headlight leveling
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 199
Likes: 47
From: NE
headlight leveling
My headlights are too low when driving. I have a 2008 LS600. I know it has adaptive lighting. Should I use the mechanical adjustments? Or is there something I should adjust with the ECU? Not really seeing any guidance on it.
OK, tell us more. When did this issue start? High beams OK? Any changes to suspension. Any OBD2 codes? Self leveling should work and hopefully show a code if an issue. Do you have Techstream to diagnose?
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 199
Likes: 47
From: NE
Idk when it started. That's how it was when I bought the car in April. High beams are really high. No codes, I have a code reader. Both front air struts have been replaced this year. One in April and I did the second last week. I don't know if there's a link between the air ride height and the height of the low beams. I know the beams move at speed but I don't know if that's a direct connection to the speed or the air ride height lowering...
My guess is that I need to adjust the mechanical adjusters but wanted to check the boards first.
My guess is that I need to adjust the mechanical adjusters but wanted to check the boards first.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 602
From: VA
Hey. My PMs are bursting, so I'll reply here if that's ok.
How's your ride height? All even etc?
Headlight leveling is based on airsus sensors input.
Are both of your lows same level (even if incorrect) or you have a discrepancy?
How's your ride height? All even etc?
Headlight leveling is based on airsus sensors input.
Are both of your lows same level (even if incorrect) or you have a discrepancy?
I see what you're trying to do. It's a complex system with multiple components that affect the aiming function as you apparently know. FWIW, the LS460 is the same system as the 600h. The dealer or an indy shop can make this quick and cut through the complexity of this issue. Typically under $200. There's no simple answer, maybe someone else will chime in. Hope you get this resolved soon.
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Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 199
Likes: 47
From: NE
No worries. Ride height is all even now. Yes, they are the same level. They only extend about 30ish feet and stop. No light at all beyond that distance. Increasing speed over 60+ doesn't matter.
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 602
From: VA
Long story short - there's nothing at ECU level that can be done. Airsus computer feeds AFS ecu ride height and relative body position and AFS ecu drives leveling motors.
I would do proper (with hl adjustment setup e.g. screen with markings etc) beams check, ride height check (if you lowered yours using sensor arms that can be the reason).
Check lows as well as highs (are highs aimed correctly?).
Ideally I'd also check airsus live data to see if at some point someone messed with offsets (no, you don't mess with those outside well equipped shop and person whom knows how to do that) and/or if one of sensors is not giving sane reading. In case of one wrong/bad sensor airsus system will try 'averaging out' ride height so it may not be noticed right away, but will definitely mess up HL leveling.
I would do proper (with hl adjustment setup e.g. screen with markings etc) beams check, ride height check (if you lowered yours using sensor arms that can be the reason).
Check lows as well as highs (are highs aimed correctly?).
Ideally I'd also check airsus live data to see if at some point someone messed with offsets (no, you don't mess with those outside well equipped shop and person whom knows how to do that) and/or if one of sensors is not giving sane reading. In case of one wrong/bad sensor airsus system will try 'averaging out' ride height so it may not be noticed right away, but will definitely mess up HL leveling.
Last edited by Boykie; Sep 8, 2023 at 10:41 AM.
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 199
Likes: 47
From: NE
I was able to adjust them finally. There are 2 adjustment screws. The outside one is a white plastic cap, this adjusts horizontally. There is an inside one about 6 inches away from the white cap and 4 inches lower. The inside screw adjusts vertically. Both can be found on the outer half of the headlight assembly under the fender panel so you have to remove 2 black cowls to reach them.
It seems to me that the horizontal adjustment took more turns to move than the vertical.
It seems to me that the horizontal adjustment took more turns to move than the vertical.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2022
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Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 3,057
Likes: 1,134
Sometimes I wonder if the auto levelling is just a gimmick...why would there be a manual adjustment on a car that has 2 levels ? moving up or down about 7/8ths of an inch shouldn't change much if any. It should still be level
Also my shocks have never been changed.