sensor to do with the emmisions that causes the standard engine warning light to be on and the tester assured me that it not a failure , unless of course it failed the emmisions test....Unless you are a fully qualified MOT tester and not just a Daily Mail reader then I"ll go with the professionals advice if that's OK ?

 

[DervMan]

Maybe some folk don't want to spunk over a grand having it repaired?

I agree! ABS is a great safety aid. Mine ABS light was on solid, as described at the top of the thread. I took the pump off and cleaned the bushes, and it's been fine since. There are numerous YouTube videos explaining the process.

 

[lawvar]

Mikeboy have you a little spelling error in your answer ?

Or its it a mechanics technique?

Hope your not going to show us that one !

 

[g00ner]

The brushes in your ABS motor have stuck in their holders. I suspect the low battery has caused them to "arc" and a high spot is holding them in place so they can't contact the commutator.... Take the righthand side tank panel off then with a long drift hit the ABS motor (the part you have to hit is black approx the size and shape of a paint aerosol lid. This should free the brushes.. It may need a few more hits over the days/weeks depending on how bad the high spots are.

Top fault finding

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

I really don't get why anyone can recommend ripping out an ABS system.....(if you want a shit bike why not buy one in the first place?)

£1200 repair on a bike that value and age isn't a good deal. Just exactly how does loosing abs make a bike shit unless you don't know how to ride of course. I have it on my new bike but in 31 years of riding I have never needed it, not once.

 

[Ram]

You are not seriously using an article from the Daily Mail as a point of fact are you?
As I said if you have an Abs warning light or an Airbag warning light then that will be a Fail . A warning light for low screen wash it not the same as having no screenwash. However, you stated that if you have ANY warning light on then its and instant fail and I can assure you it isn't.
if you read that article it is vague and implies that a warning light can be a failure which it can be BUT it ain't an instant failure because it depends what it is. In my case it was a sensor to do with the emmisions that causes the standard engine warning light to be on and the tester assured me that it not a failure , unless of course it failed the emmisions test....Unless you are a fully qualified MOT tester and not just a Daily Mail reader then I"ll go with the professionals advice if that's OK ?

Just because its an article from the daily mail doesn't immediately make it wrong!

Heres one i found from the Telegraph if it makes you feel better: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/financialservices/insurance/car-warranty/11675581/Is-your-car-MoT-ready.html

Here it is from the AA, explaining the reasons why these changes have been brought in, as i already stated, its a European wide change...http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/car-servicing-repair/mot-changes-2012.html

Here is an article explaining the legality of driving with no screenwash, or not enough to cover your journey (As in a similar law regarding Fuel on a motorway) http://www.whatcar.com/News/Detail?tag=what-car-q-and-a&pageTag=is-driving-without-screenwash-illegal&articleID=218595

As to my being a "Daily Mail Reader", as it happens i am not, it was simply the first article i found on the internet which supported what i already knew and i couldn't really be bothered to trawl around and find anything else. However, it might interest you to know that i am still a registered CBT1-C DAS instructor and was a DSA Examiner, and as such i stay very current with legislation. I am actually ahead of the legislation as i am pre-warned far ahead of the actual changes, so it is possible some of the changes of which i am aware of have not actually made it through yet.

To that end, i have made a call, and it has been pointed out to me that as of now, an ABS warning light on a motorcycle is an advisory only unless it affects the braking performance of the vehicle (Personally i believe this should be considered affected as default), this being left to the testers opinion and could still be a fail, and also must be brought to the attention of the owner.

 

[Bendy toy]

Oh dear here we go again

 

[Rushy]

Just because its an article from the daily mail doesn't immediately make it wrong!

You may need to stop taking things literally and read what I said a bit more carefully. I never said because it's in the Daily Maily it's immediately wrong I said it shouldn't be relied upon as fact. I have nothing against the Daily Mail, it's papers in general.
I learnt a longtime ago that if you read a journalistic article about a subject which you have strong personal knowledge then you will usually find sensationalised headlines that are often misleading, many small , and often large, inacuraracies in the article and vague statements / generalisations partially based on fact.

Also you may be aware of proposed changes that may have not happened yet but can I assume by your definition they may not actually happen then ?

In my original post I only wished to correct you when you stated that ANY warning light is an instant failure. Based on your recent posts it seems like you are now willing to concede that was incorrect so all is good.

Anyhow I don't wish to argue with you as it serves no purpose for the OP or you and I

 

[Bendy toy]

£1200 repair on a bike that value and age isn't a good deal. Just exactly how does loosing abs make a bike shit unless you don't know how to ride of course. I have it on my new bike but in 31 years of riding I have never needed it, not once.

The ABS motor can be repaired with new brushes without too much work. There are videos on YouTube to show how. Remanufactured and used ABS units are way less costly than brand new OEM parts so "age of the bike" is a non issue.

A bike with front end suspension that gives less feedback (than most) on the limit really needs the ABS system. Only the lazy will pay BMW >£1200 for an easy repair.

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

The ABS motor can be repaired with new brushes without too much work. There are videos on YouTube to show how. Remanufactured and used ABS units are way less costly than brand new OEM parts so "age of the bike" is a non issue.

A bike with front end suspension that gives less feedback (than most) on the limit really needs the ABS system. Only the lazy will pay BMW >£1200 for an easy repair.

It doesn't need it at all. I drove my GSA for 6 years without abs and never locked it up.

The difference here is between need and want. If the OP wants to keep the abs and wants to spend the money then fine. He isn't going to fall off the first time he hits the brakes or any time after if he knows how to ride. It's not like he is jumping out of a plane without a parachute. The bike isn't going to turn into a smoldering pile of shit either.

 

[s8360pilot]

hi guys im new here, if its any help to you, on a motorcycle, ABS lamp ( on/lit cons/ indicating fault ) is NOT a mandatory fail,unless it is also below the brake stopping limit, brake test will confirm that, if brakes are locking, or above the limit set then, its an item to be advised to the presenter, and passed and advised, VOSA are the ones that lay down the rules to the testers, who then test and then pass/fail. On a car/van/truck, eg, class ,4,5a,7, its a fail. i hope this helps, great site, love all the new stuff i am learning.Les.