How To Aim Headlights - EricTheCarGuy

How To Aim Headlights - EricTheCarGuy
Visit me at: www.ericthecarguy.com/
Since I just finished up with the headlight restoration I thought it would be a great time to check the aim of the headlights. This process will be different on older vehicles but most modern vehicles have this set up. The most important thing to remember however is that you need to make sure you're on a level surface when performing this procedure otherwise you will not be successful in aiming your headlights correctly.
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ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@spelunkerd]

That's a great article. I was not surprised to read how important it is to have exact tire pressure and a full tank of gas. It is humbling to see how difficult it is to do this correctly -- even something as simple as having a level area with 25 feet of working space can be tricky. New headlights are really bright, so there is a social responsibility angle to this repair. I hate being blinded by oncoming traffic.

[@EgoShredder]

My MOT tester in the UK does not fail my car when the lights are not right, he just makes the adjustment to the lights and passes the car. He's the kind of guy that treats you well, if you make the effort to look after your car and follow up on things you promise to do etc.

[@Hammond1524]

GREAT vid Eric, What I always do is drive up to a wall on level ground and get as close as posible, Then I put one long piece of painters tape straght across (horazontal) the middle of the hot spots for both beems then put one piece of tape (vertical) threw the hot spots and make a patern like "-I-----I-" then back up straght 25' and adjust the beems to my tape marks, works everytime.

[@joeiz047]

You're awesome!!! I've had a problem with my headlights since I brought my 1999 Lexus es300 in 2002. I've bought expensive lights, asked around and no one knew anything. Thank u for expaining every thing so will, down to the 8mms socket. Now I can finally see. Thank you, thank you.

[@69andrejb]

You should make a video where you just use a wall, for cars that don't have the levels

[@alundrasrt]

Never saw a headlight with level, awesome!

[@armcomdes]

Great vid. Found it looking for a way to adjust my 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager SE. My repair manuals talks about using the bubble levels for adjustment, but mine doesn't have levels. After watching this video I went out to check and my van, but it doesn't have the nipples either. It does have a little ring in the middle of the lens. That's all I have to go on for now. Thanks in advance.

[@sk8rwht]

you're the best. whenever I have a car question and search it I always hope to see a video from you on the subject

[@fuckyou96]

Facts ! He is the best .

[@davelowe1977]

I agree - in the UK the annual MOT test has a part that tests alignment. The garage has a set of lenses, and the adjustment is done with a 8mm Allen key. The whole process takes about 1 minute and generally costs nothing.

[@jimbothelesser]

Hey pal, I have read through alot of forums on headlight adjustment. But I am having a hard time find a proper how-to for the Integra. Since you have two, thought maybe you could do a video if you havent already. Thanks.

[@johnlestonga1804]

How do you adjust auto leveling headlights such as those found on a 2014 Dodge Durango Citadel? Great videos! Thanks for all your time and effort!

[@DtRockstar1]

This is excellent work. Very professional, good personality, and this really reaches out to people who need help!

[@tigergreg8]

I'm glad you wrote back, I was about to go out on the turnpike and see if my headlights measured up to the other cars passing by me while on the road. LOL You may have just saved my life. Too funny, thanks for the laugh )

[@JimmyLoose]

I'm waiting for one of the old style cars to come in so you can show me how to use that kit. I was hoping you would show that style too. My 69 Charger and 74 Monaco headlights need help.

[@CanadianBullFrog]

I have a 79 Malibu and am wishing for some help as well.

[@frank4one]

Eric, I failed NCT after having my lights adjusted on high tech computerised prismatic gizmo at a garage. Took the car home got a large white piece of carboard 2ft x3 ft placed on ground directly in front of the headlight, marked the centre of beam, walked twenty paces and place board on the ground and checked the centre of beam was just below the centerline. Passed! Check tire pressure, don't have heavy objects in the trunk. Also put any remote headlight adjusters in their highest position.

[@mikesandlin649]

Hey Eric. Can you do this for a early 2000's Mercury Grand Marquis? I've watched a few videos on adjusting headlights. The other videos were telling me to aim the driver side head light a little bit lower then the passenger side. They said they did it so they wouldn't blind the people in on coming traffic. Is this necessary?

[@racecar157]

this video should be recommended in every squatted truck video on KZbin.😅😅

[@seniorjohnl]

Dunno if they following is a good method or not, but I remember it from somewhere.On a level surface drive up to a vertical wall ( true 90 deg to the ground) about 2 or 3 feet away and center the light pattern directly inline with the lamps, mark the wall at the center of each beam, then back up 10 feet and see if the beams are still centered on the marks, adjust until the center of the beams are about the same up close and at a short distance. That you want the beams straight ahead w/no angle.

