Headlamp Adjustment

Special Tool(s)

Headlamp Adjustment Screw Location

Headlamp Aiming

1. The headlamp aiming procedure depends on what type of beam pattern the headlamp is equipped with. Vehicles may come equipped with visually optically aligned left (VOL) or visually optically aligned right (VOR) headlamps. To identify the headlamp beam pattern, look on the headlamp lens. Molded in small letters on the headlamp lens is one of the following:
   • VOL and SAE
   • VOR and SAE

2. NOTE: Mechanical aimers cannot be used with VOR- or VOL-type headlamps.

   Once the headlamp beam pattern is identified, aim the headlamps using one of the following methods:

   • Photometric aimers can aim VOL- and VOR- headlamps. This is the preferred method of headlamp aiming.
   • Visual or screen method aiming can be used to aim VOL- and VOR- headlamps.

Photometric Aiming

1. For the photometric aiming procedure, refer to the appropriate photometric headlamp aimer instruction manual.

Screen Method Aiming

All headlamp types

NOTE: Horizontal aim is not adjustable.

NOTE: Consult your state vehicle inspection manual for recommended tolerance ranges for visual aiming.

1. Before starting headlamp adjustment:
   • check that the vehicle is on level ground.
   • check the tire inflation.
   • check that no other load is in the vehicle other than a half tank of fuel.
   • check that the headlamps are clean.
   • check for correct headlamp operation.
   • if the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, make sure that the switch is on.

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

3. NOTE: The center of the lamp is marked either on the lens (circle, crosshair or other mark) or on the bulb shield internal to the lamp (crosshair or other mark).

   Mark a horizontal reference line on the vertical wall or screen.

   1. Measure the center of the headlamp height to ground and record the measurement.
   2. Make a 2.4 m (8 ft) horizontal mark (using masking tape) on the vertical wall or screen at the same distance from the ground as previously recorded.

4. NOTE: This procedure should be done in a dark environment to effectively see the headlamp beam pattern.

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

5. On the wall or screen, locate the high intensity area of the beam pattern.

VOR-type headlamps

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

   Identify at the top edge of this high intensity area a distinct horizontal cutoff in the beam pattern. If the top edge of this cutoff is not even with the horizontal reference line, the headlamp beam needs to be adjusted using the headlamp adjusting screw.

VOL-type headlamps

7. There is a distinct cutoff in the left portion of the beam pattern. The edge of this cutoff should be positioned 50.2 mm (2 in) below the horizontal reference line. Adjust the headlamp as necessary using the headlamp adjusting screw.
   1. Horizontal reference line.
   2. Top edge of the beam pattern.
   3. High intensity zone.

Autolamps Time Delay Adjustment

NOTE: The time delay can be programmed through the message center using the message center buttons (if equipped) or using the following steps.

NOTE: Steps 2 through 5 must be carried out within a 10-second period.

1. Start with the ignition switch off and the headlamp switch in the AUTOLAMPS ON position.

2. Place the headlamp switch in the OFF position.

3. Place the ignition switch in the RUN position.

4. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.

5. Place the headlamp switch in the AUTOLAMPS ON position. The exterior lamps turn on at this point.

6. Wait the desired amount of time and place the headlamp switch in the OFF position (maximum of 3 minutes). The exterior lamps turn off and the autolamp time delay is now set.

Automatic High Beam Sensitivity Adjustment

NOTE: This procedure switches between the 2 available sensitivity settings (near and far) and provides user feedback by cycling the high beams.

NOTE: The sensitivity setting can also be changed using the scan tool.

NOTE: The battery must be within normal operating range or the setting change may not take effect.

1. Preconditions must be met before the automatic high beam sensitivity setting can be changed. Make sure:
   • the vehicle is in PARK (P)
   • the ignition is in RUN
   • the headlamp switch is in the HEADLAMPS ON position
   • the low beams are on (high beams are off)

2. Cycle the headlamp switch from the HEADLAMPS ON to the AUTOLAMPS position 3 times within 2 seconds, ending with the HEADLAMPS ON position.

3. Cycle the flash-to-pass feature 3 times.

4. The high beams cycle on then off automatically to confirm the sensitivity level has changed.