Headlamp Aiming

The vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming system. The aim has been preset at the factory and should need no further adjustment

However, If the vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp aim may be affected and adjustment may be necessary.

If oncoming vehicles flash their high beams at you, this may also mean the vertical aim needs to be adjusted.

It is recommended that the vehicle is taken to your dealer for service if the headlamps need to be re-aimed. It is possible however, to re-aim the headlamps as described in the following procedure.

The vehicle should be properly prepared as follows:

• The vehicle should be placed so the headlamps are 25 ft (7.6 m) from a light colored wall or other flat surface.
• The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly level surface which is level all the way to the wall or other flat surface.
• The vehicle should be placed so it is perpendicular to the wall or other flat surface.
• The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud on it.
• The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other work stopped while headlamp aiming is being done.
• The vehicle should be normally loaded with a full tank of fuel and one person or 160 lbs (75 kg) on the driver seat.
• Tires should be properly inflated.

Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle low-beam headlamps. The high-beam headlamps will be correctly aimed if the low-beam headlamps are aimed properly.

Fig 1: Vertical Headlamp Aiming Screw
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. The vertical headlamp aiming screw (1) is located behind the front marker lamp. Refer to Front Side Marker Lamp Replacement  for lamp removal and adjuster screw access.
Fig 2: Adjustment With A Standard No. 2 Phillips Driver
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. The adjustment screw can be turned with a standard No. 2 Phillips driver.

1. To adjust the vertical aim on the headlamps, close the hood, and complete the following:
2. Find the aim dots on the lens of the lamp assembly.
3. Measure the distance from the ground to the aim dot on the lamp with the hood in the closed position. Record the distance.
Fig 3: Headlights Projected Onto Flat Surface
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. At the wall or other flat surface, measure from the ground upward the recorded distance and draw or tape a horizontal line the width of the vehicle.
NOTE: Do not cover a headlamp to improve beam cut-off when aiming. Covering a headlamp may cause excessive heat build-up which may cause damage to the headlamp.
5. Turn on the low-beam headlamps and place a piece of cardboard or equivalent in front of the headlamp not being aimed. This should allow only the beam of light from the headlamp being aimed to be seen on the flat surface.
Fig 4: Headlights Projected Onto Flat Surface
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Turn the vertical aiming screw until the headlamp beam is aimed to the horizontal tape line. The top edge of the cut-off should be positioned at the bottom edge of the horizontal tape line.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the opposite headlamp.