ESP Switch Issue

[paul6316]

My LCR is due it's MOT in March and I have read that there are new stricter rules regarding certain things in the MOT. My issue is that the light on the instument panel does not light up when I press the ESP button. I know the bulb on the panel is working as the ESP light comes on when you turn the key and also when the wheels are spinning (on gravel or in the wet etc) so I also assume that the ESP itself is working. The switch also lights up red when I turn on the headlights so I assume power is going to it.

My questions are two fold;

Firstly is it an MOT failure if the ESP button is pressed and the panel light doesn't light

and secondly how could I check that the switch is working

Thanks in advance

 

[frannyb]

dont think they will check that to be honest mot just if your car is road worthy and safe

 

[andycupra]

not an issue.

there are many rumours regards the new test that simply are not true.

even if ESP was on permanently i dont think its a fail. yours seems to be you cant turn off a safety device in anycase so its not a problem.

 

[Muttley]

paul6316 wrote

My issue is that the light on the instument panel does not light up when I press the ESP button. I know the bulb on the panel is working as the ESP light comes on when you turn the key and also when the wheels are spinning (on gravel or in the wet etc) so I also assume that the ESP itself is working. ​

It's an LED not a bulb. Your tests indicate that it is working, and so is the ESP unit.

The switch also lights up red when I turn on the headlights so I assume power is going to it.​

Switch illumination is completely independent of switch function.

Firstly is it an MOT failure if the ESP button is pressed and the panel light doesn't light ​

Generally, if items are fitted then they have to work. In your case, ESP is on all the time and it looks like you can't switch it off. The light in the dash cluster is supposed to come on when you press the switch to tell you that you've disabled a safety feature. A very zealous tester may argue that the switch should function, but it isn't something that is specifically tested.

Does pressing the button actually cause the ESP to stop working? I think it is most likely that the switch has broken.

and secondly how could I check that the switch is working​

Take it out and test for function using a continuity tester.