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Tags: headlamp
Measure the hight of the lamp centres from the ground. Draw a horizontal line on the wall at this level across the vertical lines already in position. Only a garage with special equipment can align headlamps accurately. However, you may need to do it temporarily yourself if you have had to remove the lamp unit or fit a new one. You may also need to do so if you have to make a night journey with the car so heavily loaded at the back that the beams are angled upwards. Do not try to adjust four-headlamp systems. They are too complicated for the simple method outlined here. To do the job, load your car to the level at which you propose driving it, then drive to level ground with a plain wall (or garage doors) at one end.
Chalk a vertical line on the wall or the garage doors, opposite the centre of the car bonnet. Draw two outer lines equidistant from the centre line and the same distance apart as the headlamp centres. Measure the distance between the headlamp centres, halve this figure and draw two more vertical lines at the same distance on each side of the centre line. Measure the height of the lamp centres and draw a horizontal line at this height across the three vertical lines. The outer crosses should now be exactly in front of the lamp centres. Emphasise them with chalk so they stand out clearly. Back the car straight from the wall for 25 ft (8 m). Make sure it is pointing exactly at the centre cross. Bounce it again.
With one headlamp covered, turn the side adjusters of the other to centre the bright spot on the vertical line. Turn the top adjuster of the headlamp until the bright spot is centred on the horizontal line as well. Use the top adjuster to lower the spot 50mm below the cross. Cover the lamp and align the other in the same way. On single, round headlamps of the earlier pattern there is one self-tapping screw underneath the bezel. Take it out, pull the bezel forward and lift it off two lugs at the top. On a few cars you need to remove the radiator grille - it may be held by self-tapping screws or clips. But many later cars have adjuster screws, turn-buttons or levers that can be reached from inside the bonnet. Consult your handbook if in doubt. There may be one top adjuster, which moves the beam up and down, and one or two side adjusters, which move it sideways. Switch the headlights on, set them to main beam and cover one - for example, with a coat. Turn the side adjuster(s) on the other to centre the brightest patch of light on the vertical line on that side. Use the top adjuster to bring the patch on to the horizontal line. When the patch is centred on the cross, turn the top adjuster to move it 2 in. (50mm) down the wall. Repeat with the other lamp.
With an asymmetric dipped beam, align the point of the broad V at the top of the dipped beam so that it is 50mm below the cross.