Visual Aiming Procedure

^ All equipment for testing headlamps must comply with the SAE Recommended Practice for Headlamp Inspection Equipment.
^ If you use a headlamp testing machine, the machine should give results equivalent to the results obtained using the screen procedure.
^ The machine should be in good condition and be properly adjusted.
Use the machine in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
^ Machines that use a photoelectric cell or cells to determine aim, should also include a visual screen on which you can project a beam pattern proportional to the beam appearance, and aim on a screen at 7.62 m (25 ft).
- The screen should be plainly visible to the technician who is adjusting the headlamps.
- The screen should have horizontal and vertical reference lines in order to permit visual evaluation of the headlamp beam.

Headlamp Aiming Location
(Using Screen Method)
^ The aiming area should be darkened and large enough to allow for the vehicle and an additional 7.62 m (25 ft), measured from the face of the headlamps to the front of the screen.
^ The floor on which the vehicle rests must be parallel with the bottom of the screen. If the floor is not level, compensate accordingly.

Headlamp Aiming Screen
^ If you use a screen, the screen should be at least 1.52 m (5 ft) high x 3.66 m (12 ft) wide with a matte white finish, well shaded from extraneous light.
^ Properly adjust the screen to the floor on which the vehicle rests.
^ The screen should be moveable so that you can align the screen parallel to the rear axle of the vehicle.
^ Position the screen so that a horizontal line drawn perpendicular to the centerline of the screen will pass an equal distance midway between the two headlamps.
^ The screen should have the following items:
^ A vertical centerline
^ Two laterally adjustable vertical tapes
^ One vertically adjustable horizontal tape
^ If a regular commercial aiming screen is not available, the screen may consist of a wall having a clear, uninterrupted area at least 1.83 m (6 ft) x 3.66 m (12 ft) wide. The surface should be finished with a no-gloss white paint.
^ After the aiming screen has been set up and located, paint or tape a reference line on the floor 7.62 m (25 ft) from the screen. Park the vehicle with the front of the headlamps directly over this reference line.