Side light bulb - possible garage ripp off

[patb]

Just failed MOT on single issue, front sidelight. Told it was a "bumper off job", my understanding is that accessed is gained via the wheel arch. could this be a genuine error on their part or attempt to rip me off?

[Beanbag]

Had the same issue with our MK1 , but our garage just changed the bulb rather than fail the MOT

[patb]

I've asked them for a written quote

[c.lday44]

Just failed MOT on single issue, front sidelight. Told it was a "bumper off job", my understanding is that accessed is gained via the wheel arch. could this be a genuine error on their part or attempt to rip me off?

It's not fully bumper off but you do need to unclip and dislodge the bumper to access the bolts holding the headlight in. Slide the headlight forward, swap the bulb, and put it all back. That said, it's 4 clips across the top of the bumper, and two screws in the arch liner... not hard to do, the bumper just kind of unhooks from under the headlight, might need some wiggling. Took me 1/2 an hour tops. Definitely one to do yourself if you have a pair of screwdrivers (flathead to remove the clips carefully, phillips for the actual screws) and maybe a socket set, can't remember.

[Lord Voltermore]

It possible an mot garage might change a sidelight bulb immediately  as a goodwill gesture, at minimal cost, or even free of charge if you carry a spare bulb , but only if its a really quick and easy.  Its increasingly common that   front bulbs, especially headlight bulbs  , need some dismantling  to access .

  I think the  mk 1 side light can be accessed by partly unclipping the inner wheel arch liner  . Technically not difficult but one or more plastic trim fixing  plugs may break  and  need to be replaced.Not a problem if you have correct type of replacement clips  available.   And the knowledge of exactly how to do it on a comparatively uncommon car.     I'm not surprised they were reluctant.   



 

[Kremmen]

I've always had a service and MOT done at the same time specifying I want the service first

That way they should spot and correct anything prior to the MOT

[patb]

Thanks for the replies, I used a couple of strong cable ties to pull and hold down the inner wheel arch, it gives better cleareance and saves the plastic edge scratching your arm as you feel inside the well. All fixed :-), retest next week

[guest334]

Good tip with cable ties, MOT 75% failures mostly electrical,
Plus split wiper blades -  the fav bulb to miss the rear number plate .
Very few garages recognise customer service and a pre MOT check during service are carried out by those nearly or past retirement age.