How To Easily Adjust Your Headlights & Fog Lights - DIY Guide

Driving down the road and you can't see anything? You likely need to make a quick adjustment to your headlights. This guide shows you exactly how to go about the process without paying a local shop. Do not assume that because you purchased the car new off the dealer's lot that the lights are aimed correctly. We see many new cars come into the shop with lights that require further tweaking to maximize performance and safety. This process should be performed anytime there is a doubt that your lights are within the proper specs. If you lift or lower your vehicle, one of the first things you need to do is readjust the headlights. If you install new headlight assemblies you absolutely must follow the procedure. Carrying some extra weight on the vehicle with that new bike rack? Constantly getting high beamed? When in doubt, check the alignment of your lights using this guide.
Have a question? Please leave a comment below.
Place vehicle headlight center point exactly 25' from wall.
U.N. (ECE, European, "E-Code") lamps & U.S. ("DOT", "SAE") lamps marked VOL
Lamp height: Downward measure:
Up to 34.5" (80 cm) 2.1" (53 mm)
35" to 39" (89-99 cm) 2.5" (64 mm)
39.5" or higher (100 cm) 3" (76 mm)
U.S. ("DOT", "SAE") lamps marked VOR older U.S. lamps without a "VOL", "VOR", or "VO" mark
Lamp height: Downward measure:
Up to 34.5" (80 cm) N/A, do not measure downward
35" to 39" (89-99 cm) 2" (50 mm)
39.5" or higher (100 cm) 3" (76 mm)
Fog lamps
Lamp height: Downward measure:
Up to 18" (46 cm) 1.5" (38 mm)
18.5" to 28" (47-71 cm) 3" (76 mm)
28.5" or higher (72 cm) 4" (102 mm)
For further information along with more technical notes, please refer to Daniel Stern's guide:
www.danielsternlighting.com/t...
Lightwerkz specializes in custom automotive lighting upgrades for all makes and models. We offer the best brands in custom automotive lighting and also offer services to customers all around the world.
Contact us today for additional information.
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: / lightwerkz
Instagram: / lightwerkz

[@hunterdan2002]

The best tutorial I've seen on aiming headlights. Was not aware of the vol or vor.

[@xil3ntkha0s]

Very informative. This needs to be shared to everyone that has a car. So tired of being blinded by those factory LED headlights.

[@LostInPhilly89]

Agreed. The factory setup that Audi uses is especially bad.

[@Briebabcock8052]

Not just led headlights, but halogen users as well.

[@Marksum]

This is by far the best video about adjusting the cut off pattern that I’ve seen for 4Runners. Props to you for your vids and your products that you sell.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Thanks for your support Mark !

[@achtung6]

Thank you for making this video. I used it tonight to align the stock headlights on the ‘21 4Runner. I was getting flashed by oncoming vehicles after installing the Wescott lift.

[@lawnchair4]

Thanks for the detailed and thoughtful overview - leveling my new retrofit kit lights purchased from you for my LX470. Highly recommend to others thinking about upgrading their halogens in a professional way.

[@zafarmahmood8410]

Hey Cesar, very informative video! Nice to see you on video too!

[@vickomf1]

omg I used a wrench the other day and it took me about 15 minutes to do one full turn of the adjuster. Thanks for the Video!

[@vberry2415]

Great video. Your explanation of the " 3 inch rule " for lifted trucks at about 5:15 was very helpful ! Thx

[@patriotfighter331]

Best video I've found so far on HL adjustment. The VOL/VOR is something i have not heard of either, even on the morimoto page.

[@Sagemeister007]

Thank you. Very thorough and helpful!

[@Chosen1510]

Awesome video and well explained!

[@brianpatrick1531]

Thank you for this video Caesar! I'm getting prepared for mine when they show up and this will definitely help

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Glad to help! Thanks for your support.

