DIY: Adjust Front Headlights (w/ HID option)
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DIY: Adjust Front Headlights (w/ HID option)
Apparently you CAN manually adjust the HIDs... here are the official steps (edited slightly):
1. Adjust tire pressure to specification
2. Position the unloaded vehicle on a flat, level surface
3. Seat one person in the driver's seat
4. Position the vehicle straight ahead and perpendicular to a flat wall
5. Set the headlights about 10ft. from a flat wall
6. Place an object in front of the headlight not being adjusted to block the beam.
7. start the engine so the battery will remain charged.
8. Turn on the low-beam headlights
9. Adjust the headlights by turning the adjusting screw as shown in the figure.
Driver's side (L/F)
Passenger's side (R/F)
NOTE: If the adjusting bolts are tightened first, then loosened, they will continue to loosen when the vehicle is in motion and may cause the headlights to become misaligned. Always turn the screws in the tightening direction when finished.
1. Adjust tire pressure to specification
2. Position the unloaded vehicle on a flat, level surface
3. Seat one person in the driver's seat
4. Position the vehicle straight ahead and perpendicular to a flat wall
5. Set the headlights about 10ft. from a flat wall
6. Place an object in front of the headlight not being adjusted to block the beam.
7. start the engine so the battery will remain charged.
8. Turn on the low-beam headlights
9. Adjust the headlights by turning the adjusting screw as shown in the figure.
Driver's side (L/F)
Passenger's side (R/F)
NOTE: If the adjusting bolts are tightened first, then loosened, they will continue to loosen when the vehicle is in motion and may cause the headlights to become misaligned. Always turn the screws in the tightening direction when finished.
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Not to be an *** or anything, but this in no more helpful than the service manual. I have done EXACTLY this as described to no effect.
This is hardly sticky material.
This is hardly sticky material.
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I think many on the forums don't realize that, even though the HIDs are self-adjusting, there is the ability to manually adjust them. I set mine about two weeks ago and they haven't budged a millimeter.
#6
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Meaning you can level them manually, but it'll just lower itself back down.
Its one of those things that should have been written like, "You can't manually adjust them (and expect them to stay) if the sensors are defective".
Last edited by Jon316G; 01-30-2009 at 01:02 AM.
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The issue is many don't fully read through a thread and when they see someone saying that you can't manually adjust the HIDs, they didn't read previously that the conversation was directed towards if your sensors are malfunctioning, adjusting them won't do a thing.
Meaning you can level them manually, but it'll just lower itself back down.
Its one of those things that should have been written like, "You can't manually adjust them (and expect them to stay) if the sensors are defective".
Meaning you can level them manually, but it'll just lower itself back down.
Its one of those things that should have been written like, "You can't manually adjust them (and expect them to stay) if the sensors are defective".
#10
Zoom-Freakin-Zoom!
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My hids also seem to be misaligned, with the right appearing to aim higher than the left or vice versa. I notice the difference mostly when pulling up to my garage where the beams have an almost razor sharp line on top and about 2-3" of height seperation between them. If I manually adjust them and they go back to that same level can I take the car in under warrantee to have it fixed, provided that my VIN is not included in the TSB for faulty sensors?
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...8-07-1729a.pdf
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how do you know if they are HID or not
I know after getting my 8 back from the shop my low beams only light up about 4ft of the road in front of me, so this thread might help , but how do I know if I have HID's
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Sorry to bring up such an old thread, but......What type of a screwdriver will turn that screw? I'm trying to adjust mine, but am having difficulty getting the little bugger to turn.
Last edited by wisconsinben; 06-15-2010 at 07:57 AM.
#16
Grasshopper
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Been a while, but I recall it having a hex-head so you can also use a socket.
Might have been either 8mm or 10mm.
And make SMALL adjustment turns... like 1/4 turn max because it doesn't take much.
The light may only raise a small amount when you're shining against the wall, but when you're on the road and shining at objects 50ft away, its much higher!
#17
Broken Auto Adjuster?
While changing the plugs on my car this weekend, I noticed a broken part that I belive to be the auto headlight adjuster. In the attached picture, it appears that a rod is broken. Also, I'm trying to determine if the bracket on the bottom is bent. Can someone look at the picture and see if I need to straighten it out before replacing the rod? Also, anyone know where I can get a replacment adjusting rod?
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While changing the plugs on my car this weekend, I noticed a broken part that I belive to be the auto headlight adjuster. In the attached picture, it appears that a rod is broken. Also, I'm trying to determine if the bracket on the bottom is bent. Can someone look at the picture and see if I need to straighten it out before replacing the rod? Also, anyone know where I can get a replacment adjusting rod?
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#24
Is that a bike rack?
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I think, don't quote me on this, to see them move you have to just raise/lower the rear driver tire or front driver tire. the driver-side wheels are the ones with the sensors.
I have never seen mine or anyone else's 8 'auto-level' like mini coopers for instance. ie. Turn car on and they shift up and down and then stop at a certain point. I think ours are much more subtle..
I have never seen mine or anyone else's 8 'auto-level' like mini coopers for instance. ie. Turn car on and they shift up and down and then stop at a certain point. I think ours are much more subtle..