Does the Traction Control Light Fail the MOT?
Among many other testing procedures, the UK MOT test now includes a dashboard warning light visual check. This process involves the examiner visually checking warning lights relating to:
- Safety restraint systems: including airbag and SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning lights
- Tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) warning light
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning lights
- Electronic Stability Control
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), also known as Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and possibly other forms of vehicle stability systems (depending on the vehicle manufacturer) often incorporate the traction control system.
The warning malfunction symbol for these stability systems may vary, again depending on the manufacturer and the MOT examiner is required to check to ensure it’s inclusive of the vehicle’s stability system. On the examiners part, this may require reference to the car owner’s manual if one is available.
If traction control is equipped on the vehicle, the MOT examiner will not test the system directly, but will observe telltale warning lights, or the absence of any light at all – whichever the case may be.
If the traction control fault light (or related stability system lamps) is on, the vehicle will fail the MOT. To be specific, the reasons for rejection / failure is that a warning light:
- is missing
- does not illuminate
- indicates a fault