[@lubricantrc3244]

Thanks for that, now I know how to blind the on on coming cars that blind me.

[@hungdung4870]

very nice video. Would you show me how to adjust head light Left or Right, on 2003 Dodge Intrepid. Thank you sir.

[@thepopeis1]

I did what haynes manual said on my truck. I pulled 25 feet from a wall on level ground, and mark on the wall at the exact height of the headlight on the truck. adjust the headlight to that mark. I have been driving that way for a couple of years. No one has ever flashed there lights at me like there to bright. obviously this is only if you dont have a level in the headlight.

[@Johnyapplecider]

I just compared some of your videos to Motorz here on KZbin and yours are far better than his. Thank you!

[@CorsaAGSi]

Due to factors beyond the control of CorsaAGSi, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this comment, or improper use of this information. Thanks for the video!

[@TassieLorenzo]

I find it amusing how Eric calls a 1995ish Subaru a "modern" vehicle. :P hehehe

[@terranovnicek1567]

Modern in my book

[@scott4172]

He was referring to the headlight system. And yes, the Subaru doesn’t have those knobs on the lens so yes it has a modern headlight lens

[@Lycras]

At MOT stations wall screens with light cutoff lines painted or projectors are used to aim headlights in newwer cars.

[@daveytn]

Face your car against a wall or garage door about 3 metres away, in preferable dark conditions. Switch on your headlights and you will see if they are level or not, if not, adjust them untill both beems are exactly level. In the UK you have to have the right hand one slightly lower as to not blind the oncoming traffic, so in the US (os whereever you are from) may be the opposite of this.

[@plightn]

Cool feature, the leveler built into the light! My car doesn't have one of those!

[@coolaznking99]

Can u make a video of how to adjust integra headlights?

[@turbocobra]

Eric, we are about to install halo headlights on our father and son twin turbo 65 mustang. Any thougths on the installation and adjustment of them?

[@amk1984]

Subaru looks much better now. Good work Eric.

[@allthingsconsdrble]

ETCG...awesome advice as usual...thanks for the tip

[@Radar55]

Thanks for taking the time to do this. It was helpful to me.

[@IIGrayfoxII]

you can do it on some cars. If your car came with H7 from the factory you can add H7R HIDs The H7R have a bit of black on the top to cut the glare and can be used in normal housings. I use them, never had an issue with the cops or passing my road worthyness.

[@snowmangaggift]

i dont even want to know how to aim headlight, but your videos are so awesome i cant help but click!

[@DaytonCarCare]

What I do is take one car that I know has good adjusted lights, then make marks on my garage wall. Pull up the other car and adjust them to the marks. Another way is find a side road that is less traveled. Go out there with a buddy (at night or dawn) and have him line up his car at a distance (opposing car lane and facing you) and see if your low beams are too high.

[@aimlesstraveler6910]

thanks man your videos have helped me out quite a few times. Keep em' coming bro!

[@hanky97007]

I adjust mine on the road at night. Cover one side with card board and adjust other side. Repeat and your done. I adjust to put the light on the road so I can see what I'll be driving over.

[@shepd3]

Crown Vics have the old setup all the way through 2011, hopefully you get one in! :)

[@jfv65]

the thumbwheel is for when the car is heavily loaded. The BASE setting should be done with the thumbwheel set so that the headlights shine the furthest. (on man in the drivingseat, tires aired up correctly, no additional load in the car.) That way when you DO load up the car you can adjust the headlights down like intended.

[@jdrs4214]

Hello Eric, what is the height of your knees from the ground???? I could use that measurement as a rule of thumb for headlight leveling.

[@brucehartmann9209]

I have the old style headlights that have the bumps. None of the car parts stores have the Hoppy kits for loan. Could I come in and use yours for a few minutes?

[@flipjargendy]

Tonight, I was thinking... "Every time I do a search for how to do something on a car, Erich the Car Guy pops up!" And yes, great channel!

[@spelunkerd]

Years ago I was taught that the most important point about headlight aiming is to point the low beam for the left light a little down and medial, to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. In your example the beam is high enough to be a problem, and still higher than the other side. Why? Did you have the car square to the wall? With a car made in for both Britain and America, I'll guess you need to adjust the inside light to be DOWN from vertical.... What does the manufacturer say?

