Headlamp Adjustment

Adjustment 

1. 1.
   
   
   multimedia:A supplement to the article is available.

All headlamp types 

1. 2.
   
   Identify the headlamp type. Vehicles are equipped with Visually Optically Aligned Left (VOL) or Visually Optically Aligned Right (VOR) headlamps. Molded in small letters on the headlamp lens is one of the following: VOL and SAE or VOR and SAE.

1. 3.
   
   
   NOTE: Before starting headlamp adjustment, entry conditions must be met.
   • Vehicle must be on level ground.
   • Tires must be correctly inflated.
   • Vehicle must be normally loaded.
   • Headlamps must be clean.
   • Headlamps must operate correctly.
   • Air suspension switch must be on (if equipped).

1. 4.
   
   
   NOTE: The vertical wall or screen must be a minimum of 2.4 m (8ft) wide.

   Park the vehicle on a level surface approximately 7.6 m (25 ft) from the vertical wall or screen directly in front of it.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

1. 5.
   
   
   NOTE: The bulb center of the low beam bulb is sometimes marked on the lens (circle, crosshair or other mark) or is the center of the low beam reflector, bulb shield or the low beam projector inner lens.

   Measure the center of the headlamp height to ground and record the measurement.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

1. 6.
   
   
   NOTE: Use a 2.4 m (8 ft) section of masking tape for the horizontal reference line.
   • For vehicles with headlamp bulb center heights below 95 cm (37.5 inches), place the horizontal reference line equal to the headlamp bulb center height.
   • For vehicles with headlamp bulb center heights between 95 cm - 105 cm (37.5 - 41.5 inches), place the horizontal reference line at the headlamp bulb center height minus 1.3 cm (0.5 inch).
   • For vehicles with headlamp bulb center heights above 105 cm (41.5 inches), place the horizontal reference line at the headlamp bulb center height minus 2.5 cm (1.0 inch).

1. 7.
   
   
   NOTE: Carry out this procedure in a dark environment to effectively see the headlamp beam pattern.

   Turn the low beam headlamps on to illuminate the wall or screen and open the hood.

1. 8.
   
   
   NOTE: The cut off of the beam pattern is the horizontal line of the beam pattern where there is MAXIMUM change between light and dark.

   On the wall or screen, locate the cut off of the beam pattern.

VOR-type headlamps 

1. 9.
   
   
   NOTE: The appearance of the VOR beam pattern may vary between vehicles.

   There is a distinct cutoff in the right portion of the beam pattern.

1. 10.
   
   
   • 1 - Horizontal reference line
   • 2 - Cut off
   • 3 - High intensity zone

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

1. 11.
   
   
   NOTE: Align one headlamp while covering the other headlamp.

   Align the headlamps to the horizontal reference line. Adjust the headlamp as necessary using the headlamp adjusting screw.

1. 12.
   
   Repeat the previous step for the remaining headlamp.

VOL-type headlamps 

1. 13.
   
   
   NOTE: The appearance of the VOL beam pattern may vary between vehicles.

   For VOL-type headlamps, there is a distinct cutoff in the left portion of the beam pattern. The edge of this cutoff should be positioned 5 CM (2 in) below the horizontal reference line.

1. 14.
   
   
   • 1 - Horizontal reference line
   • 2 - Cut off
   • 3 - High intensity zone

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

1. 15.
   
   
   NOTE: Align one headlamp while covering the other headlamp.

   Align the headlamps to the horizontal reference line. Adjust the headlamp as necessary using the headlamp adjusting screw.

1. 16.
   
   Repeat the previous step for the remaining headlamp.

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment 

Adjustment 

1. 1.
   
   
   NOTE: Make sure that the tire pressures are to specification and that the vehicle is unladen.
   NOTE: Only use a damp cloth to clean the headlamp lens to avoid any electrostatic charging.
   NOTE: Make sure that the vehicle is standing on a level surface.

   Ensure that the adjustment is made with the suspension set up. 

1. 2.
   
   Repeatedly operate the headlamp leveling switch and then set it to "0".

1. 3.
   
   
   NOTE: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when handling the equipment.

   Set the measuring screen of the beam setting equipment to the correct headlamp adjustment setting. Refer to: Specifications . Use the General Equipment: Headlamp Beam Setter

1. 4.
   
   Switch on dipped beam.

1. 5.
   
   

   1. 1.
      
      Adjust the dipped beams so that the light/dark boundary touches the horizontal line.

   1. 2.
      
      
      NOTE: It is acceptable for a stray portion of the low beam to cross the 15 ° line.

      Adjust the headlamps so that the rising line of the boundary line lies at the intersection of horizontal line and the 15 degree line (left-hand drive vehicle shown).

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY