Screen Method Aiming

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All headlamp types

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

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

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

Before starting headlamp adjustment:
- check that the vehicle is on level ground.
- 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.
- 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 m (8 ft) wide.

Fig 1: Identifying Distance Between Vehicle And Vertical Wall Or Screen

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

NOTE: The center of the lamp is marked either on the lens (circle, crosshair or other mark) or on the bulb shield internal to the lamp (crosshair or other mark).

Mark a horizontal reference line on the vertical wall or screen.
1. Measure the center of the headlamp height to ground and record the measurement.
2. Make a 2.4 m (8 ft) horizontal mark (using masking tape) on the vertical wall or screen at the same distance from the ground as previously recorded.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Center Of Headlamp Height To Ground
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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.
On the wall or screen, locate the high intensity area of the beam pattern.
VOR-type headlamps

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

Fig 3: Locating Top Edge Of High Intensity Area

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 needs to be adjusted using the headlamp adjusting screw.
VOL-type headlamps
For VOL-type headlamps, there is 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. Adjust the headlamp as necessary using the headlamp adjusting screw.
1. Horizontal reference line.
2. Top edge of the beam pattern.
3. High intensity zone.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Horizontal Reference Line, Top Edge Of Beam Pattern And High Intesity Zone
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.