[@jonsworld5307]

do a video on removen broking off spark plugs if you get the chance

[@rwdplz1]

A video on aiming H6054 headlight bulbs would cover a LOT of vehicles, cars, lots of cars with pop-up headlights, trucks, vans...

[@dejanira2]

Car perpendicular to wall, 20 - 25 ft from wall. measure ground to center of headlights mark on wall. Adjust top of beam to be just at the line. left to right set to straight ahead.

[@99subigt]

Hi! In another video you installed rhe Jdm headlights, can you make a video on how to adjust them, mine seem stuck or I got some bad ones or im completely doing it wrong, thanks.

[@JUMBOpin]

Different horizontal adjustments probably means aftermarket headlight from a collision :-D

[@CaptainCocaine]

+Andy Denial or customization, if the light doesn't look like OEM

[@cactusladysouth1000]

@@CaptainCocaine Probably collision

[@CaptainCocaine]

@@cactusladysouth1000 First guy already said that.

[@flynmac]

I'd think mentioning which direction clockwise or counterclockwise would help to determine headlight raises or lowers. My Subaru doesn't have 'level'.

[@blueboy7559]

theres away to ajust some where lots of this plastic are broke or something

[@wburke8628]

What is the measurements from the ground for low beam and high beam. And don’t the low beams should converge a little to the right of center correct?..

[@Thebowzer221]

Eric, this video isn't any help to the owner of an 04 Chevy Impala which does not have the bubble level needed to adjust the "replacement" light assemblies I installed. Very easy installation, but the adjustment is a pain where I sit down. There is 1 galvinized screw there. and both lights have 2 screws that have a plastic coating on them. what 2 do? Help me out here, I have to make a return trip to Florida in 8 days. I travel @ night through NY, NJ,DC, VA. Thanks.

[@MrLike2surf]

I never knew any vehicles had built in levels. My 2000 Ranger doesn't, for sure. I just do the wall aiming trick.

[@axelasdf]

I'd be willing to get my headlights on my 91 Ford Tempo adjusted. I'm up near Dayton. Would make the drive just to shake your hand.

[@markotzelberger4347]

Thanks Eric I think I got em up a bit, where they need to be...

[@lemonwax]

I have a gen 3 integra, and the headlight adjustment assembly(specifically the vertical adjustment) doesn't work/adjust. Neither team integra or Honda tech have any fixes, was hoping you could help.

[@IIGrayfoxII]

On my civic i use an allen key. On my car it just has an O and a cross hair styled O for the low beam and a O just for the highbeam. I would do it on the road at night so i can see what it looks like in real time.

[@terrishicks7329]

I didn't even know you can adjust headlights LOL, thanks this explains A LOT

[@computerschreck]

+1 on that! Kinda feel like I need to give back something in return

[@eianwahgener7623]

hmmm... mine don't have levels.

[@DursosZeroPred]

yesss been waiting for a video on this for a while.

[@rice400]

Love you Eric!! In completely appropriate ways of course!

[@cactusladysouth1000]

Make a video for the older sealed beam lights.

[@slay3rsaber]

+ in europe headlights are asymmetrical. Driver side light is set to light up lower than passanger side.

[@MAJORSNODGRASS]

If you have one of those wheels on the dashboard that raises and lowers the headlight beam how does that impact adjustment please Eric?

[@IIGrayfoxII]

Depends. In some places the passenger side is suppose to light up more road.

[@jared116]

my guess would to be to keep the balance of the other lane. not sure about it affecting other drivers

[@israelzarate5508]

Eric hi my name is Israel and I have a 2005 Toyota Highlander which have my headlights out off alignment I'll try to get it in the right spot but look like seen the same can you show on one of your videos how to aligned the headlights on this can on suv thank you

[@traktoii]

Thanks. Very informative and well done video.

[@uzaiyaro]

Grats on your 300th video.

[@yepppidepppi]

Thank you for all help with your videos

[@lorir7393]

So I tried adjusting the screw on the pass side because the bubble is way at the top and either way I turned it didn't move the bubble at all. Do those get stripped out? or could the bubble be stuck?

[@butterfly29555]

*Thank you Eric. :)*

[@garyniii]

Is it illegal to install HID lights in a reflector housing? Or you just need to buy the right HID bulbs and level the lights?

[@agskeete]

guess what, in my acura integra, i found a small to med size hole near the antenna is on the surface, by the look of it, it seems to be damage by water. wonder if you have a vid or answers on to fix this hole. i will email you soon about that home with pictures.

