Headlamp: Adjustments

GENERAL INFORMATION

Headlamp Alignment Bubble And Arrow - Typical:

LH vehicle headlamps are equipped with a bubble level to aid up/down headlamp alignment. The bubble level is used to assist headlamp alignment when compensating for vehicle ride height changes due to heavy luggage compartment loads or vehicle ride height changes. The vehicle should always be on a level surface when headlamp alignments are checked or changed. Headlamp alignment should always be first attempted by using the bubble level.

CAUTION: Turn only the vertical adjusting screw (outboard on LH/D-L-X, in board on LH/CP) when adjusting headlamps. Do not turn the bubble level screw unless calibrating the level as described in this section.

If it appears that the bubble level requires calibration due to damage or tampering, the Headlamp Adjustment Using Alignment Screen should be performed. A gauge and arrow sticker is located on the top of the headlamp module to assist right/left alignment. Horizontal alignment does not ordinarily have to be changed except in the case of body damage or tampering.

ADJUSTMENTS
Headlamp Bubble Level Calibration
The bubble level is calibrated at the factory and should not require calibration unless the vehicle has been damaged or headlamp module has been replaced. Perform the Headlamp Alignment Preparation procedures and verify headlamp alignment. Meter the headlamp alignment has been verified using the alignment screen procedures, the bubble level can be calibrated.

Calibration Procedure
1. Position vehicle on a level surface.
2. Verify that headlamp alignment is correct.

Headlamp Bubble Calibration:

3. Rotate bubble level calibration screw in or out until bubble is centered in the vial.
4. Center arrow sticker to gauge sticker for left/ right reference.

HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT PREPARATION
1. Verify headlamp dimmer switch and high beam indicator operation.
2. Inspect and correct damaged or defective components that could interfere with proper headlamp alignment.
3. Verify proper tire inflation.
4. Clean headlamp lenses.
5. Verify that luggage area is not heavily loaded.
6. Fuel tank should be FULL. Add 2.94 kg (6.5 lbs.) of weight over the fuel tank for each estimated gallon of missing fuel.

HEADLAMP AND FOGLAMP ADJUSTMENT USING ALIGNMENT SCREEN
NOTE: LH vehicle headlamps should be aligned using the high beams. Greater accuracy is achieved than when aligned using the low beam headlamps.

ALIGNMENT SCREEN PREPARATION
1. Position vehicle on a level surface perpendicular to a flat wall 7.62 meters (25 ft.) away from front of headlamp lens.
2. If necessary, tape a line on the floor 7.62 meters (25 ft.) away from and parallel to the wall.
3. From the floor up 1.27 meters (5 ft.), tape a line on the wall at the centerline of the vehicle. Sight along the centerline of the vehicle (from rear of vehicle forward) to verify accuracy of the line placement.
4. Rock vehicle side-to-side three times to allow suspension to stabilize.
5. Jounce front suspension three times by pushing downward on front bumper and releasing.
6. Measure the distance from the center of the headlamp bulbs to the floor. Transfer measurement to the alignment screen (with tape). Use this line for up/down adjustment reference.

Headlamp Alignment Screen:

7. Measure distance from the centerline of the vehicle to the center of the headlamp bulbs. Transfer measurements to screen (with tape) to each side of vehicle centerline. Use these lines for left/right adjustment reference.

HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT

Headlamp Alignment Screen - Expert CH/CP Vehicles:

Headlamp Alignment Screen - CH/CP Vehicles:

A properly aimed high beam headlamp will project the center of the hot spot approximately on the headlamp horizontal centerline. A range of from 2 inches above to 2 inches below this line is acceptable. The side-to side placement the hot spot should be to the right of the vertical centerline approximately 4 inches. (On LH-D vehicles, if the center of the hot spot is from 2 to 6 inches to the right, the aim is acceptable.) The preferred alignment for the high beam hot spot alignment is 0 for the up/down adjustment, and 4 inches for the left/right adjustment. The low beam alignment should be correct when the high beams are properly positioned. Verify that the center of the low beam hot spot is approximately 8 to 12 inches below the high beams, and does not cast significant bright light above the horizontal centerline. To adjust headlamp alignment, rotate the alignment screws, to achieve the specified pattern.