[@michaelwtm]

I consider this the definitive video for adjusting the headlights on any US car, primarily for the beam pattern drop measurements given that can be applied to any vehicle (4:59, 5:30). Was not aware of the VOL vs VOR thing at all until this video. I have a 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Factory headlight aiming specs call for the beam to be straight ahead with no drop at 25 feet, which is just flat out wrong. I used the measurements given in this video to stop my headlights blinding the mess out of people as I drive down the road.

[@The_Amateur_Hour]

Very comprehensive! Thank you for this guide

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Glad you have found it helpful!

[@stoker20]

Thanks for the informative video! For other viewers, If your Phillips bit jambs up on your vehicle you may need a Torx. As far as aiming, if you have powerful bulbs, it's pretty easy to see if your lights are shining in someones' windshield. Big 4x4 trucks are the worst at being D/heads with the aiming. Guess I'm stupid for trying to keep the light on the road?

[@LiquidXiron]

Loved the vid, thanks

[@edreeves7697]

Had to try a few different Phillips head screwdrivers to find one that would work with the wheel adjuster. Super easy. Took five minutes.

[@THEE_BRZRKR]

Best headlight alignment video on KZbin so far, but I really wish you would've showed how you measure and transfer your marks/tape to the wall for your vertical and horizontal reference points. Like, how do you get them centered with the marks on the lenses, when the vehicle is 25 feet away and there isn't a wall to the side, parallel with the vehicle that you can measure off of to the marks on the lenses and then measure to the reference points on the wall and make a center point that's the same for the vehicle and the wall? Also, why didn't you show how to align the lights horizontally? That's just as important as vertical alignment. Anyway, I'm not bashing. You guys are doing great things in the headlight community. I was just hoping that I had finally found the perfect headlight alignment tutorial that explained EVERYTHING!

[@UG-23]

Thank you very helpful ! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🔥

[@seniorxj2931]

Love the Vessel screwdriver!

[@dsnewman866]

This is a very informative video. Never knew about the VOL/VOR. I have the Morimoto XB Gen 2 on my lifted 4Runner. I actually just installed them and had aimed them using the top of the right (VOR) before I knew about the VOL and that the Morimotos are VOL. I have, however, accounted for the 3" rule as my lights center are sitting at 44". So, this means I actually have them sitting too low. My concern though is that they already seem quite bright and high enough. If I aim them correctly using VOL, I'm afraid they'll be aimed too high and may blind others. Do you get flashed with them aimed using VOL?

[@ardcifliku]

Very detailed video. I'm looking all over the internet to see if someone posted how to aim the 2017 chevy silverado headlights horizontally( left or right)..I know that oem silverado headlights have 2 adjustment screws on each headlight one for up and down and another for left or right ,but I have no clue what are the measurements. Please share if you know how to do that.thank you.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Generally speaking should not have to align the lights left/right. In fact most headlights in the US do not have adjusters for it, if they do they are capped off. The measurement is as simple as measuring the distance between the lights on the vehicle. Use the small aiming dots. Then at 25' you will want to make sure the center of the beam is the same distance.

[@jjejfd25]

Great explanation and concise and clear. Thank you! I have the Morimoto XB on my Mustang. Has a horizontal adjuster as well. Any instructional video on that?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Generally speaking, you just want to "center" those out. Slight inward pitch on the drivers side toward passenger isn't a bad idea but its just a degree or two.

[@joshjohnson9655]

Thanks for the advice!

[@robngyp]

Good video, very informative. The figures you give for distancing etc, are they the same for vehicles in the UK? I for one work in metric millimetres, centimetres and metres.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Your laws may have you aim lights differently. However, you will want to convert from inches to centimeters.

[@xrosnero]

how about the left and right alignment? how will you know if its aligned? is the "step up" portion of the beam pattern should be the one aligned to the "dot center" of each headlight?

[@agentorange3117]

Foreigner model? wonder if and when Australia gets this model?

