Headlamp Adjustment - Screen Method Aiming

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mazda Tribute. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Horizontal aim is not required for this vehicle and is not adjustable.

NOTE:

Consult your state's vehicle inspection manual for recommended tolerance ranges for visual aiming.

Before starting headlamp assembly adjustment:
1. Check the tire inflation.
2. Check that no other load is in the vehicle other than a half tank of gas.
3. Check that the headlamps are clean.
4. Check for correct headlamp operation.
5. Check that the vehicle is on level ground.
  
  Fig 1: Parking Vehicle On A Level Surface
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- The vertical wall or screen must be a minimum of 2.4 meters (8 ft) wide.
Park the vehicle on a level surface approximately 7.6 meters (25 ft) from the vertical wall or screen directly in front of it.

Fig 2: Marking Horizontal Reference Line On Vertical Wall Or Screen
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- The center of the lamp is marked by a 3 mm (0.12 in) circle on the headlamp lens.
Mark a horizontal reference line on the vertical wall or screen.
1. Measure the center of the headlamp height to ground and record.
2. Make a 2.4 meter (8 ft) 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.

Fig 3: Locating High Intensity Area Of Beam Pattern
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- The appearance of the beam pattern may vary between vehicles.
On the wall or screen locate the high intensity area of the beam pattern.

Fig 4: Identifying A Distinct Horizontal Cutoff In Beam Pattern On Top Edge Of High Intensity Area
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- The appearance of the 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 horizontal reference line. The headlamp beam will need to be adjusted.