GM 16522983 Headlamp Capsule Assembly

It's important that the headlights be aimed correctly to avoid blinding oncoming drivers and to ensure optimal visibility on the road. Headlights should be checked for proper aim every 12 months and whenever a new sealed beam headlight is installed or front end body work is performed. Each sealed beam headlight features two spring-loaded screws: one on the top for vertical movement and one on the side for horizontal movement. For composite type headlights, the hood must be opened to access the adjuster screws located on top of each headlight assembly, which are Torx head number T-15. The simplest adjustment method requires an empty wall 25 feet in front of the vehicle and a level floor. Park the vehicle on a level surface 25 feet from the wall, then position masking tape vertically on the wall in line with the vehicle centerline and the centerlines of both headlights. A horizontal tape line should be placed in line with the centerline of all headlights, which may be easier to position with the vehicle parked just a few inches away. Adjustments should be made with the vehicle level, the gas tank half-full, and without any unusually heavy load. For the Low beam adjustment, position the high intensity zone two inches below the horizontal line and two inches to the right of the headlight vertical line, adjusting the top screw clockwise to raise the beam and counterclockwise to lower it, while using the side screw to move the beam left or right. With the High beams on, the high intensity zone should be vertically centered just below the horizontal line, keeping in mind that it may not be possible to achieve perfect aim for both High and Low beams; if a compromise is necessary, prioritize the Low beams for driver safety.

To replace a sealed beam headlight, put off the headlight switch, and for the earlier models, take out the headlight bezel. Subsequently, unscrew the headlight retaining ring screws, do not touch the adjusting screws and lift off the headlight retaining ring. Re wire the headlight electrical connector and pull out the headlight. Removing is done in reverse to installation while adjusting the headlights takes place. To work on a halogen bulb-type headlight, power off the headlight switch first; for the side lens, you have to unbolt the headlight's side lens retaining bolt situated at the car's fender and pull it out. After that, there is removal of three mounting screws in order to liberate the headlight assembly from the core support so as to disconnect bulb electrical connections as well as the grasping of the bulb holder where it will be turned anti-clockwise to be released. Removal is done in the reverse order of installation; the headlights may be adjusted if needed.

To begin, remove the headlight trim cover, followed by the headlight retaining ring. Next, pull the headlight bulb out from its carrier and unplug it from the electrical connector. Finally, installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

When replacing the headlight, do not operate the spring loaded adjusting screws to retain the headlight alignment. First, take out the screws which are on the headlight bezel and the bezel used for aesthetic purposes. The return pin could be removed by using cotter pin removal tool to unhook the return from the retaining ring. Subsequently, remove the two bolts of the retaining ring and remove the ring while lifting the light by its sides. Ease the sealed beam unit out slightly and short circa the wires at the rear, then take the light out of the car. For the new unit to join the wires arrange it so that the numbers molded into the lens are at the upper side. Place the retaining ring to the device with the mounting screws and spring; set the bezel and test functionality. So where the adjusting screws were not turned, no adjustment of the new headlight should be necessary.

This is because the headlights should be working well and should also not be blinding other drivers on the road and at the same time, they should also be aimed properly to have the best vision on the road. The headlights should be tested for correct alignment once every 12 months and when a new sealed beam headlights are fitted, or when front end bodywork is done. The headlights have two spring-loaded adjusting screws: A steeper was one on the top moving up and down and another on the side moving left and right. One of the easiest techniques in headlight correcting entails having a plain wall twenty-five feet in front of the car and a horizontal floor. First start by parallel parking it 25 feet away from the wall and then place a tape vertically on the wall to stand parallel to that of the centre line of the automobile and the centre line of the two headlights. A horizontal tape line should be placed in relation to centerline of the headlights, this may be a little difficult while one is trying to park the car, this is easier when one moves the car a few inches back. These changes should be done with the vehicle level, the gas tank half-full and with no abnormally heavy load. For low beam adjustment the high-intensity zone should be located two inches below the horizontal line and two inches right of the headlight vertical line, and to adjust the beam up and down the top adjusting screw should be used and to adjust it left and right the side screw should be used. If high beams are activated the high intensity zone has to lie halfway right under the horizontal line, nevertheless it is virtually impossible to strike both high and low beams; however low beams have to have priority for the benefit of the drivers.

All corrections that the home mechanic makes which impacts on the sight line of the car headlights should be seen in the temporary nature only. If at all possible have the beams readjusted promptly by a facility that possesses the right type of aligning equipment as some states mandate the usage to be through only state-certified facilities. Each state has its laws on the use of seat belts, it is therefore advisable to consult the local motor vehicle department. There are adjustment screws on the front part of each headlight for horizontal adjustment using the side screw as well as for vertical adjustment using the top screw; the top screw moves the headlight beam upwards and the side screw moves it to the left. These adjustment screws are present in the same positions on concealed headlight assembly while the rest caution has to be taken not to mar the body paint work.

The headlight adjustment screws are located to the side and top of each lamp, with the top screw adjusting the lamp's beam vertically and the side screw adjusting it horizontally. Although proper adjustment should ideally be done using appropriate beam setting equipment due to legal specifications, a procedure can help achieve a close approximation. First, position the car on level ground, facing a wall at a right angle and approximately 30 feet away. Measure the height of the centers of the headlights from the ground and mark these measurements on the wall. Next, measure the distance from the centerline of the car to the center of each headlight and mark these measurements on the wall to create intersecting lines aligned with the center of each headlight. Turn on the regular beam of the headlights and adjust the horizontal screws until each beam is centered with the corresponding marks on the wall, then adjust the vertical screw until the top of each beam aligns with the horizontal centerline mark. Finally, bounce the car on its suspension to ensure the beams return to their correct positions.

If a compromise must be made, it is important to prioritize the aim of the low beams as they are the most used and have the greatest effect on driver safety.

Begin by positioning masking tape vertically on the wall in line with the vehicle centerline and the centerlines of both headlights. Then, place a horizontal tape line aligned with the centerline of the headlights. It may be easier to place the tape with the vehicle parked just a few inches away.

Counter-clockwise.

With the front compartment lid open and the headlight switch off, position the retaining spring hook in its seat on the actuator, then close the lid and turn the switch on. Pull the headlight retaining spring forward with pliers, positioning it in its seat on the inside lower corner of the headlight assembly.

With the hood raised, remove the screws retaining the rear of the headlight door, then raise the headlight assembly.