[@spydermonkey2127]

Informative. Although where does that little center point come into play?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

The mark on the lens is your point for measurement from the ground up to the lens.

[@user-jx3og6ec3n]

🔥

[@darkboy1759]

How should projector headlights be aimed horizontally? Should the high part of the cutoff land in your lane down the road or should that high side land on the sidewalk?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Great question! We didnt go over horizontal alignment in this video for a few reasons. A lot of lights do not have horizontal adjusters built into the design. If they are integrated, they are generally capped off / covered. For this reason when building custom headlights, its very importnat to perform a test to make sure the projector is leveled properly on the horizontal plane. To answer your question though, the high part of the cutoff should be in the lane that the car is driving in.

[@michaelfrymus]

My headlights are properly aligned and I just got you fog lights from diode to Dynamics and I'm wondering if they should be aligned to the same height as the headlights or should they be lower?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Align them to the same height as the original fogs and make adjustments from there.

[@denniskubai]

What is the best colour for foglights for a car like Corolla, Camry, Premio, etc during a misty night drive? White LED bulb or yellow?

[@techtraveler1365]

What about 3rd Tacoma? Feet to wall and horizontal too? Some internet said 9 to 10 feets and some KZbin too.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

25' for aiming is best. Then road test.

[@victorcortez2227]

What about the width adjustment? I have Morimoto xb as well I’m confused about the horizontal adjustment. Some info would be greatly appreciated

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Shouldn't require it but if it does those lights are able to be adjusted left/right. Simply measure the distance between the dots on the low beam side of the headlight lens, and at 25' you will want that same measurement on the wall.

[@zacmich6472]

Hello, should the left and right beam's hotspots unite into one in the distance and if so after what distance?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Not necessarily. If they merge at a distance you can see that means they are completely crossing over at a longer distance. You are basically pointing them straight. I like to point the drivers side inward just a bit to make sure it doesnt cross into the other lane.

[@MariaSanchez-ku7ok]

How to fix. The cutoff i just replaced my headlights but that cut off is bothering me 😂

[@mattmonroe5680]

I was not aware of vol or vor. My halogen no projector headlights are stamped VOR I retrofitted d2s 5.0 projectors should I aim them using VOR? I have had them aimed using VOL 2in drop from center of the projectors. 08 Honda Civic for reference

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

We use VOL method when aiming retrofitted headlights. Most of the steps/slopes are pretty aggressive on aftermarket projectors.

[@xil3ntkha0s]

Those are nice I got the same set for my car. Heard they stocked the LED projectors after I got mine built but probably would’ve cost more money.

[@krebgurfson5732]

is this adjustment screw changing the height of the shutter? or just the tilt of the light assembly in the housing. My low beams are to high and my highbeams are too low =[

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Adjustment screw adjusts the whole internal frame/bracket that the low and high beams are located on. They are generally in a fixed position and not independently adjustable.

[@EVO_SE]

Hey what lights are you using for the one’s behind the lower grill by the TSS sensor? Is that a kit you sell?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Check out the kits here if you have a 5th gen 4Runner - lightwerkz.net/pages/search-results-page?q=4runner+stealth

[@EVO_SE]

@@LightwerkzGlobal I noticed those are different the one you have are on the bottom next to the sensor on the sides

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

@@EVO_SE Same one, the bar is simply blocked in the center by the sensor.

[@AngelGarcia-fm1su]

At what height did you adjust the 6" Diode dynamics Stage 6 driving lights. I have a set that I am installing and my 4runner is not lifted. But I want to get the most out of them as my high beam compliment to my regular high beams that I have on my 4runner. Of course I will be using them during night offroading. Thanks.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Would recommend 25-30’ for alignment.

