Aim the headlamps for proper illumination of the road.
Inspect the headlamp aim under the following conditions:
• | When a new headlamp, halogen bulb assembly, is installed. |
• | If service or repairs to the front end may have disturbed the
headlamps or their mountings. |
Headlamp focus is set when the unit is made. No adjustment of focus
is possible.
Important: Some state and local laws specify requirements for headlamp aim. Ensure
that you follow these laws.
Horizontal aim is done with an adjusting screw on the inboard side of
the headlamp assembly. Vertical aim is done with an adjusting screw in the
upper outboard area. When aiming the headlamps follow the instructions
below.
Aim Preparation
In order to prepare the vehicle for aiming the headlamps, perform the
following steps:
• | Completely assemble all of the components on the vehicle. |
• | Place the vehicle on a level surface. |
• | Stop all unnecessary operations or work on the vehicle that affect
the vehicle trim. |
• | Stabilize the suspension. |
• | Ensure that the fuel level is full. |
• | Rock the vehicle sideways. |
• | Ensure that the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. |
• | Ensure that the driver or a similar weight (approximately 165 lbs)
is in the vehicle driver seat. |
Location
Ensure that the work area is darkened and large enough to allow for
the vehicle and an additional 7.62 m (25 ft). The distance for
this procedure is measured from the face of the headlamps to the front
of the illumination surface. Ensure that the floor upon which the vehicle
rests is level with the bottom of the illumination surface. Compensate
accordingly if the floor is not level.
Aiming Screen
If you are using a screen, ensure that the following criteria are met:
• | The screen is at least 1.52 m (5 ft) high by 3.66 m
(12 ft) wide |
• | The screen has a matte white surface and is well shaded from ambient
light |
• | The screen is in proper adjustment with the floor on which the
vehicle rests |
• | The screen can be aligned on a parallel with the rear axle of
the vehicle |
Align the center of the screen with the center point of the two headlamps.
Ensure that the screen provides the following features:
• | Two laterally adjustable vertical tapes |
• | One vertically adjustable horizontal tape |
If a regular commercial aiming screen is not available, use a wall with
a clear, uninterrupted area at least 1.83 m (6 ft) high by 3.66 m
(12 ft) wide. Ensure that the surface is finished with a washable,
no-gloss white paint.
After the aiming screen is 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 the reference line.
Visual Procedure
- Prepare the vehicle. Refer to Aim Preparation.
- Park the vehicle in proper
alignment with the screen. Ensure that the headlamps are located directly
over the reference line.
- Ensure that all the vehicle components are in place if other work
has been done on the vehicle.
- Use the following procedure in order to line up the centerline
of the vehicle with the centerline (2,3) of the aiming screen:
4.1. | Use tape to mark the vertical center of the vehicle on the front
and rear windows. |
4.2. | Use these lines as "sights" in order to line up the
centerline of the vehicle and the screen. |
- Adjust the vertical tapes on the screen to match the vertical
centerline (1) of each lamp. Measure the distance from the centerline
of the vehicle to the centerline of a low beam lamp.
- Adjust the horizontal tapes on the screen to match the horizontal
centerline of the low beam headlamp. Measure the height from the floor to
the center of a low beam.
- Turn on the low beam lamps. Adjust the headlamps in the following manner:
7.1. | The left edge of the high intensity zone on the screen for the
low beams is on the vertical line for each side. |
7.2. | The top edge of the high intensity zone on the screen for the
low beam is on the horizontal line for each side. |
Mechanical Aiming Procedure (Alternate)
Tools Required
J 25300-A Headlamp
Aimer and Adapters
- Prepare the vehicle. Refer to Aim Preparation
- Use the universal aimer on a level floor. Calibrate the universal
aimer to compensate for floor slope, if necessary.
- Select and assemble the universal adapter that fits the aiming
pad pattern on the lens of the headlamp.
- Move the adjustment rods
to the number that corresponds with the number located on the headlamp lens (1).
- Attach the adapters (1).
Ensure that you use the correct adapter (1) with the correct side aimer.
- Place the aimers (3)
with the adapters on their respective sides, making sure all adjustment rods
are contacting the aiming pads. Add or remove an extension stud, if
necessary.
- Aim the headlamps according to the instructions included in the J 25300-A
Headlamp Aimer.