Headlight Adjustments

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 24 May 2005, 05:56

Has anyone adjusted their headlights on an 850? I have a 96 850 GLT Wagon and one of the lights is pointing up into the trees. I have tried turning the screws that adjust it but they don't move. The manual says "take it to it a dealer because you are too stupid to adjust headlights". Well apparently I am... Anyone had this problem>?

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 24 May 2005, 06:10

The ball and scocket have probably seperated from each other or the spring is unclipped. remove the assembly 3 10mm bolts , take off lens and you will see the reflector, At this time you should be able to seee the problem. Good luck.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 24 May 2005, 10:48

yeah i just noticed that on my 2000 S70. I've yet to try to dig in there and fix it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 25 May 2005, 10:20

Is there something about the headlights being motorized? The manual mentions this but I have not started taking things apart yet. Also, what do you mean by ball and socket? Are you talking about the adjusting mechanisms or the bulb socket? Also, where are the 3 10mm bolts? Thanks!

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 25 May 2005, 10:27

Anonymous wrote:Is there something about the headlights being motorized? The manual mentions this but I have not started taking things apart yet. Also, what do you mean by ball and socket? Are you talking about the adjusting mechanisms or the bulb socket? Also, where are the 3 10mm bolts? Thanks!

The motorized headlight adjustment is a feature that was only available in Europe. I have aftermarket jewel headlights designed to OEM spec, but from what I can tell, the adjustment is based on a couple simple gear setups.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 25 May 2005, 13:26

OK, I have tried to make adjustments to those gears and they turn but don't move the headlights. One seems to be right on (on the level indicators) and the other is way off. I guess the gear system is broken on the adjusters.

Post by **matthew1** » 25 May 2005, 14:46

Try the smaller gear. It's more raised than the other large, flat one.

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 25 May 2005, 16:50

It is the one in the back that adjusts the vertical the side one is the horizontal

wot · Post by **wot** » 25 May 2005, 22:46

Had the same problem on my 98 S70, there is a piece of rubber hose holding the reflector inside the housing(the third attaching point of the reflector) the 2 other points being the vertical and the horizontal adjusters. remove the access covers from the headlight housing and try to push back the reflector all the way in the rubber hose. If you're not sure it is back in place, remove the 3 mounting bolts, remove the headlight ass'y, remove the lens clips and the lens and push the reflector back in place. It's a matter of 5 minutes. then the adjuster will have an effect when you turn the adjuster screw.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 26 May 2005, 08:18

Thanks, I will give it a try!