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[hhewland]

Vehicle details:

1) Model: Wrangler TJ
2) Year: 2005
3) Engine: 4.0L (Automatic Transmission)
4) Fuel: Petrol
5) Trim: sport X
6) Country of Origin: USA (LHD)

I've just imported my Jeep Wrangler from the States and need to pass an MOT test before I can register it here as a used vehicle. But, I've got a feeling it is going to fail with front headlamp issues. Currently when the headlights are on the front indicators also light up to show a steady amber light. When I indicate they flash (obviously) but when I'm not indicating they are permanently on together with the headlamps. As the MOT handbook requires me to have all front facing lamps emitting white light I need to make sure this amber light only comes on when I indicate. I don't know much about autoelectircs but I'm assuming this will involve cutting a wire or two, I just need to be sure that I won't be cutting off the ability to indicate as well. Please help!
Best,
Harry Hewland (hhewland@gmail.com)

[doublej]

if its like the earlier TJs they rewire half the damn lights to make it pass. your best bet would be to take it to someone. i know on mine they had to run extra wires from the front to the back and play with alot of the front wires.

[Dave69]

you shouldn't have a problem with the indicators being permenantly on, never know a yank car or us import bike to fail with the indicators permenantly on. they can be altered to suit if needed. they have a third wire feed to give the permenant light which then also allows the light to flash when being used. the correct headlamps will need to be fitted

[Mike Pavelin]

2005 is too late to register a US import with just an MoT test, it will have to undergo a full IVA inspection.
For a tidy job on a TJ you will need to get:

2 E marked RHD 7" headlamp units with sidelights. (For obvious reasons)
2 Europe spec wing repeater lenses. (They stick out because they have to be visible from behind)
2 Europe spec tail light clusters. (because you need orange rear indicators)
1 rear fog lamp and switch with illuminated telltale. (you have to have one)
1 number plate lamp. (Because the Euro tail lamps don't have one built in)

You will have to:
Disconnect the amber running light wires and use them for your new white sidelights.
Fit the new headlamps, wire in the sidelights and set the alignment properly.
Fit the Euro spec repeater lenses, you can rewire so they dont come on except when indicating but it isn't strictly necessary.
Fit the rear fog lamp to the offside and wire in.
Fit the European tail lamps, rewire the brake lights to work independantly of the indicators.
Fit the number plate lamp.

Everything else should comply, For IVA purposes, DOT and SAE markings are acceptable for things like tyres which normally have to be E marked.

[hhewland]

it has actually passed its IVA test Mike. The inspector noted the the problem of the indicators remaining on with he headlamps but he let it slide coz I'd had all the other work done. I had a rear fog light fitted and rewired the indicators. the plate holder has a light which comes on with the headlamps. I just fear that my MOT inspector might not be as lenient with the permanent amber light because the MOT test manual says:

1.1 Front and Rear Posiiton Lamps
Reasons for failure:
a. A front position lamp shows a light other than white to the front, (or yellow if incorporated in a yellow headlamp)
b. A rear position lamp shows a light other than red to the rear.

[Mike Pavelin]

The only lamps testable under the MoT test are 'obligitory' lamps. At the front that is; 2 white position lamps, 2 dipped headlamps, 2 main headlamps, 2 amber indicators and 2 wing repeaters. if you have a dozen purple fairy lights in the grill it don't matter 'cos it ain't part of the test to check for purple fairy lights. In the same way. the manual only stipulates that the indicators have to be the correct colour and flash at a certain rate. It doesn't stipulate if they have to go on off on off on off.... or off on off on off on....  However, if the indicators are illuminated at half brightness when the lights are on (as is usually the case with US TJs) by the 5 Watt filament in the 5/21 Watt bulb it might be worth just snipping the wire in case you get a plonker testing it who doesn't know how to apply the rules. The wire is black and yellow on both sides.

[Jonny Jeep]

Hi harry replied to the post on jeepey.com earlier.

Side light wire changed to from black/yellow to white/yellow in 05.

I have my amber front lamps wired US style and have no problems. You should be fine if you have headlamps with marker light bulbs in them.