Headlight Aiming

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

If the following servicing is done, perform the headlight aiming adjustment.
- Front combination light replacement
- Suspension replacement and removal/installation, servicing requiring vehicle height to be changed
If servicing was done which changes the vehicle height, perform the headlight auto leveling system initial setting first to record the vehicle height under the unloaded condition to the auto leveling control module/AFS control module, then perform headlight aiming. (See HEADLIGHT AUTO LEVELING SYSTEM INITIALIZATION .)

Empty the vehicle except for the jack and vehicle tools.
Adjust the tire pressure to the specification. (See WHEEL AND TIRE SPECIFICATION .)
Move the vehicle to level ground.
Sit on the driver-side seat alone.
Jack up the front side of the vehicle and verify that the leveling operates.
- When two people perform the procedure, one person applies load to the trunk compartment while the other person verifies that the leveling operates.
  - If it operates, go to the next step.
  - If it does not operate, refer to the "THE HEADLIGHT AUTO LEVELING SYSTEM DOES NOT OPERATE IN RESPONSE TO VEHICLE POSTURE" (See THE HEADLIGHT AUTO LEVELING SYSTEM DOES NOT OPERATE IN RESPONSE TO VEHICLE POSTURE [HEADLIGHT AUTO LEVELING SYSTEM] .)
Make an adjustment-use screen as shown in the figure using double-weight, white paper.

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Line up the vehicle with the wall so that the distance to the headlights is 3 m {118 in} from the wall.

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Measure the height at the center point of the headlight.

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- Measure the height at the center point of the headlight in which the aiming is being adjusted because the vehicle height differs depending on vehicle conditions.
Align the center of the headlight to be adjusted with the center of the headlight on the adjustment screen.

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Set a partition in front of the headlight which is not being adjusted to block the light.
Start the engine and charge the battery.
Turn on the headlight low beams.
NOTE:
- If the headlight low beams are turned on, the light as shown in the figure is emitted to the adjustment screen.
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Cover the upper part of the headlight with a clean rag so that the brightness border line becomes transparent.
NOTE:
- If the headlight is covered with a clean rag from the upper part of the headlight in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, the yellow line disappears and the brightness border line becomes transparent.
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Verify that the actual elbow point of the headlight is at the elbow point position indicated by the adjustment-use screen.
- If the elbow point of the headlight is not at the position indicated on the adjustment screen, perform the headlight auto leveling system initial setting. (See HEADLIGHT AUTO LEVELING SYSTEM INITIALIZATION .)
  - If it is not at the position indicated on the adjustment screen after performing the initial setting. Perform the following adjustment.
- Adjustment the headlight by turning the aiming adjustment screw.
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.