My Rev 1 MK2 SW20 1991(possibly an import), NCT failed on having an LED flashing 3es brake light in the rear window. Very wierd because the same guy passed it on the last test (2 years ago). I think he's a bit over-keen (chatting around, I've heard rumours from a few others that my local test centre are giving lots of people hard times on non-safety items- excessive in fact).

He said I'd have to rewire it to stop it flashing, to which I replied that I'd just disconnect it- he then told me he'd fail it, if I did that.

I've just taken the light off, and definately appears to be an aftermarket item.

Would any of you guys know if my car would have actually had a 3rd brake light as a standard item?

I should add that my wiring loom does not appear to have the High Mount Stop light Green/White and White/Black cloured wires mentioned in the MR2 MK2 electrical wiring manual

brianweekes wrote:
Would any of you guys know if my car would have actually had a 3rd brake light as a standard item?

Not all Mr2's came with a 3rd brake light, does the trim on the car look standard without it, if so I would go in and push it upward to his supervisor if he get p(r)icky.

If the light is not there and one is not required then he cannot fail it.

If he says they came standard with a 3rd brake light ask him to show you where on your car it should be. Then ask his supervisor to prove the MR2 came with a 3rd brake light as standard if that doesn't work.

But that's only if you want to fight him on it, don't forget if you don't get the items cleared you may have to go for a full re-test due to dates and he will get you then!

I am sending you karma to help with the balance in the force.

I think the third brake light was only std from Rev 3 onwards? I know my one never had one and it's a 1991 like the original posters.

corkmr2 wrote:
I think the third brake light was only std from Rev 3 onwards? I know my one never had one and it's a 1991 like the original posters.

The fact your '91 didn;t have one is very encouraging CorkMR2, thanks!

That NCT tester got cocky with me and said he once owned an MR2 and as far as he knew, they all had them- and would fail me if I didn't (makes me so angry). Any further support you have or info would be appreciated, I can't seem to find anything on the internet. I'd love to prove him wrong.

I don't want to re-wire my 3rd brake light just to keep that guy happy, would rather remove it, then put it back aftewards.

Cheers

Ouch sounds like the guy doubles as a 'parking nazi' in his spare time...

Is there another NCT test centre you can get to?

I've asked around the town, and apparently this chap (assume its the same guy) has a reputation for being unreasonable, with some of them preferring to take their cars to the Limerick NCT test centre instead, so they get treated fairly.

Ben from www.mr2-ben.co.uk was helpful on email today, he took my chassis number and confirmed its actually a 12/90 import black T-bar rev1 G-Limited 3SGE manual engine, and would have come with a 3rd brake light as standard. I'm going to order one and fit that. Its crap really because common sense is to just disconnect, rear window brake lights are not required by law!

The problem is reporting an NCT centre for being too harsh is no drama for the operator of the centres, they will be thankfull its not being too leanient.