Headlight Aim
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
From: Arizona
Headlight Aim
I just bought a 2015 LX 570. I like (nearly) everything about it; it drives like a dream.
I feel that the headlights are aimed a bit too low. I know that this has been addressed before, but I'd like to look into an easier way to adjust the lights.
Some background:
When faced with the same problem in my 2007 RX-400, I found the height sensor inboard of the right rear wheel. It is essentially a small turnbuckle (like a tie rod end) between the suspension and a potentiometer on the underside of the body. This is how the car senses its position on the road & raises or lowers the headlights as needed. I loosened the lock nuts, turned the adjuster a bit, & the headlights went up. I didn't have to do anything to the headlight housings under the hood.
On my old (2000) GS-300, same thing. But the sensor was inboard of the left front wheel.
Has anyone found the little adjustable link + potentiometer under the 2015 LX 570? It has to be there somewhere, in order to aim the headlights up or down in response to varying passenger loads. This might make headlight adjustment super easy from a DIY perspective.
I feel that the headlights are aimed a bit too low. I know that this has been addressed before, but I'd like to look into an easier way to adjust the lights.
Some background:
When faced with the same problem in my 2007 RX-400, I found the height sensor inboard of the right rear wheel. It is essentially a small turnbuckle (like a tie rod end) between the suspension and a potentiometer on the underside of the body. This is how the car senses its position on the road & raises or lowers the headlights as needed. I loosened the lock nuts, turned the adjuster a bit, & the headlights went up. I didn't have to do anything to the headlight housings under the hood.
On my old (2000) GS-300, same thing. But the sensor was inboard of the left front wheel.
Has anyone found the little adjustable link + potentiometer under the 2015 LX 570? It has to be there somewhere, in order to aim the headlights up or down in response to varying passenger loads. This might make headlight adjustment super easy from a DIY perspective.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 27
From: U.S.
I have adjusted them, not with the load-leveling feature, but I used a screwdriver and the adjusters along with some painter's tape on the wall to keep them level. Easy to do and reversible.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/adj...lights.632193/
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/adj...lights.632193/
Last edited by Chocolate; Dec 24, 2016 at 11:09 AM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
From: Arizona
Thank you, Thank you, Chocolate!
In your second & fourth photos I see a hex head; is this what I need to turn? If so, how does a screwdriver work the mechanism from above (through the hole in the plastic fascia)?
Bob
In your second & fourth photos I see a hex head; is this what I need to turn? If so, how does a screwdriver work the mechanism from above (through the hole in the plastic fascia)?
Bob
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
From: Arizona
Chocolate & anyone else with an LX 570:
I removed the plastic engine compartment fascia; saw the hole for the screwdriver; looked in from behind, & found a black plastic cap installed over the metal gear, preventing the screwdriver from reaching or engaging the gear. That hex that shows in your photos is covered as well.
I can't pull the cover off - must be there to make the headlight aim adjustment "tamper-proof".
I can bring it in to the dealer, but I'd very much prefer to adjust the aim myself.
Mine's a 2015 LX. Any ideas as to how to (temporarily) remove that plastic cap?
Bob
I removed the plastic engine compartment fascia; saw the hole for the screwdriver; looked in from behind, & found a black plastic cap installed over the metal gear, preventing the screwdriver from reaching or engaging the gear. That hex that shows in your photos is covered as well.
I can't pull the cover off - must be there to make the headlight aim adjustment "tamper-proof".
I can bring it in to the dealer, but I'd very much prefer to adjust the aim myself.
Mine's a 2015 LX. Any ideas as to how to (temporarily) remove that plastic cap?
Bob
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 27
From: U.S.
Can you provide pictures? The 2013 model is like the ones in the thread.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/adj...lights.632193/
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/adj...lights.632193/
Last edited by Chocolate; Dec 25, 2016 at 01:38 PM.
Trending Topics
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 441
Likes: 108
From: GA
http://www.instructables.com/id/When...rial-Standard/
Last edited by Reggie1; Dec 25, 2016 at 03:57 PM. Reason: to correct punctuation
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 428
From: Idaho
Vessel Tools makes what I'd call the gold standard of JIS screwdrivers. Check http://www.toolpan.com/Vessel-Tools-...it_p_3793.html or similar. JIS screws are often marked with a single dot on the head.
Yeah, they're not cheap. Nor are buggered screws if you don't use the correct tools. Remember that things break when parts and hardware store are closed.
Reggie1, thanks for helping my brain find the JIS screwdriver file.
Steve
Yeah, they're not cheap. Nor are buggered screws if you don't use the correct tools. Remember that things break when parts and hardware store are closed.
