Headlamp: Adjustments
Headlamp AimingNOTE: Check, and adjust if necessary, headlamp aiming whenever a headlamp assembly is replaced or the vehicle has been in a collision. If the headlamp cannot be properly adjusted, replace the headlamp.
Some state and local laws specify requirements for headlamp aim. All of these laws must be complied with performing any headlamp aiming operations.
Headlamp aim should be inspected for the following conditions:
^ When a new headlamp capsule is installed.
^ If service or repairs to the front and area have, or may have, disturbed the headlamps or their mounting.
^ The area will consist of a level surface large enough to allow for a vehicle and an additional 7.62 m (25 ft) measured from face lamps to the front of the aiming screen.
^ The screen will be 1.52 m (5 ft) high x 3.66 m (12 ft) wide with a matte white surface well shaded from extraneous light and properly adjusted to the floor on which the vehicle stands. Provisions should be made to align the screen parallel with the vehicle.
^ The screen shall be provided with a fixed vertical centerline, two laterally adjustable vertical tapes, and one vertically adjustable horizontal tape.
^ If a regular commercial aiming screen is not available, the screen may consist of a vertical wall having a clear uninterrupted area approximately 1.83 m (6 ft) high and 3.66 m (12 ft) wide. The surface should be finished with a washable non-gloss white paint.
Check Points & Before Aiming
^ Remove any snow, ice or mud from the vehicle.
^ The vehicle must have a full tank of gas.
^ Stop all other work on the vehicle.
^ If any service has been performed on the vehicle make sure that all of the components are back in their original place.
^ The vehicle must be on a level surface.
Preparations
^ The vehicle left tires must be aligned with the reference line extending from the screen with the headlamps aligned with the reference line.
^ Do not load any cargo in the vehicle.
^ The vehicle must contain one person or 72.56 kg (160 lb) on the driver's seat.
^ Inflate the tires to the proper pressure.
^ Simulate the vehicle loads if the intended use of the vehicle is for hauling heavy loads or towing a trailer.
^ Rock the vehicle in order to stabilize the suspension.
^ Turn ON the headlamps to low beam and observe the left and the top edges of the high intensity zone on the screen. The edges of the high intensity zone should fall within the specifications.
Vertical (Up/Down) Aiming Procedures
1. Turn ON the low beam headlamps and mark horizontal line & vertical line around high intensity zone as figure. This line is called "Cut Off Line".
2. Adjust the vertical aiming screw with a "+" screw driver so that LINE A (horizontal line of cut off line) shall be placed within 100 mm (4 in.) upward and downward from the horizontal axis of HV point.
3. Close the hood carefully and verify that the hood is securely closed.
Horizontal (Left/Right) Aiming Procedures
1. Turn ON the low beam headlamps and mark horizontal line & vertical line around high intensity zone as figure. This line is called "Cut Off Line".
2. Detach horizontal aiming hold cap to be placed outside of a headlamps.
3. Adjust the horizontal aiming driver with a "+" screw driver so that LINE B (vertical line of cut off line) shall be placed within 100 mm (4 in.) right and left from the vertical axis of HV point.
4. Close the hood carefully and verify that the hood is securely closed.