headlight aiming

Anybody have any suggestions for how to correctly aim headlights? I know where the adjustment screw are but would like the proper procedure.

Scott

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Math svcks!! -- Jimmy Buffett

http://www.gpxo.org

CRIKEY!! That croc nearly bit my arm off!

there are special alignment tools(snap on) that strap onto the lights with levels and dials on them.this is the only proper way

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Kevin
00' Super Black SE 5 speed
superblackxterra.tripod.com

Ok, so what is the improper way.

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Math svcks!! -- Jimmy Buffett

http://www.gpxo.org

CRIKEY!! That croc nearly bit my arm off!

gearhead1972 wrote:


I thought you had to mark a spot on a wall so many inches up and aim your headlights to that mark? Gearhead, is that from the service manual? I am just going by something I read, so take it w/ a grain of salt. I would think you would need to re-aim your headlights after changing your suspension setup, and those "strap-ons" probably wouldn't correct for the new geometry.

Call the dealer and ask them if anything is needed or just go buy a repair manual from the AutoParts Store.


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'01 Yellow XE
It's the wife's, but I'm sure I'll like driving her.

Question, why do you need to adjust them anyway?

Brent

Mine have been aimed way off since I bought the truck. No, it was not in accident. My high beams are aimed at the trees.

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Math svcks!! -- Jimmy Buffett

http://www.gpxo.org

CRIKEY!! That croc nearly bit my arm off!

Mine were aimed way too high too when I bought it. I just used the garage door for reference and lowered the beams a bit. FWIW, the light pattern is so bad on the Xterra lights that no matter where I've set them they don't work worth crap. Atleast with them lowered they don't blast back into my eyes when it's foggy!

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ChuckH
2000 SE 4x4, Aztec Red

Well, I aimed the headlights on my own. It wasn't to tough. I pointed the headlights at wall approx. 50 ft from the wall. Then I found the center of the truck and marked it on the wall. The next step is to measure from the center of the truck to the center of the headlights (remember to measure the height from the ground also so that you have the right height for adjustment too) and mark this on the wall with a big x. I used masking tape for the markings.

After this all you have to do is adjust the alignment screws so that the low beams show up on the wall slightly lower than center and to the right a tad bit.

This wasn't to hard to do and took approx. 30 min time.

I drive at night on my way home from work so I will be testing them tonite. I will post how it work tomorrow.

Scott

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Math svcks!! -- Jimmy Buffett

http://www.gpxo.org

CRIKEY!! That croc nearly bit my arm off!

Where's the alignment screw for positioning
your headlights, DefibVT? Send me a pic
or something... Thanks, brodda!!!

- Air B

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Xterra 2001 Alpine Green SE 4x2
Air Butchie Productions
Baq to Baq - World Champion LA Lakers '00 & '01...

AB since I have a digital camera and I don't seem to be able post pics right let me describe it to you and see if it helps.

The screw for positioning up/down is located on the front of the grill. You can access it through a small hole that is there. I used a flashlight to find it. Make sure your screwdrive is long enough to reach.

The side to side screw is located near the upper inside corner of the headlight. Nissan even provide a groove so the screwdrive will align properly. How thoughtful!

Let me know if this helps. If not, I will try to figure out how to post some pics or I can email some.

Scott

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Math svcks!! -- Jimmy Buffett

http://www.gpxo.org

CRIKEY!! That croc nearly bit my arm off!

[This message has been edited by DeFibVT (edited 07-09-2001).]

Check out: http://www.autooptiks.com/aiming.html

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That is the site I originally used but another site said to use 50ft as the spot to aim from. I originally did the 25ft aiming but was not saitisfied with the results. I reaimed from 50ft and was better able to control the pattern.

Scott

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Math svcks!! -- Jimmy Buffett

http://www.gpxo.org

CRIKEY!! That croc nearly bit my arm off!

Thanks Scott... I'll check it out when I get
home tonight... Lates!

- Air B

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Xterra 2001 Alpine Green SE 4x2
Air Butchie Productions
Baq to Baq - World Champion LA Lakers '00 & '01...

The verdict is in. Driving home last night the adjustment to the headlights made a vast improvement to my vision. I need to make a minor tweak to the headlights (they are aimed a little to high) but all in all I was quite pleased with the results. If you have any questions post them here or email me.

AB, did you find the adjustment screws?

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Math svcks!! -- Jimmy Buffett

http://www.gpxo.org

CRIKEY!! That croc nearly bit my arm off!

Yeah... Found them... I was adjusting the
height level last night... Thanks again Scott
for the info...

- Air B

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Xterra 2001 Alpine Green SE 4x2
Air Butchie Productions
FNG and YANXO Regulator!!! Flame Suits On!!!