[@AngelGarcia-fm1su]

@@LightwerkzGlobal as I saw your video the hight of a 4runner for the low and high beams are at around 40" from the ground could I use that measurement for ge DDS6 driving lights?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

@@AngelGarcia-fm1su for the stage series driving lights it’s not that important to do any sort of measurements. Turn on your low beams and then turn on the bar. You want to center the light output just at the low beam cutoff. This way you have light above the cutoff which aids in distance and additional high beam output.

[@AngelGarcia-fm1su]

@@LightwerkzGlobal thanks for the quick reply and advice.

[@JH93688]

What if your headlight indicator on the lens is 38.25" off the ground? Do i minus any from that? Thanks

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Thats pretty high and I would start at 3-4" lower than center and go for a drive to see if further tuning is required.

[@simion33]

I have the Morimoto XB Hybrid and the circle isn't in the centre of the low beam projector. Do you still go off that circle? It's just below the low beam and at the top of the turn signal.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

I would go off the center point of the low beam if you can.

[@simion33]

@@LightwerkzGlobalperfect thanks so much!

[@dhtsoaedsdhtnadi9575]

CLOSE!!! OH SO CLOSE. IIHS has a research paper on this subject and your measurements are the closest approximation to their data I've seen in ANY aiming video. For those that want more precision... Back the car 25' away from the wall. The first number of each line is headlight height in inches, the second number is drop in inches. If you have projectors with a cutoff and no VOR or VOL label, measure at the HIGH side of the cutoff. If you have reflectors, measure at the top edge of the "hotspot", and drop the driver's side 2" more than the chart says. If you're aiming separate reflector high-beams, measure at the center of the "hotspot". Best to use bulbs with a 4800K-5500K color temp. This closely approximates sunlight on a clear day. Save the ambers for fog lamps, and aim their cutoff to cover the lower third of the headlight beam on the wall. Avoid installing violent blues. 22 - 1.5 24 -1.75 26 - 2 (this is where most headlamps USED to sit and why the old rule of thumb most still cling to worked until minivans, SUVs, and lift kits) 28 - 2.125 30 - 2.25 32 - 2-7/16 34 - 2-9/16 36 - 2.75 38 - 2-7/8 40 - 3 44 - 3.25 48 - 3-5/8 54 - 4-1/16 All of these aim the light at a point 25 cm (10 inches) above a theoretical plane 100 meters (330 feet) out from the headlights. Everyone can see, even in pouring rain, and oncoming drivers don't complain of glare in any weather, even compacts facing SUVs.

[@vberry2415]

The worst headlights I have seen and noticed for blinding oncoming traffic are the later model Ford F series. The stack area is about 3 stories high, and many are lifted. Just awful design. Overkill, and most don't seem to be adjusted - especially the lifted ones. They all need to see this video!

[@jps2308]

Guys with lifted trucks are the most idiot ones on the road they never adjust headlight aim. I also have a lifted truck, but I guarantee my headlights don’t blind anybody.

[@damacknificent151]

They know, Their just a$$ holes 😂. Im sure they cant even see where their going

[@haneefapooppatta7994]

while aiming should it be in high beam or low beem

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Low beam

[@spreadhappiness5143]

Hi where are you sticking that Philips screw driver? Is it right on the teeth?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Yes right into the teeth on the gear.

[@kuuleik6117]

Is this the same for 2022 4 runner? Cause mines has a bolt to adjust

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Same lights, same procedure.

[@pnojazz]

Can you adjust headlights horizontally? My lights are shining in the trees on the right side.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

ON most assemblies you can but sometimes you have to remove a cap. Are you sure your bulb is seated properly?

[@pnojazz]

Yes, the bulb is vertical

[@804MRMAN]

What would be the reason why one of led projectors ( right side) gives off a double beam? The bulb is at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. The beam pattern seems to be in a vertical arch, that faces left.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

LED projectors don't use bulbs. You are using LED bulb in a halogen projector? Could be the bulb is not seated properly and its on an angle. Something is off.

