I've read this and other threads on this HID head light assembly repair. I'm still not clear if this is a full repair so that the headlamps will properly self level and thus pass any state inspections or if this is a temporary fix so that you're going to have to get new units eventually?

Thanks.

Bob S.

 

This fixes a common problem when the manual adjustment breaks and the headlights point down. If the auto leveling function still works but the manual adjustment knob is broken, you will see the headlights move up and down when you turn them on, but they will always point downward.

Here is how the system works: You have to manually align your headlights to point straight ahead. The auto leveling will adjust the headlights up or down to keep them pointing straight ahead. So for example if you put something heavy in the trunk and the rear end sags, the auto leveling will adjust the headlights down so they aren't pointing at the sky. The plastic knob for the manual adjustment tends to break causing the headlight to flop forward and point down. Inserting a screw into the housing pushes the headlight back up to where it should be. The auto leveling adjusts up and down from that point.
I don't see why this would cause problems with an inspection or how they would even know you've done anything.

 

Hey... good explanation!

 

That's what I wanted clarified. This fix doesn't lock them in a static adjustment then. It just fixes the broken base adjustment resting spot.

Thank you.

Bob S.

 

ant to further clarify, the screw is now your horizontal aimer. Just screw it in more to raise or out to lower. Turn on your lights at night and pull up about 8-10' from a wall or the garage and set them. I also do this mod to provide support before they break too!!!

 

Hi Eric,

Thanks for the excellent post! I'm having the exact same issue for the 2nd time with my '03 S-Type and I'm not paying $2,500 to have them fixed this go around!

If you happen to have any pics of your work, that would be a Godsend. Please post or e-mail (mine is ed_bowes@yahoo.com).

Thanks for the excellent work.

Cheers!
Ed.
ed_bowes@yahoo.com

 

I performed the quick drill and boly fix for my headlights. Worked great! The dealer wanted $3,200 and I did it for $3.47. Wow!

Many thanks.

Cheers!
Ed.

 

Hi Brutal... Regarding your elegant "Brutal Screw" fix, once the screw locks the headlight assembly rearward, you said it still levels (sweeps up/down) during startup. How is that possible if the mechanism is pinned back? Maybe I just don't understand the mechanics of the motorized system...
Both of my 2003 S-Type headlight motors run, both lights wiggle up/down, then they both droop. The left headlight is aimed a little higher because I was able to adjust the leveler screw a little. Neither headlight aims high enough to see at night.
Thank you for your contributions! You rock!

 

The screw supports another part. Try it and see.

 

go to this Link and you will learn how fix the dropping headlamps

 

I e-mailed the manufacturer years ago and berated their lousy engineering and lack of warranty coverage and, as you probably already expected, got no reply.
Thank you Forum for a great fix !!!!!!
Regards,

 

And this was in 2009. And just want you to know that it is still being read and proving usefull to today on mine in 2021!

 

That's why I always prefer the forums than Facebook groups.