Fog light aiming question

[2006matrix]

I noticed the fog lights aim a bit low, about 10/15 yards ahead, on the new 06 Matrix I picked up a few weeks ago. Should I take it back to the dealer and ask them to make adjustment, or is it something I can do it myself? I'm afraid the dealer will refuse to do it and say something like 'it's factory standard'. If doing it myself, it looks like I have to either remove some plastic directly underneath, or the bumper cover. Any suggestions?

[rezzle]

You should never be afraid to ask your dealer anything. When you take it in for your next service check tell them you think the foglights are aimed low and if there is a charge to have them adjusted.

Kinda like that chick in high school you were to afraid to ask to dance. Walk in with some confidence, ask. If she says no grab her freinds arm and dance with her friend ( check with another dealer.) but don't be afraid of someone saying (no.)

[mistamatrix]

The following is taken from the 03 service manual but the foglights are indeed the same for every production year therefore, the foglight can be adjusted as shown:



The only difference is access to the foglights in 05-06's is a bit trickier since they're located within the bumper. You'll probably have to remove some of the mud/splash guards from below.

[Undrstm8ed]

the lights at a specific distance should shine below the headlights. Headlights are designed to be projected forward and for a distance of NOT less than 300 ft to be D.O.T. certified. Foglights or driving lights should fall below 160 ft and be slightly wider to show in front of the vehicle and to the side and forward of veiw.

I'm sure theres the possiblitity that there may be out of adjustment from the factory but they should be set where they need to be. just my .02$

[2006matrix]

Thank you, mistamatrix, for the diagram. Very helpful.

I really believe they are severely out of adjustment in my case. So much so that they offer very little help in terms of visibility at night.

Now to the hard part...it will take a contortionist to get to the screws without taking anything apart. I will give it a shot.

[mistamatrix]

Well if the splashguards underneath the front bumper are anything like the 03/04's, it's just a matter of a few 10mm screws to remove them.

[2006matrix]

I got under and made the adjustments by turning the dial clockwise. Can not be happier with the improved visibility when driving at night. It turned out there is no need to take apart anything. The splash guard for the engine compartment has an access hole direct underneath the adjustment mechanism. Praise the engineer for the design. I was able to turn the dial with a flat-head screwdriver through the access hole.

While I was under there, I thought I might as well check out the procedure to replace the light bulbs. It would be a piece of cake. Just reach the assembly above the splash guard from the radiator side, turn it counter clockwise for 45 degrees, and it pulled right out.

Thanks to mistamatrix for sharing the diagram.