Headlight adjustment question

[Gent]

Hi gang,

I've done some searches, but I can't find an answer to this situation I've encountered.

I recently bought some clear headlights for my MY00 986, they were in good shape and I popped them in and lit them up. The right one was pointing at the ground in front of the bumper.

No big deal, I figured some adjustment would be required; however, it took a LOT of adjustment to get it barely acceptable. By the time I was done, the typical gap between the inner lens and the reflector in the housing was effectively nil.

I'm cautious about adjusting it further. It almost seems that the inner assembly is forward in the housing. Nothing appears broken, and the headlight isn't rattling. I trust the seller, and he is also looking for answers to this odd situation.

Thoughts on adjustment?

[jcb986]

Sounds like you did not get it back on it's track correctly. I also replaced mine and missed the track a couple of times until I saw how it should slide back in. You need to press down a little on the lens or else you will be on top of the track it slides in. Good luck.

[Gent]

I had considered that; however, I inserted and removed the assembly several times. I will check it again just in case.

Can it lock in place and sit flush with the bodywork if it's not in the rails?

[jhandy]

also the black plastic tray can be adjusted so you dont have to adjust the light to the limit.

[jcb986]

Can it lock in place and sit flush with the bodywork if it's not in the rails?

Now that I can not recall. Did mine last year, but it needs to sit back it its craddle. I believe it needs to slide under some tabs at the back.

[Mark_T]

Can you post a pic of how the headlight sits in the body? When I changed headlights I found I had to make a substantial change to the tray adjustment on one side in order for the headlight to align properly with the fender, hood, and bumper.

I don't think you could lock it down without breaking something if you were not properly in the rails.

Mark

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by rdymond

OK will fabricate a tool and try this technique on the left (white) side. Did you have a tool for the right (black) side as well?

At this point the headlight sits on the white socket only when the white twist knob is unlocked and its keys are visible above the black mount.

First off, you're asking a question on a 6 year old post. I seriously doubt "Gent" ever checks this site anymore

Second, no need for a special tool. Remove the 2 main bulbs so you can stick your fingers through in order to pull back on the reflector and re-seat the ball and socket joints. Wear a latex glove or similar so that you don't leave fingerprints on the inside of the reflector.

Super simple and takes all of 30 seconds...I do it all the time.

[rdymond]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Remove the 2 main bulbs so you can stick your fingers through in order to pull back on the reflector and re-seat the ball and socket joints. Wear a latex glove or similar so that you don't leave fingerprints on the inside of the reflector.

Super simple and takes all of 30 seconds...I do it all the time.

Thanks for the tip @particlewave will try it. At this point the ball is in the socket and the lights are working. The issue is the white twist knob is not locked in place, it sits up so the internal spring is engaged. Putting it into the lock position allows the reflector to become loose. Seems like a hack.

Btw thanks for posting the vid on removing the top of the light housing. Convinced me to not do that and find another way

[particlewave]

Not sure I'm following...

When you lock the twist lock, it disengages the other white ball and socket joint? Can you post a picture?

[rdymond]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Not sure I'm following...

When you lock the twist lock, it disengages the other white ball and socket joint? Can you post a picture?

Yes. Will post a pic tomorrow.