Hi my car has just failed it’s mot because the levelling switch does not make the lights change the beam angle to compensate when towing etc anyone else had this issue and how did you fix it? 
thanks in advance 

Darren 

1 hour ago, TangoDaz said:

Hi my car has just failed it’s mot because the levelling switch does not make the lights change the beam angle to compensate when towing etc anyone else had this issue and how did you fix it? 
thanks in advance 

Darren 

Nope, wasn't aware that a 'leveling device' was even tested in an MOT! I'd just ensure that the headlamp beam was professionally adjusted as is, and re submit...

Thanks mate. Probably all I can do 

Levelling switch on an ST3?  Don't you have Xenon's as standard?

(PS - Both manual and automatic levelling are tested for MOT - manual level switch must be operated from the drivers seat.)

None xenon but still not working 

29 minutes ago, TangoDaz said:

None xenon but still not working 

Which car is this for?  Year and model?

1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

(PS - Both manual and automatic levelling are tested for MOT - manual level switch must be operated from the drivers seat.)

Must be different in NI, I have never had a 'leveling switch' tested in an MOT... All they do is switch headlamps on, put them on the beam tester, and switch off again.

39 minutes ago, StephenFord said:

Must be different in NI, I have never had a 'leveling switch' tested in an MOT... All they do is switch headlamps on, put them on the beam tester, and switch off again.

4.1.5. Levelling devices

Make sure any manual headlamp levelling devices (driver controls) work by:

• switching on the dipped beam headlamps
• operating the manual levelling device
• checking that the headlamp beams move up and down
• returning the levelling device control to its original position

Defect	Category
(a) Headlamp levelling device inoperative	Major
(b) Manual levelling device cannot be operated from the driver’s seat	Major

7 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

4.1.5. Levelling devices

Make sure any manual headlamp levelling devices (driver controls) work by:

• switching on the dipped beam headlamps
• operating the manual levelling device
• checking that the headlamp beams move up and down
• returning the levelling device control to its original position

Defect	Category
(a) Headlamp levelling device inoperative	Major
(b) Manual levelling device cannot be operated from the driver’s seat	Major

Like I said, have MOTd cars here for 40+ years, never had to do that once... Obviously it's not part of the test here, OR, it is just ignored.

MOT requirements have changed a lot in 40 years lol!  This is a fairly recent addition in the UK though, possibly part of the 2018 overhaul if not more recent.  I wouldn't be surprised if it gets added to the NI requirements within the next few years. 

33 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

...  I wouldn't be surprised if it gets added to the NI requirements within the next few years. 

Good to know, My Focus went through MOT 2 months ago, and no 'leveling', and mum's car goes through in November, luckily, despite her Yaris being 22 years old, the leveling control looks to work just fine...

4 hours ago, StephenFord said:

Like I said, have MOTd cars here for 40+ years, never had to do that once... Obviously it's not part of the test here, OR, it is just ignored.

My money is now on it being ignored! LOL Big scandal breaking here on MOT emissions test for diesels being ignored for 17 years 😂

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/mot-tests-diesel-cars-before-27749929

16 minutes ago, StephenFord said:

MOT emissions test for diesels being ignored for 17 years

These things take time to implement. A government body can't be expected to just do things overnight 🤣🤣 

Hi - in the same position as OP.

Manual headlight adjustment doesn't work and subsequently failed MOT. Tester has sent me on to talk to electrician as they will not repair, but I am largely assured that it can be fixed without putting it in the shop (and costing cash).

Two things that make me think this 1) Front bumper has been replaced (by professional) since last MOT, so could have been connected up wrong? 2) There has been a leak (now fixed) which has got into part of the electrics and I had to dry it out to even get remote locking working once. So could still be some moisture in there that needs sorting?

This model does not have auto level, so that is not the issue, it has failed on the manual switch having no impact on the the angle of the beam when adjusted.

I've pulled the switch out and had a look at that and no indication that there is moisture in there, looks to be in order. My attention is now on the headlight assembly, what part of this is responsible for the headlight beam adjustment. I've also checked the fuses and they're fine. Any advice would be really welcomed! There is nothing else wrong with the car and no other indication of damp damage.

Reading the above, I wonder if I've just been caught out by the recent changes, can't say i've ever noticed the switch working and was suprised this came up as an issue. Could it have been broken the whole time? Still doesn't change the fact I have to fix it haha.

 

2012 Focus

38 minutes ago, woss said:

Hi - in the same position as OP.

Manual headlight adjustment doesn't work and subsequently failed MOT. Tester has sent me on to talk to electrician as they will not repair, but I am largely assured that it can be fixed without putting it in the shop (and costing cash).

Two things that make me think this 1) Front bumper has been replaced (by professional) since last MOT, so could have been connected up wrong? 2) There has been a leak (now fixed) which has got into part of the electrics and I had to dry it out to even get remote locking working once. So could still be some moisture in there that needs sorting?

This model does not have auto level, so that is not the issue, it has failed on the manual switch having no impact on the the angle of the beam when adjusted.

I've pulled the switch out and had a look at that and no indication that there is moisture in there, looks to be in order. My attention is now on the headlight assembly, what part of this is responsible for the headlight beam adjustment. I've also checked the fuses and they're fine. Any advice would be really welcomed! There is nothing else wrong with the car and no other indication of damp damage.

Reading the above, I wonder if I've just been caught out by the recent changes, can't say i've ever noticed the switch working and was suprised this came up as an issue. Could it have been broken the whole time? Still doesn't change the fact I have to fix it haha.

 

2012 Focus

On the Mk3 Focus, the headlight level motor is not available separately and does not have an additional plug.  So we can rule out being connected wrong.

Moisture in the GEM could have damaged the wiring.  Though that seems unlikely if everything else works since drying out.

I think the first thing to check is voltage on the levelling wire at the headlight plug on both sides.

Thanks for response - sounded straightforward, but can't seem to locate which pin is responsible for the levelling and haven't come up with a pin diagram for the headlights on mk3 and none of them are showing low/no volts. One "interesting" thing I also noticed was that the screws for adjusting the headlight with allen key don't seem to do much, wondering if that is the issue now.

As you said there only seems to be one way in and out of the headlight, so can't see much opportunity for it to go wrong, which is why I'm it's more and more baffling. I'm giving in and getting an electrician in for it. Thanks for your help.