How do I adjust the aiming of my Headlights?

[snickle]

The service manual shows how to determine if they are aimed right, but I can't figure out how to actually adjust then vertically.

I see a horizontal adjustment, but no vertical.

Any help?

[infernomagnum]

I swapped my black ones for chrome ones last week. It didn't seem to affect the alignment. I didn't even notice an adjustment screw.

[maneval69]

From the 2005 serviec manual.

OPERATION
The system is designed to automatically level the vehicles headlamps, regardless of cargo or passenger loads or road conditions. When the vehicle is loaded with passengers and/or cargo, as the ignition is turned to RUN, the system will look at the front and rear sensors and make an adjustment based upon feedback from the sensor to see if it has approximately 27.5 degrees from its zero or neutral position. The headlamp stepper motor then adjusts the headlamp up or down for proper headlamp aiming. The system is dynamic. The headlamp level will be adjusted while driving if required based on sensor inputs.
NOTE: If the headlamp leveling module (HID translator module) or sensors are replaced, the system needs to be calibrated using a Scan Tool.
When in calibration mode, the key in the RUN position, the vehicle doors, trunk/liftgate, and hood must be closed.
In addition, no one is seated in vehicle, the vehicle may not be touched (bounced or bumped) until the calibration is complete. The headlamps must be ON to power the stepper motors. The approximate calibration time is 12 - 15 seconds. The scan tool will display a “status of calibration” message. These being either “still in progress”, “passed”, or “failed.”
If a system fault occurs, the translator module will store the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and enable it to be read using the scan tool and assist in diagnosing the headlamp leveling system.

[Meister]

...The system is designed to automatically level the vehicles headlamps, regardless of cargo or passenger loads or road conditions. When the vehicle is loaded with passengers and/or cargo, as the ignition is turned to RUN, the system will look at the front and rear sensors and make an adjustment based upon feedback from the sensor to see if it has approximately 27.5 degrees from its zero or neutral position. The headlamp stepper motor then adjusts the headlamp up or down for proper headlamp aiming. The system is dynamic. The headlamp level will be adjusted while driving if required based on sensor inputs...'Tis a good day indeed when one learns something new about his sweet ride. Thanks the answer maneval, and for asking, snickle. :thumbs_u:

[fnkychkn]

From the 2005 serviec manual.
the system referred to in this quote is for euro spec 300. not available in US/canada.

[Meister]

the system referred to in this quote is for euro spec 300. not available in US/canada.
Well, hells bells, funky - just when I thought I'd learned something new about this great ride to get excited about you go and splash a dash of reality in here! ;)

Thanks for the correction. :)

That does, however, bring us back to snickle's original question: How does one adjust the elevation of the headlights?

(If the answer is simply RTFM, funky, say so.) ;)

[Rev.Hammer]

the system referred to in this quote is for euro spec 300. not available in US/canada.
Dangit !
Talk about a dose of Tabasco in the eye!

[sieb]

the system referred to in this quote is for euro spec 300. not available in US/canada.

Crazy Brits get all the cool toys.... :(

[fnkychkn]

no mention of adjustment screws in FSM. as far as i can tell, there is only up/down adjustment. no side to side.

[moparman53]

Did DCX screw up?

[grinner]

The inner most screw will aim it virticlally. The ont in the top corner closest to the grille? Tighten it and it'll aim more inside.
I havnt aimed mine perfectly yet but everytime I follow mrs grinn to Chilies she tells me which way I need to adjust next. Sure, I could have her stand in front of the car in the carport and direct me but adjusting over a long period of time is a method that has always worked. It's kinda like christmas every trip.

[done]

Did DCX screw up?

No, they just screwed side to side.

[Meister]

The inner-most screw will aim it vertically. The one in the top corner closest to the grille? Tighten it and it'll aim more inside...
Thanks, Grinner. Great info. :thumbs_u:

[JaxHemi]

just as was reading about the auto aiming, and getting all exited... I was quickly pulled back to reality ( my neck still hurts). Oh well, thanks for the aiming instructions Grinner. Woulda been kind of neato with the stepper motor and stuff. Think we're looking at a potential mod here? Anyone?

[Displaced Hokie]

No offense, but I'm glad I don't have all that auto gobbledeygo attached to the back of my headlights. Unless, it was adjustable on the fly from the cabin!

I'd like to aim my lights up a bit as well. The could stand to shine a bit further out.

[maneval69]

fnkychkn is right, after reading a lot more (there is a lot of info in the manual) here is some edited info.
I could not find a diagram that shows any adjustment screws.

HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT
There are three different kinds of headlamp aiming procedures:
² Visual Aim Optical Left (VOL) - 300C with halogen and 300C w/HID.
² Visual Aim Optical Right (VOR) - 300/300 Touring and Dodge Magnum.
² Export - 300C w/HID - Export vehicles.

The VOL or VOR is embossed on the lower front of each headlamp unit.

VOL HEADLAMP AIMING
1. Turn the headlamps On and select the Low beams.
2. Rotate the headlamp vertical adjustment screw (and horizontal on export) on each lamp to adjust the beam height as required.

VOR HEADLAMP AIMING
1. Turn the headlamps On and select the Low beams.
8L - 80 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR - SERVICE INFORMATION LX
2. Rotate the headlamp vertical adjustment screw (and horizontal on export) on each lamp to adjust the beam height as required.

EXPORT HEADLAMP AIMING
1. Turn the headlamps On and select the Low beams.
2. Rotate the headlamp vertical adjustment screw (and horizontal on export) on each lamp to adjust the beam
height as required.