Checking and setting headlamps (National regulations must be observed)
5 Checking and setting headlamps (National regulations
must be observed)
NOTE
The headlight aiming device can be used to inspect all headlight systems, including DE, FF, LED
and XENON headlights. The rectangle drawn on the test screen corresponds to the size of the test
surface which is mandatory under the Directive for the adjustment of vehicle headlamps. After
headlamps have been adjusted, they must be fastened on the vehicle in such a way that it is not
possible for them to be accidentally moved out of alignment. Headlamp settings should be checked
whenever repairs have been carried out to a vehicle’s suspension. This is also recommended
whenever a headlamp bulb has been replaced.
If the vehicle is fitted with an automatic mechanism to compensate for movements in the bodywork or headlamps
caused by changes in the load, the characteristics of this mechanism as described in the manufacturer’s instructions
must be taken into account.
To set the headlamps, if they can be adjusted by hand on this particular vehicle, the adjustment mechanism must be
in the exact prescribed position for the basic setting.
If the adjustment mechanism only provides for two positions for the headlamps, and the exact position is not specially
marked, the procedure is as follows:
•
If the light beam rises as the vehicle’s load is increased, the setting must be carried out with the adjustment
mechanism in its end position and the light beam in its highest position.
•
If the light beam falls as the vehicle’s load is increased, the setting must be carried out with the adjustment
mechanism in its end position and the light beam in its lowest position.
e = Distance in cm by which the cut-off line must be inclined at a distance of 10 metres
H = Height of the centre of the headlamp above the floor, in cm
h = Height of the dividing line of the test area above the floor, in cm.
Scaled wheel
Various different angles of inclination of the cut-off line expressed in
% are prescribed for the various types of vehilcle (see adjustment
table — cut-off line in % x 10 corresponds to dimension “e”)
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