Corolla 2002 headlamp adjust

[john curzon]

I have a 2002 corolla that the MOT tester tells me the passenger side headlamp beam is too low.

I'm not so technically competent but thought i would try to adjust it myself, but its just not obvious to me how to do it.

Grateful for any video links or any info to point me in the right direction please.

Many thanks

john Curzon

[oldcodger]

Hi,

There is a simple screw adjuster for aligning the headlights, as on most cars, however its pointless you trying as you have no reference of what level the beam should be set to .

Did the tester fail your mot ?

Its rather strange as normally any garage would simply readjust it for you during the test, our tester does it for free on th odd occassion it was out, though most would say add a fiver onto the cost of the test.

Without the beam checker /setter machine you cannot really align it yourself, though once set correctly you could shine the lights on say a garage wall and mark your correct beam levels on it, for future reference.

Nearly all garages have a beam checker so should be able to check and adjust the beam for you for a small charge.

Also wonder if the reason they did not adjust it  was because the bulb may have been the incorrect type or that it was not installed properly / not seated right, though again begs the question why did the garage not offer to fix it ??

Some garages used the mot to generate work for themselves, what you can do for an unbiased test is use your local council mot test center,  they charge the full mot fee of £54.85 but do give a thorough but fair report,  if it fails, they cannot do any work for you on your car or suggest any garage.

[forkingabout]

Unless there is a fault with the headlamp where it won't adjust - I'm shocked the tester just didn't tweak it while aimed at the beam setter.

[TonyHSD]

Mot tester should adjust the lights while checking and if adjusting not possible to fail the car and ask to be repaired or replace the headlight and return for retest, thi is the normal practice .