I changed my headlamps earlier this week. I've notice that they don't seem to be adjusted correct, they are aiming way too low. Is there any adjustment for the head lamps these days? Also there are 4 "tabs" that I had pushded down trying to get the bulbs out ( it was dusk). These are located on either side of the head light assembly. Right now they are not "latched" in the up position? I hope this make sence.. I'm trying to figure this out so I dont have to take the truck into the shop for something I could fix my self in a couple of minutes.

Wedge

 

what year is your truck? and what type of headlights are they?

 

Sorry.. 2001 F150 Lariot.

Wedge

 

They latch in the DOWN position, release in the UP position. I suspect you missed one or more of the plastic adjusters that they latch against. Check it out in the daylight.

Should you need to adjust them, there are two ways: Spend all day installing, checking, removing, adjusting, reinstalling and re-checking them, or spend $18 on a tool to do it without removing them:

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=96

-Joe

 

I have the same problem. But now that you mentioned this tool I'm going to buy it. Quick question though. Do you know which of the 3 screws should I adjust if my HIDs are shining low? I have a 00' model.

 

I just went thru the same nightmare on my 03. I took an old 4mm socket and ground it down as thin as possible and tack welded it to a 3/8 steel rod about 8 inches long and it worked. I will admit that tool that's available looks much better. Also make sure those headlights are seated properly. There is only 2 adjusters on each headlight. The one up high adjusts the up and down and the one way down there adjusts the side to side. Hope this helps.

Bob

 

I finally adjusted mine to a height that I'm satisfied with. I looked for the tool at all my local auto stores and could not find it so I decided to just use a 4mm wrench. This took me a little while and I'm sure the tool made especially for this would have been a lot easier and faster but the 4mm wrench worked well. Hope this can help more people who are having this problem.

 

Back to the original question. If all you did was replace the bulbs, you should not have to re-aim your headlights. Based on what you said, I'd suggest that your headlight assemblies are not correctly seated and / or locked down. The release tabs must be in the full "down" position and fully engaged with the plastic tabs on the aiming mechanisms. It's really easy to knock one of these bad boys off to the side when you have the headlight out, then have all sorts of problems when you put them back in. Check to see that these are fully / correctly engaged.

The other problem I've seen is folks using a 9004 bulb when the truck needs a 9007. The only difference is the filament orientation. (Horizontal vs. Vertical) This too makes a huge difference in actual operation.