Headlight Aiming

HendyPhoto · July 26, 2003

How do you aim the headlights on a 2002 GMC? I had my lift installed and my lights are shining WAY too high. Where should they be pointing, and can I aim them myself? Thanks!!

JimWilson · July 31, 2003

Well, I can tell you how to aim them, but not where to point them (that's more a personal preference).

Each of the light assemblies has 2 screws that have what appears to be a star shaped head. One is towards the interior of the assembly, by the high beam, and the other is almost directly behind the assembly, towards the middle in the back. The screw in the middle makes the light go up and down, while the one by the high beam makes the light go left and right.

Unfortunately GM, in their infinite wisdom, made this screw head something that virtually no one will have as a tool in their toolbox, so you need to buy a special tool. I got mine at Karparts for something like 10 bucks. It's got 2 different sides -- GM uses more then one size adjuster screw on their vehicles, those dopes .

I cranked the tbars on my truck so I had to adjust mine down some (they were also not even close to properly aligned from the factory). I set mine up so the PS light points ever so slightly towards the shoulder of the road, so I can see to my right a bit better. The DS points straight ahead.

bummed-n-Md · July 31, 2003

I would also check with local DMV or a local body shop on 'where' they are supposed to point. (ie., low beams aim point is 10 ft in front of vehicle, etc). Most, if not all states, have a law or motor vehicle code that dictates where they will aim at.

Some states are very strict about how 'well aimed' your lights are. For example, in NJ when you take it in for annual inspection at a state insection station, they usually roll a calibrated target in front of the vehicle and check both low and high beams for where they aim at and minimum intensity. If you are too far out, you will fail inspection.

Also, I have been in other states where police will give tickets (usually a 'fix-it' ticket) if your lights are too far out, especially if your vehicle is not 'factory'.

A 30 second phone call could save you some trouble later.

bummed

HendyPhoto · August 3, 2003

Excellent, thanks amigos! 10 bucks for a tool and a phone call isnt bad!!

I will be adjusting my lights alot, depending on the weight of my trailer. I just got back from a boating trip and almost everyone I passed brighted me because they thought my brights were on!!! It was driving me crazy, and I even felt a little bad for the oncoming traffic.

Thanks again for the info.

Bugze · August 3, 2003

Does anyone know if there is way to aim the lights left or right on a 2003? I can move them higher or lower, but I can not find any adjustment screw for left or right. Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

JimWilson · August 4, 2003

It would seem highly unlikely to not be able to make a left/right adjustment. Have you taken one of the assemblies out to see if the screw is just hidden somewhere?

RobertV · August 5, 2003

I had to adjust my headlights as well, as the factory adjustment wasn't too good. If I recall correctly, I was able to do it with my set of torx sockets and some long socket extentions. It was pretty simple.