GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2009 🢒 G8 🢒 Preface 🢒 Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions 🢒 Headlamp Aiming

Aiming Headlamps

Note: Some state and local laws specify requirements for headlamp aim. All of these laws must be complied with when performing any headlamp aiming operations.

Headlamp aim should be checked:

    • When a new headlamp capsule is installed.
    • If service or repairs to the front end area have (or may have) disturbed the headlamps or their mounting.

Prior to aiming the headlamps, the following workshop area and equipment are needed:

    • The area must consist of a level surface large enough to a mark reference line the length of a vehicle and an additional 7.62 m (25 ft) measured from the face of the lamps to the front of the aiming screen.
    • The screen will be 1.52 m (5 ft) high x 3.66 m (12 ft) wide with a matte white surface well shaded from extraneous light, and correctly adjusted to the floor on which the vehicle stands. Provisions should be made to align the screen parallel with the vehicle.
   • 
Object Number: 2043532 Size: SH
  • The screen must be provided with a fixed vertical centre-line (2) that corresponds to the centre of the vehicle, two laterally adjustable vertical lines (3 and 4) corresponding to the centre of the low beam bulb on each side of the vehicle and one vertically adjustable horizontal line (1) that corresponds to the centre of the front low beam bulb.
    •    • 
  • If a regular commercial aiming screen is not available, the screen may consist of a vertical wall having a clear uninterrupted area approximately 1.83 m (6 ft) high and 3.66 m (12 ft) wide. The surface should be finished with a washable non-gloss white paint.

    • Prior to aiming the headlamps, the following steps must be taken:

    1. Remove any snow, ice or mud from the vehicle.
    2. The vehicle must have a full tank of gas.
    3. Stop all other work on the vehicle.
    4. If any service has been performed on the vehicle, make sure that all of the components are back in their original place.
    5. The vehicle must be on a level surface.

      6. Object Number: 2043533 Size: SH
    6. The vehicle's left tires must be parallel to the reference line with the face of the headlamps extending 7.62 m (25 ft) from the front of the aiming screen.
    7. DO NOT load any cargo in the vehicle.
    8. The vehicle must contain 1 person or 72.56 kg (160 lb) on the driver's seat.
    9. Inflate the tires to the correct pressure.
    10. Simulate the vehicle loads if the intended use of the vehicle is for hauling heavy loads or towing a trailer.
    11. Rock the vehicle in order to stabilize the suspension.

    Headlamp Aiming Procedure
    1. Open the hood.

      2. Object Number: 2043534 Size: SH

      Note: Left headlamp shown. Right headlamp similar.

    2. Locate the aim dot (1) on the low-beam side of the headlamp lens (2).
    3. Measure the distance from the ground to the aim dot (1). Record the distance.
    4. Repeat for the right headlamp.
    5. At the screen, measure from the floor and place the horizontal tape at the recorded distances from steps 3 and 4.
    6. Measure from the reference line on the floor to the left headlamp bulb centerline. Record the distance.
    7. At the screen, measure from the reference line and place the vertical tape at the recorded distance from step 6.
    8. Measure from the reference line on the floor to the right headlamp bulb centerline. Record the distance.
    9. At the screen, measure from the reference line and place the vertical tape at the recorded distance from step 8.

      10. Caution: 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.

    10. Turn the low beam headlamps to the ON position and block the light from projecting onto the screen from the right headlamp.

      11. Object Number: 2043535 Size: SH
    11. The top edge of the beam cut-off (2) should be positioned at the bottom edge of the horizontal tape line (1).

      12. Object Number: 2043536 Size: SH

      Note: Horizontal headlamp adjustment does not exist.

      Note: To adjust the vertical aim of the headlamps, use a suitable tool to turn the headlamp adjuster (1) clockwise to raise the beam or counter-clockwise to lower the beam.

    12. Adjust the vertical aim of the headlamps to the specifications required by the state and the local authorities, or as shown in step 11.
    13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 for the right hand headlamp while blocking the light from projecting onto the screen from the left headlamp.
    14. Close the hood.