LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

TUTORIAL: DIY Headlight Aim on UCF20 (95-97)

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Old 12-21-05, 07:25 PM
  #1  
PureDrifter
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Default TUTORIAL: DIY Headlight Aim on UCF20 (95-97) (Works on other years)

Yes, promised to get this done months ago, HERE IT IS!!!
(lol)
1. remove top air intake and the filter+housing. also remove battery if u need to adjust the drivers side light as well. (i didnt need to so i didnt.)

2. Check the headlight aim on both sides using the green levels shown.
Drivers Side:

Passenger Side:


3.
Adjusting Vertically
turn this bolt while watching level to adjust vertically (up+down)
Driver Side:

Passenger Side:


4.
Adjusting Horizontally
to adjust horizontally (Left+Right) adjust the screw set in the white plastic ****.
Driver Side:

Passenger Side:


once again, here is a general Overview of the purpose of the adjustment bolts. (passenger side used as an example)



Props:None, its DIY yo!
(props idea jacked from LexLS)

any questions or comments pls lemme know.

Last edited by GRAND_LS 4; 07-31-06 at 10:08 AM.
Old 12-21-05, 07:43 PM
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GRAND_LS 4
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I wonder why the 98-00 never got the green water stuff, i guess because our projectors actually move up and down internally.
Old 12-21-05, 09:10 PM
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PureDrifter
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the 98-00 LS has the green level on the NON-HID cars i believe. but ur right in that the HID equipped cars had Autoleveling, so the only way to adjust them to go higher or lower is conning a service tech into doing it for you.
Old 12-21-05, 09:39 PM
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JDMUSCLE
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very good info i recently installed some hids in my car and wanted to adjust them properly and your thread came just in time...much props to you man!!!!!
Old 12-21-05, 11:20 PM
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PureDrifter
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good deal.

what kinda HID's are you using? im thinkin bout droppin some $$ on it soon too.

Last edited by PureDrifter; 12-21-05 at 11:24 PM.
Old 12-22-05, 06:00 AM
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EXE.UCF10
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Good job on the tutorial Annant.

Gotta sticky this one.
Old 12-22-05, 12:56 PM
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RA40
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Good write-up. Some additional:

The little bolt on the fender side of the headlight assembly is the vertical adjustment for the fog light. The fog can only be adjusted for vertical.

The main headlight, the adjustment **** is dual action and pulling or pushing it adjusts it either vertically or horizontally when turning it. There is an unlock tab you have to disengage before making adjustemnts. The tab is missing from PureDrifters headlight as pictured. So be gentle, our cars are getting older so these little plastic parts and gears are easily broken. If you peg the adjustment screw, don't force it, as you will wear away the gear teeth.

The green vials...are general guides but they aren't super accurate. Find a good wall and adjust to the beam charactersitics you want. BUT, there is limited adjustment and depending how the bulb is, the pattern changes. Take a dark towel and cover the headlight you aren't adjusting. This allows you to see how the beam is from the particular headlight. AND remember, go easy when adjusting. The plastic is aging so being too forceful may be a $$$ lesson if you need a new assembly.

Oh...cover the main headlight beam with a towel if/when adjusting the fogs.

Last edited by RA40; 12-22-05 at 01:00 PM.
Old 12-22-05, 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by RA40
Good write-up. Some additional:

The little bolt on the fender side of the headlight assembly is the vertical adjustment for the fog light. The fog can only be adjusted for vertical.

The main headlight, the adjustment **** is dual action and pulling or pushing it adjusts it either vertically or horizontally when turning it. There is an unlock tab you have to disengage before making adjustemnts. The tab is missing from PureDrifters headlight as pictured. So be gentle, our cars are getting older so these little plastic parts and gears are easily broken. If you peg the adjustment screw, don't force it, as you will wear away the gear teeth.

The green vials...are general guides but they aren't super accurate. Find a good wall and adjust to the beam charactersitics you want. BUT, there is limited adjustment and depending how the bulb is, the pattern changes. Take a dark towel and cover the headlight you aren't adjusting. This allows you to see how the beam is from the particular headlight. AND remember, go easy when adjusting. The plastic is aging so being too forceful may be a $$$ lesson if you need a new assembly.

Oh...cover the main headlight beam with a towel if/when adjusting the fogs.
Good Info
Old 02-18-08, 11:40 PM
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jfab
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Hello, recently someone hit my passenger side fender, damaging the entire headlight assembly. I was wondering when the body shop installs a new one, will the headlight auto adjust? I have a '00 LS400 with factory HIDS, thanks.
Old 02-19-08, 01:05 AM
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some adjustment will have to be made but the autolevel will help, on the 98-00 the headlight adjustment is different.
Old 02-11-09, 08:24 PM
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valex
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Default 1999 Lexus LS400 HID aiming

I have a 1999 LS400 with autoleveling HIDs and had to take it to the dealer after one headlight was replaced and wasn`t shooting right. Didn`t take long and was $61.**
Old 02-11-09, 10:03 PM
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you didnt have to, the same basic steps apply to the 98-00 with autolevel.
Old 02-12-09, 05:04 PM
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MEANDAFAKA
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i got a 91 with one piece headlight, but currently i'm stationing away from my home. can anyone tell me if i have the green water bar? thanks

p.s. or it doesn't matter what headlights you have.
Old 02-12-09, 07:40 PM
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you should have one..
Old 02-13-09, 08:59 AM
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thanks PD, i'm gonna check it once i get my car ship.


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