Are you prepared for the new MOT changes from 2012?….

From 1st January this year, The Department for Transport added a number of new mandatory test items to the annual MOT, to comply with a revised European testing directive and in respect of MIL ( warning lights ) the following statement applies:-

“Illumination of malfunction indicator light (MIL) for electronic power steering, electronic stability control, electronic park brake control, brake fluid warning lamp, tyre pressure monitoring system and air bag/ pre‑tensioner“

As well as electronic parking brake and electronic stability control warning lights (where fitted), the MOT test will also include checks for the correct function of the following, where fitted;

- Headlight main beam warning light

- Electronic power steering warning light

- Brake fluid level warning light

- Tyre pressure monitoring system warning light

- Air bag warning light

- Seat belt pre-tensioner warning light

These changes (along with several others) will be “advisory” during the period January - March 2012, following which they will then become compulsory failures.

Help is at hand to prepare for these changes, with the recently launched TPMS Tester – An all-makes service tool that covers Sensor Activation, Sensor Checking and Sensor Replacement. 

For those looking for a more comprehensive tool – the SPe Electronic Service Tool works with ease on modern vehicles with electronically controlled service functions – including Service Light / Service Module Reset, Power / Electronic Steering Controls and Brake & Clutch Bleeding.

Full details of the new mandatory test items can be see in the 2012 MOT Inspection Manual

New Promo Brochure – Available Now!

Over the last few weeks we have been busy working on the next Special Offers & New Products promo brochure and we are pleased to announce that this is available now! CLICK HERE  

The brochure features a mixture of new products and supplier brands including Power Probe – A new testing range that is suitable for a number of requirements, for example Relay, Circuit and Harness testing.  Also on offer is a new range of Battery Chargers from our friends at Keepower – Intelligent Battery Care that covers testing, charging and boosting.

The existing SPe – Electronic System Tester now includes new software options - available as an Electronic Service tool for the workshop AND an Electronic Bodywork tool for the bodyshop.

Other new additions include braking, suspension, servicing and workshop tools – So be one of the first to take a look at the new brochure – Available to view and download HERE

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) Regeneration

Date: 29/03/2011

Time: 11.12am

Location: Vehicle Investigations Unit - SP Headquarters

Problem: Blocked DPF on a Peugeot 307 HDI

As you may know, DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration, continental name for task FAP (Filter Anti-Particulate) regeneration is a modern electronic service task relating to a number of later diesel vehicles. Basically, it is the forced cleaning of a filter inside the exhaust system that catches and traps soot and dependant on driving styles, it can self clean but often the filter can still become blocked, causing a dash light warning to come on advising urgent action.

First things first, all system errors, faults or trouble codes must be read, rectified where present and cleared for this to occur, so use the SPe to do this, (if on a vehicle fitted with a fuel additive tank – top up the tank with fluid and electronically reset the counter & reset codes for low additive level first). Then find a clear or open space, select the DPF/FAP regeneration service task on the SPe and follow the info on screen that will guide you through the process.

It will ask for at least ¼ tank of fuel to undertake the task, a hot engine and you supply the patience; you enter the task and then the tool takes over, gradually loading up and revving the engine – which builds up terrific heat and pressure in the exhaust system and burns the blockage internally out of the filter. Information appears on the screen letting you know what’s going to happen – so you just wait for 10 minutes or so for the process to be completed. However, please ensure no other vehicle (or valuable item) is close to the exhaust tailpipe – the output during this phase can burn paint away!

Verdict: Case closed – Problem solved by Professor Rob