Headlamps, Checking: Notes

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Checking Adjustment

NOTE:

Vehicles with gas discharge lamps are equipped with automatic beam width regulation. For these vehicles the "Basic Setting" sequence must be performed to adjust the headlights.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Head Light Adjusting Unit VAS 5046 or

Fig 1: Identifying Head Light Adjusting Unit VAS 5046
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
Headlight Adjuster VAS 5047

Test- and adjustment requirements:

Tire pressure must be OK.
Cover lenses must not be damaged or dirty.
Reflectors and bulbs OK.
Vehicle must be properly loaded.
Move vehicle back and forth for 1 meter (3 to 4 feet) or bounce front and rear of vehicle several times up and down to settle suspension.
Vehicle and headlight adjuster must be on a level surface. Refer to Operating instructions of VAS 5046 or operating instructions of VAS 5047.
Inclination must be set.

NOTE:

Headlamp side adjustment is not possible on NAR vehicles, and for this reason, cannot be turned.

In the trim above the headlight, inclination measurements are sometimes stamped in "%". The headlamps must be adjusted according to these measurements. Percentage information is based on a projection distance of 10 meters. For example: inclination of 1.0 % converts to approximately 10 cm.

NOTE:

The correct value for all headlamps in the US is 0.7%.

Information for vehicles with halogen headlamps with manual headlamp range adjustment

NOTE:

For certain markets, no manual headlamp range control is offered in conjunction with halogen headlamps.

The headlight range adjuster thumb wheel must be in basic setting -0-.

Load: Vehicle must be loaded with one person on the driver's seat, weighing 165 lbs (75 kg), otherwise vehicle must be empty (curb weight).

The curb weight is the weight of the vehicle ready to be operated with filled fuel tank (at least 90% filled), including the weight of all equipment usually carried in the car such as spare wheel, tools, car jack, fire extinguisher, etc.

If the fuel tank is not at least 90% full, adjust the weight as follows:

-- Read fuel level from fuel gauge. Calculate additional weight needed using the following table. Place extra weight in luggage compartment.

Tank Filling Table

Fuel Level According to Fuel Gauge	Additional Weight in Luggage Compartment In Lbs (Kg)
1/4	66 (30)
1/2	44 (20)
3/4	22 (10)
Full	0

Example:

If the fuel tank is half full, place a weight of 44 lbs (20 kg) in the luggage compartment.

NOTE:

For additional weight use containers filled with water. A container filled with 5 liters of water weighs approximately 11 lbs (5 kg).

Information for Vehicles with Gas-Discharge Headlamps:

NOTE:

On vehicles with gas discharge headlamps, DTC memory should be checked and erased using VAS 5051 or VAS 5052 and headlight range adjuster brought into Basic Setting before every headlamp adjustment. Refer to HID Headlamps, Performing Basic Setting .

Check Headlamps Adjustment

Please check the following:

-- With the low beam switched on check whether the horizontal light-dark border of the setting line -1- contacts the test surface.

Fig 2: Identifying Headlight Setting Line, Break-Away Point & Center Point

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Check whether the break-away point -2- between the left horizontal part and the rising part on the right of the light-dark border runs vertically through the center point -3-. The bright core of the light beam must be on the right of the vertical line.

NOTE:

To make it easier to find break-away point -2- cover and uncover left half of headlight (as viewed when looking forward) a few times. Then check dipped beam again.

After correct adjustment of low beams the center point of the main beam must lie on the center mark -3-.

For the previous test screens with 15° setting line, adjust for new test screen. To avoid incorrect settings, ignore 15° setting line.

Fig 3: Identifying 15 Degree Angle

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Check Fog Lamps Adjustment

Fig 4: Identifying Fog Light Test Screen

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Check whether the upper light-dark border touches the setting line and runs across the complete test screen width horizontally.