How Do You Adjust Headlights??

[BluBite]

I need to adjust my headlights.

Can somebody explain how to do it?? And is it easy to do??

THANKS!!!!!!!

 

[Russ M]

You need to pull off the front inner fender, and then remove the headlight back cover. Once that is done there are screwes that need to be turned to make the adjustments.

I am not sure which screw does what, have not played with mine in a while.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

To remove the inner fender, there are plastic finger screws (6 for each side). If they've been there a while they may break. If they do, you'll need a #7 drill (or anything smaller than 0.20") to clean out the hole and a 1/4-20 tap. The originals are 0.75" long; I used socket head cap screws and 1/4" fender washers to replace the broken ones.

To remove the back of the headlight, there are 3 wingnuts that come off and one thumbscrew that does not. Loosen the thumbscrew until it dangles. If it's the first time ever you'd had it off, you will have to pry off the back because of the glue/sealer they used. The inboard end of the back cover will likely get caught on the hood spring, so plan on wiggling a lot.

The adjusting screws are 4mm hex heads. (Really small!) They are located at the inboard end and in the middle.

I just did all this; I'd advise seeing if all 12 finger screws can be loosened before you start. A screwdriver will be needed to pry the back cover off. If you don't want the cover scratched up, put lots of tape on the inboard end near the hood coiled spring. Good luck.

 

[VPRVENM97]

Repost from the HID thread...

BJH1,

Here are some pics that I posted awhile back. They may be of some help to you during your install. Pretty simple and straight forward actually. Test the lights for function before you put everything back together. Regarding aiming the lights, the levelers are just a guide to get you in the general vicinity (like boresighting a rifle scope). The final adjustment should be done against a flat wall using markings like Ron did above. Take your time and enjoy.

Oh, one more thing...DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS BULBS WITH YOUR FINGERS. The oils from your fingers can ruin the bulb when it heats up.

 

[IEATVETS]

When I aim mine, I have a friend, who is about the same weight as me, sit in the car. If you don't do that the light may be a little high once you get in to drive it.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

I think the picture showing the vertical adjustment is pointing out the adjustment for the level, not the aiming of the bulb. The up=down bulb adjusting screw is another allen head that is roughly behind the zip tie and red band going around the ********* wire leading to the HID box. Also, on my '94, they are 4mm hex heads.

 

[carl B]

Here it the UK we drive on the other side of the road. do you know how to get the light to dip the opposite way?

carl

 

[Neil - UK]

Here it the UK we drive on the other side of the road. do you know how to get the light to dip the opposite way?

carl

turn the bulb 180 degrees, supposed to work but havent tried it myself

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Two clarifications:

I believe the photo indicating the vertical adjustment is not to adjust the light beam, but adjusts the bubble level position. I would double check with a service manual before using the Torx screw, as I think there is a second allen head that is used for the light beam aim.

What is mean by "dip?" The low beam headlamp housing has a shield inside (just in front of the bulb) to partially block the 9:00 through 12:00 quadrant of the beam which would prevent blinding an opposing US driver. I assumed the export version of the headlight would put this in the 12:00 through 3:00 position for right hand drive cars. Having just replaced bulbs, I don't recall anything asymetric about them and don't see how putting them in 180 degrees different would do anything.

 

[DarcShadow]

So you can adjust the bubble level with out adjusting the light beam? what's the purpose of that? Or does the bubble level also move with the light beam adjustment and the bubble level adjustment it to zero everything out once you get it set to where you want it?

 

[VPRVENM97]

Wow! Hope I'm not wrong on that. I'll check my service manual later just to verify. I'm pretty sure I got that from the service manual to begin with.

 

[BluBite]

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO POSTED!!

I am going to give it a try this weekend. Hope it works out.

Thanks again!!

 

[VPRVENM97]

The up=down bulb adjusting screw is another allen head that is roughly behind the zip tie and red band going around the ********* wire leading to the HID box.

Just checked my service manual. As usual Tom is probably right on this. I'll make a correction on the photo when I get a chance. Thanks Tom