Adjusting headlights

Tavel
05-22-2007, 03:00 PM
I'm trying to adjust the headlights on my 2000 Corolla VE, they've gone askew over the years...but for the life of me can't figure out how to do it!

I see there's the weird adjuster wheel, but it will only spin 1 or 2 degrees in either direction and then it stops. I've tried using a wrench, screwdriver, even channel locks to spin the screw itself and it just won't move.

what am i missing here? Do i just need some penetrating oil or something?


And while i'm on the subject of lights, I'm replacing a cluster light soon and was wondering if there were any tricks to make the job easier/quicker.

Tavel
05-26-2007, 03:06 PM
Bump.

No one has ever adjusted the headlights???

Flashmn
05-26-2007, 05:41 PM
Check the user manual?

w203
05-26-2007, 09:27 PM
I'm trying to adjust the headlights on my 2000 Corolla VE, they've gone askew over the years...but for the life of me can't figure out how to do it!

I see there's the weird adjuster wheel, but it will only spin 1 or 2 degrees in either direction and then it stops. I've tried using a wrench, screwdriver, even channel locks to spin the screw itself and it just won't move.

what am i missing here? Do i just need some penetrating oil or something?


And while i'm on the subject of lights, I'm replacing a cluster light soon and was wondering if there were any tricks to make the job easier/quicker.

Which adjusting wheel did you adjust? The ones that changes the beam vertically and horizontally or the ones that changes the beam left and right? Can you take a pic of what your referring to? Did you have it parked on level surface within a few feet of a wall so you know where the beam is adjusting?

Tavel
05-28-2007, 11:37 AM
Which adjusting wheel did you adjust? The ones that changes the beam vertically and horizontally or the ones that changes the beam left and right? Can you take a pic of what your referring to? Did you have it parked on level surface within a few feet of a wall so you know where the beam is adjusting?
I believe I was trying to adjust the horizontal first, just to get a feel for how it works without cramping my hand reaching the bottom adjuster.

btw: I know how to properly aim headlights, I've done it numerous times. I just can't figure out how these particular adjustment mechanisms work.

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/6282/dsc8184du0.jpg

This is the top adjuster (horizontal?). It only moves a few degrees in either direction. You can see my tool marks on the plastic nut. :clap:

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/3585/dsc8186hk2.jpg

That's the bottom one (vertical?). I don't think the screwdriver is engaging properly for some reason. The wheel won't turn at all.

w203
05-29-2007, 03:23 AM
Something could be stuck and preventing it from turning. Do you know if the other side headlight is having the same issue?

Tavel
05-29-2007, 09:31 AM
Something could be stuck and preventing it from turning. Do you know if the other side headlight is having the same issue?

yeah, they're both like that. should i try some wd-40?