Screen Method Aiming

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All headlamp types

NOTE: Horizontal aim is not necessary for VOL or VOR headlamps.

NOTE: Consult your state vehicle inspection manual for recommended tolerance ranges for visual aiming.

NOTE: The sight shield may need to be positioned or removed for access to the adjusters.

Before starting headlamp adjustment:
- Check the tire inflation.
- Check that no other load is in the vehicle other than a half tank of fuel.
- Check that the headlamps are clean.
- Check for correct headlamp operation.
- Check that the vehicle is on level ground.
- If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, make sure that the switch is on.

NOTE: The vertical wall or screen must be a minimum of 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide.

Fig 1: Identifying 7.6 Meters (25 Feet) From The Vertical Wall

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Park the vehicle on a level surface approximately 7.6 meters (25 feet) from the vertical wall or screen directly in front of it.

NOTE: The center of the lamp is marked by a 3 mm (0.12 in) circle on the headlamp lens.

Fig 2: Measuring Center Of Headlamp Height To Ground

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Mark a horizontal reference line on the vertical wall or screen.
1. Measure the center of the headlamp height to ground and record.
2. Make a 2.4 meters (8 feet) horizontal mark (masking tape) on the vertical wall or screen at the same distance from the ground as previously recorded.

NOTE: This procedure should be done in a dark environment to effectively see the headlamp beam pattern.

Turn on the low beam headlamps to illuminate the wall or screen and open the hood.

NOTE: For SAE type headlamps, the appearance of the beam pattern may vary between vehicles.

On the wall or screen, locate the high intensity area of the beam pattern. Place the top edge of the high intensity zone even with the horizontal reference line.

VOR type headlamps

NOTE: The appearance of the VOR beam pattern may vary between vehicles.

Fig 3: Identify Top Edge Of VOR Type Headlamps Beam Pattern

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Identify at the top edge of this high intensity area a distinct horizontal cutoff in the beam pattern. If the top edge of this cutoff is not even with the horizontal reference line, the headlamp beam will need to be adjusted.

VOL type headlamps

For VOL type headlamps, there will be a distinct cutoff in the left portion of the beam pattern. The edge of this cutoff should be positioned 50.2 mm (2 in) below the horizontal reference line.
1. Horizontal reference line.
2. Top edge of the beam pattern.
3. High intensity zone.
Fig 4: Identify Top Edge Of VOL Type Headlamps Beam Pattern And High Intensity Zone
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.