[@muadeeb]

What I've done with my cars is park 25 feet away from a wall, and measure the beams. The center of the bulb should be the same height as the top of the 'hot spot' on the wall

[@JasonRaveling]

Do you have any suggestions for a car (2000 Subaru Outback H6) that doesn't have levels or the bumps on the front of the assembly?

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Never seen these levels in Europe. In europe you usually have a thumb wheel on the dash. I like to set mine a bit high but even on the wall then I fine tune them on the road. I set them so they do not illuminate the number plates of cars ahead.c

[@dwnunda66]

I have a 2001 Taurus, It doesn't have levels on the headlight and only one adjustment screw, What distance from a wall? How high from the ground should it be?

[@Thebowzer221]

Eric, My 2004 Chevy Impala doesn't have any leveling buble. I replaced these lights, due 2 the moisture inside. I couldn't get it out R seal them either. So now new lights r in need of adjustment, they shine very low in front of bumper. What 2 do here?

[@mrsaxo15]

can u do a vid on how to fix oil leakige problems

[@sturmabeislung]

where is the video of the old headlamp aiming device you mentioned in this video?

[@theTank77]

if you're switching from halogen bulbs to hids you need to get aftermarket diamond cut or projector headlight housings or else the light wont be focused from the hids. you will just be spreading the light everywhere and 1 you wont be able to see and 2 you'll be shining your lights in everyones eyes. I've made this mistake in the past

[@waltertopij1253]

can you please tell me where is the adjustment screw on a 2012 ford escape headlight?

[@TehBerbDean]

So they're suppose to be shining straight out horizontal from the car?

[@MoCassidy]

Eric, very helpful video, but if you're going to explain how to adjust headlights, you should caution not to adjust too high so as to dazzle oncoming traffic, and also that there are standards and regulations for these things that should be adhered to.

[@kdarban]

Razzle Dazzle! - NBA Jam voice

[@oetzi0000]

here in Finland in the area i live i have noticed that most (85%) of the cars have too high their lights, and believe me its really annoying specially in the autumn when its really dark....

[@erictold]

In many countries, the aiming height of lower beam is strictly regulated. There is no rule in the US, but we should be very careful in doing this. I hope Eric would provide correct aiming method in the near future.

[@yellowbusguy]

Why would an adjustment need to be done every year? I've never seen them to need it unless you had removed, repaired or wrecked the car.

[@Quakeearth86]

Eric how can i adjust my headlights to my 2012 dodge ram 1500, because for me its too much lower & dangerous if you havnt notice the sharp curve on the road . Tnx.

[@Techoneui]

I have yaris 2010 And I still can't find my screw to adjust my headlight Help please

[@blueboy7559]

the older cars are on the head light frame whit a spring on the shrew

[@chas4x4]

Could you show how to do lights with out the levels or the bumps

[@mrkzj2]

Eric, shouldn't the left headlight be aimed lower than the right?

[@TheJdmstyles]

Thanx ericthecarguy!

[@Iambriangregory]

I agree with you Katie about that comment about not caring about on coming drivers that genius made after all who wants to have an oncoming driver blinded who can come right into you it doesn't make any sense duh you spoke good

[@TheMW1977]

Wow. I've never ever seen a headlight with a built in level. I've had japanese, european and american cars, and I've always adjusted my headlights the old fashioned way. You know, with a tape measure...

[@britneytimberlake11]

My 98 Lexus sc300 has the same exact level

[@markwoten6679]

First of all, the vehicle shall have the tire at the correct pressure, fuel tank at the correct level (1/2) and no unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Whatever happened with finding the centerline of the vehicle from the ground? If it is 32" from the ground to the center mark on the headlight, then the right side shall be 2-4" below the centerline (30" at 25 feet from a flat wall. Left side light assembly will be 4 inches below center height - 28". Block out light not being adjusted with something light a coat, rag etc. It makes it a lot easier to see your adjustment results on that one you are working on. Then shift it to the other light. Not too hard I MUST say.

[@killalmostwise]

What you can do is get a car you know is set right, mark the positions on the wall with coloured chalk and use that as a guide (making sure the car is the same distance from the wall).

[@jeracojay]

how do you know what height it needs to be is it like level with the car or same as the lamp height?

[@Trd2020]

thanks eric, another awesome video

[@xbbxchunk7]

I have a 91 ranger, threw new headlights in, darn vertical adjuster maxes out and the damn things are still pointed at the ground