MOT Fail Monaro VXR 6.0

[muddyfox]

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction.
Just had the local Vauxhall garage on the telephone telling me that my Monaro has failed it's MOT because of the above said fault. The engine management light does not illuminate when you switch the ignition on before starting the engine. I have to say I have never noticed if it did come on before or not and now this is now classed as an MOT fail.
I see that from a quick look on the net that some other brands of older cars have warning lights that don't illuminate unless there is an actual fault.
I wonder if any of you guys could have a look at your dash or post a picture to help me know if there is some sort of fault or not.
Thanks in advance and any advice would be most welcome.

[Lincsls1]

I have just checked my 04VXR for you and my car also does NOT bring an EML on before starting the car.
I have 4 warning lights initially that all go out after a few seconds of the ignition being on...

ABS / brakes (assume fluid level) / Seatbelt / Airbags. Obviously the battery light is also on but stays on until started.

Contest the result, get it changed to a pass.

Edited by Lincsls1 on Tuesday 1st October 18:36

[Lincsls1]

The owners manual doesn't even refer to it, not that I can see or find anywhere!

[RipGMH]

I don’t think mine does it either, will check later on tonight.

If Vauxhall insist it’s a fault get to explain the fix, seeing and they should have the oem workshop manual

[throwyourbike]

Pretty sure mine is the same.

[RipGMH]

Just went and started mine for you. Same as Lincsls1 minus the battery light symbol.

If I leave ignition on, without starting the car, all lights switch off (handbrake off, seat belt on).

The engine light is on the right of the battery light, I’ve never seen this come on and only had the text ‘check engine’ or ‘service vehicle soon’ display on the digital display.

If Vauxhall don’t believe you, here is two YouTube of some Aussies cars ? You could find more by searching vz reset service reminder.

https://youtu.be/tl-kVeI6HLA
https://youtu.be/3y8WPeeCXEs

Safe to say they won’t be seeing your car again!

[JimV8]

They’re all like this. I had this also when my LS2 VXR had its service and MOT at Walkinshaw (MOT done at the local garage). I think that there has been a recent change to the MOT requirement. Walkinshaw had to show the MOT tester another Monaro to prove that it was normal.

[Lincsls1]

JimV8 - You had my old silver LS2 after Nick I believe?

So glad I have a 'sensible' MOT tester!

[RipGMH]

JimV8 said:

I think that there has been a recent change to the MOT requirement. Walkinshaw had to show the MOT tester another Monaro to prove that it was normal.

Your correct. Just found this https://conversation.which.co.uk/motoring/new-mot-...

[JimV8]

Yeah, it’s your old one. Hopefully the MOT tester will know for next time. The fails on the MOT history tick me right off.

[L2VXR]

I can't check it on mine at the moment but isnt there a self test mode on the engineer mode menu that illuminates all the lights and checks the dials.

[Lincsls1]

JimV8 said:

Yeah, it’s your old one. Hopefully the MOT tester will know for next time. The fails on the MOT history tick me right off.

Dam, that look well! I got that car to a really good standard before selling it on.
How's it doing?

[maccavvy]

iirc they dont have a check engine light... ive never seen one.. just the digital display as above.
a good sign that Vauxhall dont know their own cars again .

[RipGMH]

L2VXR said:

I can't check it on mine at the moment but isnt there a self test mode on the engineer mode menu that illuminates all the lights and checks the dials.

Yes they do, see the video I linked. If you watch it though the check engine light does not come on when the lights are tested, it is right of the battery light. Interestingly I’ve seen a YouTube clip where it’s on - car wouldn’t not start

[muddyfox]

Hello again,
Great news to report that now my car has passed it's MOT.
The dealership contacted Walkinshaw Performance and the DVSA about the MIL light issue and now the matter is resolved. The light does not illuminate as you guys have already confirmed so all I can say is a great big thank you to you all for your assistance and such a quick response.
I'll be due you lot a beer or two if your up this neck of the woods.

[JimV8]

Lincsls1 said:

JimV8 said:

Yeah, it’s your old one. Hopefully the MOT tester will know for next time. The fails on the MOT history tick me right off.

Dam, that look well! I got that car to a really good standard before selling it on.
How's it doing?

I’ve had it now for four years and its never missed a beat. Got lucky I think in getting a sound one as I didn’t know as much as I do now about the potential problem areas.

Planning to do all of the underside and subframes with epoxymastic at some point. Just had a complete set of stainless brake and fuel hard lines arrive today to go on as well. Other than that I’d like to get the paint corrected and probably go back to silver on some of the black bits.

It leads a very pampered existence and will someday make it back to Australia with me.

[RipGMH]

muddyfox said:

Hello again,
Great news to report that now my car has passed it's MOT.

I'll be due you lot a beer or two if your up this neck of the woods.

Great news! I’ll take you up on that beer one day!

JimV8 said:

It leads a very pampered existence and will someday make it back to Australia with me.

Where in Oz Jim? Mine will be heading to SA in a year or two.

It’ll be attending the Vic Monaro Nationals which apparently is well supported

[vxr2010]

Hi Jim , i tried to pm you but it does not allow you , where did you source your brake and fuel lines from please ? cheers chris

[JimV8]

RipGMH said:

muddyfox said:

Hello again,
Great news to report that now my car has passed it's MOT.

I'll be due you lot a beer or two if your up this neck of the woods.

Great news! I’ll take you up on that beer one day!

JimV8 said:

It leads a very pampered existence and will someday make it back to Australia with me.

Where in Oz Jim? Mine will be heading to SA in a year or two.

It’ll be attending the Vic Monaro Nationals which apparently is well supported

I’m from Brisbane originally but the family has since moved to Canberra. So probably down that way. I fancy the Southern Highlands. Not to far from the Monaro Highway!

[JimV8]

vxr2010 said:

Hi Jim , i tried to pm you but it does not allow you , where did you source your brake and fuel lines from please ? cheers chris

Should be able to PM now. I’ll send you the details. They come for the US and are for the Pontiac GTO. Someone on the FB page is currently fitting them and seems pleased so far. So I thought I’d give them a go also. They arrived yesterday and I’m impressed with the quality and that they are stainless steel. I was originally going to make my own. Looking at the complexity I’m glad I didn’t go that route. They only difference to our cars is the position of the master cylinder so two of the lines will need shortening.