GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The vehicle may have a visual optical headlamp aiming system. The aim has been preset at the factory and should need no further adjustment.

However, if the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the headlamp aim may be affected and adjustment may be necessary.

If oncoming vehicles flash their high beams at you, this may also mean the vertical aim needs to be adjusted.

It is recommended that the vehicle is taken to your dealer/retailer for service if the headlamps need to be re-aimed. It is possible however, to re-aim the headlamps as described.

The vehicle should be:

    • Placed so the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from a light colored wall or other flat surface.
    • On a level surface which is level all the way to a wall.
    • Placed so it is at a right angle to the wall or other flat surface.
    • Clear of any snow, ice, or mud on it.
    • Fully assembled, the tires properly inflated, and all other work stopped while headlamp aiming is being performed.
    • Normally loaded with the spare tire in its original location and a full tank of fuel and one person or 160 lbs (75 kg) sitting on the driver seat.

To adjust the vertical aim:

  1. Open the hood. See Hood Release .

  2. Object Number: 1561320  Size: B3
  3. Record the distance from the ground to the aim dot on the headlamp.

  4. Object Number: 1656201  Size: B2
  5. At a wall, measure from the ground upward the recorded distance from Step 2 and mark it.
  6. Draw or tape a horizontal line the width of the vehicle at the wall where it was marked it Step 4.
  7. Notice: Do not cover a headlamp to improve beam cut-off when aiming. Covering a headlamp may cause excessive heat build-up which may cause damage to the headlamp.

  8. Turn on the headlamps and place a piece of cardboard or equivalent in front of the headlamp not being aimed. This should allow only the beam of light from the headlamp being aimed to be seen on the wall.
  9. Passenger Side Shown


    Object Number: 1561311  Size: B3
  10. Locate the vertical headlamp aiming screws, which are under the hood near each headlamp assembly.
  11. The adjustment screw can be turned with an E8 Torx® socket or T15 Torx® screwdriver.


    Object Number: 1656218  Size: B2
  12. Turn the vertical aiming screw until the headlamp beam is aimed to the horizontal tape line. Turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower the beam.
  13. The top edge of the cut-off should be positioned at the bottom edge of the horizontal tape line.

  14. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 for the opposite headlamp.