Headlamp Aiming. General Procedures

Adjustment

1. Click the link above to view the video.

All headlamp types

1. 1
   Identify the headlamp type. Vehicles are equipped with Visually Optical Aim Left (VOL) or Visually Optical Aim Right (VOR) headlamps. The headlamp lens is marked in small letters with either VOL and SAE or VOR and SAE.
2. 2
   • The vehicle must be on a level surface.

   • The tires must be correctly inflated.

   • The vehicle must be normally loaded.

   • The headlamps must be clean.

   • The headlamps must operate correctly.

   • The pneumatic suspension switch must be on (if equipped).
3. 3
   Park the vehicle on a level surface approximately 7.6 m (25 ft) from a vertical wall or screen directly in front of it.

   

4. 4
   Measure the height of the headlamp center from the ground and record the measurement.

   

5. 5
   • For vehicles with a headlamp center height below 95 cm (37.5 in), place the horizontal reference line at the headlamp center height.

   • For vehicles with a headlamp center height between 95 cm and 105 cm (37.5 in and 41.5 in), place the horizontal reference line at the headlamp center height minus 1.3 cm (0.5 in).

   • For vehicles with a headlamp center height above 105 cm (41.5 in), place the horizontal reference line at the headlamp center height minus 2.5 cm (1.0 in).
6. 6
   Turn on the low beam headlamps to illuminate the wall or screen, and open the hood.
7. 7
   On the wall or screen, locate the beam cutoff.

VOR Type Headlamps

1. 1
   A distinct cutoff is present on the right side of the beam pattern.
2. 2
   • 1 - Horizontal reference line

   • 2 - Cutoff

   • 3 - High intensity zone

   

3. 3
   Aim the headlamps to the horizontal reference line. If necessary, adjust the headlamp using the headlamp aiming screw.
4. 4
   Repeat the previous step for the remaining headlamp.

VOL Type Headlamps

1. 1
   For VOL type headlamps, there is a distinct light-dark boundary on the left side of the beam pattern. The edge of this boundary must be located 5 cm (2 in) below the horizontal reference line.
2. 2
   • 1 - Horizontal reference line

   • 2 - Cutoff

   • 3 - High intensity zone

   

3. 3
   Aim the headlamps to the horizontal reference line. If necessary, adjust the headlamp using the headlamp aiming screw.
4. 4
   Repeat the previous step for the remaining headlamp.