The screen method is preferred for aiming headlamps.

Headlamp aiming is done with the low beam lamps. The high beam lamps will be correctly aimed if the low beam lamps are aimed properly.

The screen method requires an area set up specifically for headlamp aim.

The area should consist of a level surface large enough to allow for a vehicle and an additional 7.62 m (25 ft) as measured from the face of the headlamps to the aiming screen.

The screen should be a wall or other flat surface at least 1.52 m (5 ft) high by 3.66 m (12 ft) wide with a matte white surface well shaded from extraneous light, and 90 degrees to the floor. The screen should be provided with a permanent vertical reference line 61 cm (2 ft) from the left edge of the screen, 2 laterally adjustable vertical tapes, and one vertically adjustable horizontal tape.

After the aiming screen has been set up and located, paint or tape a reference line on the floor 15.24 m (50 ft) from the vertical reference line on the screen. This line should be perpendicular to the aiming screen and a mark placed at 7.62 m (25 ft) from the screen.

1. Adjust the headlamps to the specifications required by state and local authorities.



2. Align the left tires of the vehicle with the reference line extending from the screen with the headlamps aligned with the reference line.
3. Remove any snow, ice or mud from the vehicle.
4. The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other work stopped while the headlamp aiming is being done.
5. The vehicle should be loaded to represent normal vehicle use.
6. Tires should be properly inflated.
7. Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspension.
8. Measure from the reference line on the floor to the left headlamp bulb centerline.
9. At the screen, measure from the reference line and place the vertical tape at the measured distance.
10. Measure from the reference line on the floor to the right headlamp bulb centerline.
11. At the screen, measure from the reference line and place the second vertical tape at the measured distance.
12. Adjust the left and right headlamp horizontal aim to the vertical lines on the screen by turning the horizontal aiming screws.



13. Measure from the floor to the aim dot marked on the left headlamp lens and subtract 51 mm (2 in).
14. At the screen, measure from the floor and place the horizontal line at the previously calculated distance.
15. Adjust the left headlamp to the horizontal line on the screen by turning the vertical aiming screw.
16. Measure from the reference line on the floor to the aim dot marked on the right headlamp lens.
17. At the screen, measure from the floor and place the horizontal line at the measured distance.
18. Adjust the right headlamp to the horizontal line on the screen by turning the vertical aiming screw.