Headlights — adjustment
Note: The headlights must be aimed correctly. If adjusted incorrectly they could blind the driver of an oncoming vehicle and cause a serious accident or seriously reduce your ability to see the road. The headlights should be checked for proper aim every 12 months and any time a new headlight is installed or front-end body work is performed. It should be emphasized that the following procedure is only an interim step which will provide temporary adjustment until the headlights can be adjusted by a properly equipped shop.
Note: Some models are equipped with a headlight leveling system. This adjustment procedure will not apply. Have the headlights adjusted by a dealer service department or other qualified repair shop.
1. These models have one adjustment screw located on the back of each headlight housing.
2. Insert a Phillips screwdriver into the gear-drive mechanism to turn the screw (see illustrations).
17.2a Models with halogen bulbs have only one vertical adjuster that can be accessed from above using a long Phillips screwdriver
17.2b On models with Xenon bulbs, there are two adjusters that can be accessed from the back of the headlight housing
3. There are several methods of adjusting the headlights. The simplest method requires masking tape, a blank wall and a level floor.
4. Position masking tape vertically on the wall in reference to the vehicle centerline and the centerlines of both headlights (see illustration).
17.4 Headlight adjustment details
5. Position a horizontal tape line in reference to the centerline of all the headlights.
Note: It may be easier to position the tape on the wall with the vehicle parked only a few inches away.
6. Adjustment should be made with the vehicle parked 25 feet from the wall, sitting level, the gas tank half-full and no unusually heavy load in the vehicle.
7. Starting with the low beam adjustment, position the high intensity zone so it is two inches below the horizontal line and two inches to the side of the headlight vertical line away from oncoming traffic. Adjustment is made by turning the vertical adjusting screw to raise or lower the beam. The horizontal adjusting screw should be used in the same manner to move the beam left or right.
8. With the high beams on, the high intensity zone should be vertically centered with the exact center just below the horizontal line.
Note: It may not be possible to position the headlight aim exactly for both high and low beams. If a compromise must be made, keep in mind that the low beams are the most used and have the greatest effect on driver safety.
9. Have the headlights adjusted by a dealer service department or service station at the earliest opportunity