a bit of DIY - adjusting headlamps.

[wagamama]

Hi all,

just wondered how easy it is to adjust your own headlamps, as one of mine is dipped quite significantly, and doesn't look to be too hard. Is it just a simple case of moving adjusting the back of the unit, or is it harder?

Waga

 

[Rog_E]

Very easy to adjust!

But to do it correctly (for an MOT) would require a level area and a brick wall (or similiar vertical flat surface) to check the aim.

Haynes used to show this in the manual, not sure if they still do, but the aim has to be correct in both the vertical and horizontal planes, you don't want to be dazzling oncoming drivers do you?

Personally I would leave it to a suitably equipped workshop (and I used to be a technician!!).

Rog.

 

[TimN]

It's the sort of thing that the MOT inspector will probably do for free if the adjusting screws arn't all rusted up. Particularly if you go to a place that does a free reinspection as he will not want to do a complete retest just for the sake of a head light adjustment. In the mean time just point the car against a wall and adjust to be in line with the other light. Headlights come out of adjustment either because the plastic adjuster clips have broken or the light has been hit. Normally someone reversing in a car park. This could bend the backing plate. Make sure that the screws, clips and plate are in good condition.