XJ XJ6 / XJ8 / XJR ( X350 & X358 ) 2003 - 2009

Strut conversion auto headlight adjustment?

Old May 21, 2023 | 12:13 PM
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Default Strut conversion auto headlight adjustment?

If you convert from air ride to spring struts, how is the auto leveling headlight affected, since the suspension is no longer adjusted by the air ride? Do you just accept the new fixed stance and manually adjust the headlight aim?
 

Last edited by skywarrior; May 21, 2023 at 12:15 PM. Reason: added final comment
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Old May 22, 2023 | 08:31 AM
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No auto leveling without the air struts, but unless the car is heavily loaded, I don't think it will be an issue. Hasn't been for me...
 
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Old May 22, 2023 | 03:32 PM
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Only early ones have headlight leveling.
so adjust manually to perfect. When heavy load readjust . Make a mark on a wall 2 meters away with the car after headlights are adjusted with the usual weight in the car. Radjust when heavy load stay under neath that mark
 
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Old May 22, 2023 | 05:53 PM
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Does my 2007 XJ8 VDP qualify as an "early" model ? If not, what are my options to manually adjust the headlight aim?
 
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Old May 22, 2023 | 09:36 PM
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Just a though.......You could always inject a suitable PWM signal to replace that which was coming out of the air ride controller to the headlights.

If you can ascertain the amplitude of the PWM (0-5V or 0-12V) and the approximate frequency, then you could simply use something like pictured below to replace that PWM signal.
This unit has no power on or off, so is probably better suited to this application as it remembers the last stored parameters and resumes them upon next power up.

The PWM output amplitude of these types of aftermarket modules is derived by the input voltage to the module. So if the PWM output from the original module is 12V then great...just connect a switched 12 v supply to the aftermarket PWM controller. If it is 0-5V then you run the 12 volt supply through a 5V regulator first into the PWM controller.

You then just need to set the frequency to approximate that from the original air ride unit. Once you set the frequency you won't be altering it again.

Then adjust the PWM ratio (Duty cycle) to set the desired headlight level.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/25397995669...Bk9SR7LT1OSIYg
 
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Old May 23, 2023 | 03:04 AM
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From: Nuremberg
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Originally Posted by skywarrior
Does my 2007 XJ8 VDP qualify as an "early" model ? If not, what are my options to manually adjust the headlight aim?
No, your 2007 qualifies as a late model. Early models were made in 2003 and 2004 (maybe even early 2005), so you would need to adjust the headlights manually. My car is an early one, built in September 2003, so unfortunately I cannot help you with the adjustment options.

Best regards,

Thomas
 
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Old May 23, 2023 | 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by h2o2steam
Just a though.......You could always inject a suitable PWM signal to replace that which was coming out of the air ride controller to the headlights.

If you can ascertain the amplitude of the PWM (0-5V or 0-12V) and the approximate frequency, then you could simply use something like pictured below to replace that PWM signal.
This unit has no power on or off, so is probably better suited to this application as it remembers the last stored parameters and resumes them upon next power up.

The PWM output amplitude of these types of aftermarket modules is derived by the input voltage to the module. So if the PWM output from the original module is 12V then great...just connect a switched 12 v supply to the aftermarket PWM controller. If it is 0-5V then you run the 12 volt supply through a 5V regulator first into the PWM controller.

You then just need to set the frequency to approximate that from the original air ride unit. Once you set the frequency you won't be altering it again.

Then adjust the PWM ratio (Duty cycle) to set the desired headlight level.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/25397995669...Bk9SR7LT1OSIYg
Not for the 2007. There is no auto-leveling within the headlights themselves, as the car was kept level by the air suspension. This module has nothing to talk to on a 2007.
 
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Old May 23, 2023 | 03:42 PM
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Hi Wfooshee,

Thanks for the correction....that feature appears to still be there in my 2006.
 
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Old May 24, 2023 | 07:23 PM
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adhls is only up to mid 04

you remove air you manually level your lights end of story
 
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