Hi, I was wondering if someone could give me some assistance with aiming headlamps on a '94 Ranger? I've owned the truck since new and have always been very happy with the lighting, until recently. I took a rock in one of the headlamps and cracked it pretty good. I replaced it and then for some reason took it to the local dealer to have the lights aimed. Now I can't see anything! I brought it back and they checked it again and say its perfect to Ford specs and it's just me. Well, my 11 year old lights were just fine until they "adjusted" them. I've searched all of my manuals and can find adjusting procedures for Model A's up through the mid sixties, but I can't see that they apply to "modern" composite lamps. I'm sure that I can adjust them so that I can see, but I don't want to blind everyone else too. Right now they have them so far to the right that I can see around right hand turns before I even get to them! Can see the sidewalks when going straight and if it's a left hand turn, forget it, I'm blind. I did play around tonight and can confirm that both lights are aimed in the same spot. I was always under the impression that they should be parallel and to the right? Any thoughts?
Thanks

 

Headlamp Aiming

The headlamp aiming procedure depends on what type of beam pattern the headlamp is equipped with. Vehicles may come equipped with visual optical left (VOL), visual optical right (VOR) or SAE only (includes sealed beam type) headlamps. To identify the headlamp beam pattern, look on the headlamp lens. Molded in small letters on the headlamp lens is one of the following:
SAE
VOL and SAE
VOR and SAE
Once the headlamp beam pattern is identified, aim the headlamps using one of the following methods as applicable.
Photometric aimers can aim VOL, VOR and SAE only type headlamps. This is the preferred method of headlamp aiming.
Visual or screen method aiming can be used to aim VOL, VOR and SAE only type headlamps.
Mechanical aimers cannot be used with VOR or VOL type headlamps. Aerodynamic lamps that can be aimed mechanically will have three nibs molded into the lens of the lamp.


Screen Method Aiming

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.

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 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.
Measure the center of the headlamp height to ground and record.
Make a 2.4 meter (8 foot) 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.
SAE only type headlamps


In addition to the horizontal line marked in step three, a pair of vertical lines must be marked at the centerline of the headlamps on the wall or screen.
Mark the center line of the vehicle on the wall or screen.
Measure from the center of the headlamp to the centerline of the vehicle.
Make two 1.5 meter (5 foot) vertical marks (masking tape) on the wall or screen at the same distance from the vehicle centerline as previously recorded.

On the wall or screen, locate the high intensity area of the beam pattern. Place the left edge of the high intensity zone even with the vertical line corresponding to the headlamp being adjusted.
VOR type headlamps


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

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.
Horizontal reference line.
Top edge of the beam pattern.
High intensity zone.

 

Naaaaahhh! Disregard all that hoopla! Just park in front of a garage door or other plain surface.. About 10 feet from it will do. Turn on the headlites and mark the pattern on the wall with tape. (so the starting point can be remembered).
You already know what you wish to do in regards to raising or lowering.. Do that while looking at the pattern on the wall. Then test drive and come back to the same parking space and do any needed corrections... You should be all set after another test drive..
You can spread the beams apart or bring them closer together or raise and lower them with ease.. the wall works wonders on headlites.
Big Jim