[@804MRMAN]

@@LightwerkzGlobal It's a lense specifically for Led bulbs or Halogen. Like HID lenses are made for HID bulbs.

[@804MRMAN]

@@LightwerkzGlobal Thanks. I was actually outside adjusting the bulb 💡 when I made the first comment, and you are correct, a slight clicking of the adjustable base fixed it.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

@@804MRMAN Unfortunately there is no such thing. Projectors are made for halogen or HID. Projectors don't do that great with plug and play LED bulbs. Especially if its aftermarket projector. Stick with plug and play HID for the best results on projectors. Other than that, I would just check the seating of the bulb and swap bulbs between sides. If issue persists it could be a problem with the projector.

[@804MRMAN]

@LightwerkzGlobal Seems to be a miscommunication. The "lense" is made for LED lighting from a 2020 Lexus RX350. The projectors were used to retrofit another pair of headlights for a 2nd gen gs300, they now accept LED or Halogen bulbs. Lexus uses a circuit board/ribbon with a reflector to emit the led beam. I hope that makes sense now.

[@kevinamaya9034]

Correct me if I’m wrong, VOL use the middle projector as a reference point ? VOR use the right projector (closes to the center of the car) as a reference point ? Thanks

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

The lens will be marked VOL or VOR and also have a reference point dot on the lens generally speaking.

[@Hittin2thabass]

Man I love my morimoto hid kits but those headlamps have a super fuzzy cutoff and are probably over $1000. They should be razor sharp like my retrofits

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

They are sharp individually, the issue is you are bringing 3 projectors together and trying to create a single cutoff at any given distance, its just not possible. On the road its completely fine and you dont even notice. Lets face it, some bleed over is more helpful than hurtful.

[@Hittin2thabass]

@@LightwerkzGlobal ah ok gotcha

[@mikemeadway3230]

Why is your right side have a such a huge dip in the line? Shouldn’t it be a crisp straight line?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

There is is step in the cutoffs you can maximize performance without blinding oncoming traffic.

[@reviewman2037]

Do you have be on flat surface

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

As flat as possible for sure.

[@reviewman2037]

@@LightwerkzGlobal thought so thanks

[@dimitarmuhovski8679]

The most important question - what is the distance between headlight and wall?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

25'

[@michaelfrymus]

And again, what about the horizontal adjustments??

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Shouldn't require any adjustments. Most of the lights either have capped off horizontal adjusters or they are not even there. However if needed, center them off on the wall the same distance they are apart on the vehicle.

[@denniskubai]

I was to ask the same question.

[@cazain]

High beam or low beam ?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

This procedure is for your low beams. Your high beams are fixed so you just adjust the low beams and that is all you need to do.

[@vincentrodriguez4395]

So it’s normal like this to have weird lines like that?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Yes the cutoff line on the projector is a standard feature.

[@MarioPerez-yi2tw]

I bought a new headlight now It has the ugly lines.

[@jonmanilenio]

i notice that you didn't mark the middle of the car, isn't that important? Also, how about adjusting the left and right for the focus?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

If you really want to dial in your horizontal alignment you can mark the wall for each headlight, then back up from the wall to 25' for adjusting left/right.

[@EnuffsEnuff318]

Volume

[@SaiPhet]

Why don’t have a dot on my lens?

[@Zeek800]

FORERUNNER ( 4Runner) not Foreigner!

[@RebeccaCampbell1969]

7:55 what about a little engine bay wash, or at least rinse??? 🙄 maintenance department at some dealers use hose pressure water only to deal with dust around the engine, being careful with certain areas. I just hate working on a dirty engine

[@LostInPhilly89]

Picky much...?

[@RS-hj7ow]

So I got some new alphex headlight on my truck. They are perfection as well with cut off. I got them adjusted. But the highbeams seem crazy high. When you switch over to high beam where should they be?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

They should basically be right in line with low beams and simply bleeding over slightly. Not high in the trees. Did you install LED bulbs ?