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.

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 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 performed.
• The vehicle should be normally loaded with a full tank of fuel and one person or 160 lbs (75 kg) sitting on the driver's seat.
• Tires should be properly inflated.
• The spare tire is in its original location in the vehicle.

Fig 1: Headlamp Aiming Dot
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. To adjust the vertical aim, perform the following procedure:
   1. Find the aim dot on the lens of the headlamp.
   2. Measure the distance from the ground to the aim dot on the headlamp. Record the distance.
   3. At the wall or other flat surface, measure from the ground upward the recorded distance from Step 2 and mark it.
   4. Draw or tape a horizontal line the width of the vehicle at the wall or other flat surface where it was marked it Step 4.
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.
2. Turn on the 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 2: Vertical Headlamp Aiming Screws
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Locate the vertical headlamp aiming screws, which are under the hood near each headlamp assembly.

   The adjustment screw can be turned with an E8 Torx® socket or T15 Torx® screwdriver.

4. Turn the vertical aiming screw until the headlamp beam is aimed to the horizontal tape line. If you turn it clockwise, it will raise the beam and if you turn it counterclockwise, it will lower the beam.
5. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the opposite headlamp.