Reggie1, thanks for helping my brain find the JIS screwdriver file.
Steve
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
From: Arizona
some photos - 2015 LX 570
Chocolate:
Here are some photos of the passenger-side adjuster on my car. The driver side has the exact same black plastic cover blocking screwdriver entry into the adjuster. I need to remove the plastic caps in order to do the vertical aim adjustment.
Have you or anyone else out there have any experience with this?
Please advise.
Bob
Here are some photos of the passenger-side adjuster on my car. The driver side has the exact same black plastic cover blocking screwdriver entry into the adjuster. I need to remove the plastic caps in order to do the vertical aim adjustment.
Have you or anyone else out there have any experience with this?
Please advise.
Bob
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 27
From: U.S.
As there may be no other way without removing the entire headlight assembly (depending on where the access to the plastic cover piece is mounted - looks that way) I would probably dremel the five tiny plastic supports to separate them (knowing that there are no electronics or anything around the aim screw), fold up the plastic piece, and use the 8mm socket directly on the back of the aim screw.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
From: Arizona
plastic cover over aim adjuster
Chocolate:
Your suggestion may be the only option. I'd love to be able to pry the plastic caps off; I could even replace them when I'm done.
I'll look again tomorrow.
Thanks,
Bob
Your suggestion may be the only option. I'd love to be able to pry the plastic caps off; I could even replace them when I'm done.
I'll look again tomorrow.
Thanks,
Bob
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
From: Arizona
Did it
I pried the black plastic caps off. Turned the adjusters (8mm hex head), & the high beams moved horizontally!
Went to the dealer: "No adjustment can be done, as the lights are self-leveling". I'm not making this up.
Did a quick Google search for "LX 570 headlights" & found a few used ones on eBay. They had some broken tabs (they were in accidents), but the photos were very clear. On the rear views, the rest of the adjustment screws are visible.
Look at the white plastic structure in the photo taken from one of the ads. It has 2 8mm hex sockets. I tried them & the outboard one controls the vertical aim (high beam & low beam).
Adjustment took about 1 minute on the passenger side (easy clearance behind the socket for an 8mm hex wrench).
Way harder on the driver side because the battery is pretty close to the adjustment socket; still took 5 minutes to adjust.
High beam & low beams both went up to where I wanted them. I'll drive the car tonight & see how satisfied I am with the aim. I can re-adjust them if necessary.
Bob
Went to the dealer: "No adjustment can be done, as the lights are self-leveling". I'm not making this up.
Did a quick Google search for "LX 570 headlights" & found a few used ones on eBay. They had some broken tabs (they were in accidents), but the photos were very clear. On the rear views, the rest of the adjustment screws are visible.
Look at the white plastic structure in the photo taken from one of the ads. It has 2 8mm hex sockets. I tried them & the outboard one controls the vertical aim (high beam & low beam).
Adjustment took about 1 minute on the passenger side (easy clearance behind the socket for an 8mm hex wrench).
Way harder on the driver side because the battery is pretty close to the adjustment socket; still took 5 minutes to adjust.
High beam & low beams both went up to where I wanted them. I'll drive the car tonight & see how satisfied I am with the aim. I can re-adjust them if necessary.
Bob
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: tennessee
" It has 2 8mm hex sockets. I tried them & the outboard one controls the vertical aim (high beam & low beam).
Adjustment took about 1 minute on the passenger side (easy clearance behind the socket for an 8mm hex wrench).
Way harder on the driver side because the battery is pretty close to the adjustment socket; still took 5 minutes .."
thanks for your post. i am trying to do the same thing here. i read you post abot the part"i tried them &the outboard"
what is the outboard ? and where is it locate?. or did you just adjust the 2 8mm hex only? thanks so much
Adjustment took about 1 minute on the passenger side (easy clearance behind the socket for an 8mm hex wrench).
Way harder on the driver side because the battery is pretty close to the adjustment socket; still took 5 minutes .."
thanks for your post. i am trying to do the same thing here. i read you post abot the part"i tried them &the outboard"
what is the outboard ? and where is it locate?. or did you just adjust the 2 8mm hex only? thanks so much
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 66
Likes: 7
From: Texas
Typically outboard would be furthest from the center of the vehicle, and inboard would be closest to the center of the vehicle. In this case, it'd be easy with trial and error, park your vehicle in front of a wall or garage door. Start with passenger side because it is easier access. Turn one while watching the light on the wall...as soon as it moves you'll know which is which.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dangerofs
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
5
May 17, 2015 03:19 PM
Lexus400mn
Automotive Care & Detailing
46
Aug 27, 2007 05:25 AM